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
Marine Life Photography Course
Learn to capture the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems, from vibrant coral reefs to the majestic creatures that inhabit them. This course will give you the skills and techniques needed to create impactful and meaningful…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Marine Life Photography Course?
Immerse yourself in the fascinating underwater world with our Marine Life Photography course.
Learn to capture the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems, from vibrant coral reefs to the majestic creatures that inhabit them. This course will give you the skills and techniques needed to create impactful and meaningful images, using both specialized equipment and knowledge of animal behavior. Master underwater lighting, composition in challenging environments, and post-processing techniques to reveal the full splendor of the ocean.
Learn to capture the beauty and fragility of ocean ecosystems, from vibrant coral reefs to the majestic creatures that inhabit them.
What will you learn?
- Technical Mastery: Camera setup, lenses, and underwater housings.
- Creative Composition: Composition rules adapted to the marine environment.
- Ethics and Conservation: Responsible practices for protecting marine life.
- Professional Workflow: Editing and retouching underwater images.
- Visual Storytelling: Telling stories through underwater photography.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
10-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the Techniques: Learn to capture the beauty of the ocean with the right light and composition.
- Essential Equipment: Discover the ideal photographic equipment for each marine environment and how to use it effectively.
- Animal Behavior: Learn the secrets to approaching marine life without disturbing it, achieving unique shots.
- Professional Editing: Perfect your images with specialized software and retouching techniques for a stunning finish.
- Ethics and Conservation: Photograph responsibly and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems through your images.
- Sign up and transform your passion into breathtaking photographs of marine life!
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Basics of marine life photography
- Marine biodiversity as a photographic theme
- Ethics and respect for wildlife
- Water safety
- REFERENCES
- Conservation through the image
02
Photographic equipment
- Cameras and Housings
- Macro and Wide Angle Objectives
- Flashes
- Accessories
- Maintenance
03
Animal behaviour and approach
- Know the species
- Approach techniques
- Buoyancy control
- Patience and Observation
- Safety Distance
04
Photographic techniques
- Underwater Exposure
- COMPOSITION
- Macro photography
- Photography of large animals
- Surface photography
05
Edition and Project
- Raw Revealed
- Colour Correction
- Selection and catalogueing
- Dissemination and contests
- Final Project: Marine Life Portfolio
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
Nature and photography lovers who want to capture the beauty of the underwater world and marine wildlife.Marine biologists and conservationists who want to document marine fauna and flora for research and outreach purposes.Divers and snorkelers who want to improve their underwater photography skills and share their experiences.Professional photographers looking to expand their portfolio with
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 underwater lighting techniques
- 02Identify and photograph marine species in their natural habitat
- 03Edit and optimize marine life photographs for publication and distribution
- 04Applying marine conservation principles to photographic practice
- 05Use photographic equipment specialized in aquatic environments
- 06Understanding animal behavior to anticipate unique photographic moments
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Freelance Marine Life Photographer: Content production for magazines, documentaries, NGOs, and online platforms.
02Scientific/Research Photographer: Documentation of marine species, behaviors, and ecosystems for scientific studies.
03Underwater Photography Guide/Instructor: Teaching and leading underwater photography tours and workshops.
04Communication/Marketing Specialist for Companies in the Marine Sector: Creation of images for advertising campaigns and social media content.
05Conservationist/Visual Activist: Using photography to raise awareness about ocean protection and biodiversity.
06Image and Sound Technician for Marine Documentaries: Support in the recording and editing of marine life documentaries.
07Photo Editor specializing in marine life Marine Nature Image Bank Manager: Cataloging, selling, and distributing photographs of marine life.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Marine life
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.
Marine environment.
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
Prior Knowledge:Basic knowledge of photography (camera operation, exposure, composition).Interest in and/or basic knowledge of marine biology and aquatic ecosystems.Photographic Equipment:Camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced compact) with manual adjustment capabilities.Lenses suitable for underwater or aquatic photography (wide-angle, macro, telephoto).Waterproof housing or protective gear for underwater photography (if applicable).Additional Skills (Recommended):Diving certification (if underwater photography is planned).Basic knowledge of photo editing (Light
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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