Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
Recreational Underwater Photography Course
Capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves. This course will teach you everything from the fundamentals of photography to specialized techniques for obtaining stunning images in the aquatic environment. Learn to master light…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Recreational Underwater Photography Course?
Dive into the fascinating world of Recreational Underwater Photography
Capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves. This course will teach you everything from the fundamentals of photography to specialized techniques for obtaining stunning images in the aquatic environment. Learn to master light, color, and composition in this unique medium.
Key Benefits:
- Equipment and Setup: Learn about essential equipment and how to set it up for the best results.
- Lighting Techniques: Master the use of flashes and spotlights to enhance underwater colors and textures.
- Underwater Composition: Learn how to create balanced and engaging images in the marine environment.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Discover how to enhance your photos with specialized editing software.
- Safety and Ethics: Practice underwater photography safely and responsibly.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the Art: Learn essential underwater photography techniques to capture stunning images.
- Professional Equipment: Discover how to use and maintain specialized equipment for optimal results.
- Diving Safety: Prioritize safety while exploring and documenting the underwater world.
- Editing and Post-Processing: Refine your photographs with editing tools to enhance their beauty.
- Unleash Your Creativity: Develop your artistic vision and create unique underwater compositions.
- Dive into photography and capture the magic of the ocean!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Fundamentals of underwater photography Recreational, basic security and responsible observation of the marine environment
- Recreational underwater photography concept and differences versus land photography, professional photography, scientific photography and technical diving photography
- Underwater environment conditions: loss of colour, low light, suspended particles, pressure, buoyancy and movement of water
- Basic principles of underwater composition: proximity, clean background, scale, direction, visual balance and point of interest
- Personal safety during snorkeling, superficial apnea or recreational diving and priority of buoyancy, breathing and orientation
- Environmental ethics: do not touch wildlife, do not damage funds, do not pursue animals and respect sensitive ecosystems
02
Photographic equipment, housings, accessories and basic lighting for underwater recreational use
- Compact cameras, action cameras, mobile phones, mirrorless cameras and options accessible for recreational photography
- Underwater casings, O-rings, ports, closures, buttons, sealing and basic sealing tests
- Natural lighting, flashlights, external flashes, continuous lights and colour limitations according to depth
- Initial Camera Setup: White Balance, ISO, Focus, Burst, Auto Mode, Aperture Priority and Basic Video
- Protection of equipment against saltwater, sand, shock, condensation, changes in temperature and handling during the dive
03
Capture, light control and composition in shallow water
- Capture with natural light on beaches, shallow reefs, natural pools, rocky shores and quiet snorkeling areas
- Distance control to the subject to improve sharpness, colour, contrast and reduction of visible particles
- Use of angles, backlights, silhouettes, blue backgrounds, surface reflections and filtered light
- Photography of fish, corals, rocks, sand, algae, divers, details and recreational underwater landscapes
- Techniques to prevent images moved by body stability, breath control and adequate shutter speed
04
Buoyancy, approach to fauna and good practices of responsible recreational photography
- Body control and buoyancy for photographing without lifting sediment or damaging the seafloor
- Slow and respectful approach to fish, turtles, invertebrates and other organisms without chasing or invading their space
- Basic reading of animal behaviour to anticipate movement, safe distance and capture time
- Recreational macro photography of small organisms, textures, shells, details and sea life nearby
- Recreational wide angle photography for wide scenes, immersion companions, seabeds and underwater landscapes
05
Applied Recreational Underwater Photography Project
- Project definition: Snorkeling, recreational diving, natural pool, shallow reef, rocky coastline or underwater fauna series
- Equipment planning, safety, water conditions, lighting, visual objectives and environmental criteria
- Capture of photographs applying proximity, composition, light control, stability and respect for the environment
- Selection and editing of a consistent series with basic colour correction and recreational visual narrative
- Preparation of project memory with technical decisions, capture conditions and good environmental practices
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Certified divers who want to capture the beauty of the underwater world and share their experiences.Amateur photographers with an interest in nature who are looking for a new creative challenge in a unique environment.Sea and conservation enthusiasts who want to use photography as a documentation and awareness-raising tool.Travelers and adventurers who want to immortalize their dives and cre
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Mastering the basic techniques of underwater photography
- 02Understanding and applying the principles of natural and artificial underwater lighting
- 03Selecting and maintaining the appropriate underwater photography equipment
- 04Editing and post-processing underwater photographs to enhance their quality and communicate an artistic vision
- 05Understanding the effects of water on light and color to optimize photographic composition
- 06Adapting diving techniques to achieve stability and control when photographing underwater
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Diving/Snorkeling Guide: Group leadership, safety, and knowledge of marine life.
02Freelance Underwater Photographer/Videographer: Content production for magazines, documentaries, and social media.
03Underwater Photography Instructor: Teaching techniques and safety to recreational divers.
04Underwater Drone (ROV) Operator: Inspection, filming, and documentation of submerged structures.
05Underwater Photography Equipment Maintenance Technician: Repair and maintenance of cameras, flashes, and housings.
06Marine Research Project Collaborator: Visual documentation of species, ecosystems, and scientific projects.
07Employee at Dive Centers and Resorts: Offering Photography and video services for clients.
08Content creator for online platforms: Courses, tutorials, and reviews of underwater photography equipment.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
An underwater camera (whether compact, SLR or mirrorless in a watertight housing) with its appropriate lens, a lighting system (external flash or spotlight), and a buoyancy system (BCD jacket and ballast) for proper control of position in the water.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
An underwater camera (whether a submersible compact camera, a DSLR in a housing, or a mirrorless system), a light source (flash or spotlight), and a buoyancy system (jacket or wings).
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Diving Certification:Open Water Diver level recreational diving certification or equivalent from a recognized agency (PADI, SSI, NAUI, etc.).Diving Experience:Minimum number of logged dives (e.g., 20 dives). Recommended experience in different environments and conditions.Photographic Equipment:Underwater camera or waterproof housing for a standard camera, with appropriate lenses and accessories (lights, filters, etc.).Health and Fitness:Medical certificate of fitness for diving, less than one year old.Basic Knowledge:Basic knowledge of photography (aperture,
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.