Marine Life Photography Course
Why this 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.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 26-07-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- 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 stunning images of marine life and the oceans.
- Photography and marine science students seeking a unique specialization and the opportunity to create meaningful visual projects.
Creative adaptability
Ideal for photographers with diverse schedules: Flexible asynchronous modules, self-managed practical exercises, and personalized feedback from experts.
Objectives and competencies

Mastering underwater lighting techniques:
Understand the absorption and scattering of light in water and use artificial light sources effectively to highlight subjects and create attractive visual environments.

Identify and photograph marine species in their natural habitat:
“To employ safe and responsible diving techniques, minimizing environmental impact and respecting marine life.”

Edit and optimize marine life photographs for publication and distribution:
Ensuring color fidelity, sharpness and composition, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of marine species and ecosystems, adapting the images to different formats and platforms.

Applying marine conservation principles to photographic practice:
“Minimize the impact on marine life and its habitats, respecting safe distances and avoiding disturbing natural behaviors.”

Use photographic equipment specialized in aquatic environments:
“Configure and operate watertight housings, underwater lighting, and remote control systems to capture high-quality images and videos in various aquatic conditions.”

Understanding animal behavior to anticipate unique photographic moments:
“To discern patterns of behavior (feeding, mating, resting) and subtle signals (body language, vocalizations) to predict actions and capture decisive moments.”
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories.
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Dispersion, Refraction, and Color.
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flash, and White Balance.
- Underwater Photographic Composition: Composition Rules Adapted to the Environment.
- Focusing Techniques: Manual and Automatic Focusing in Underwater Conditions.
- Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and Shooting Modes.
- Capturing Marine Life: Techniques for Photographing Fish, Invertebrates, and Macro.
- Considerations Safety: safe diving, respect for the environment, and photographic ethics.
Underwater Image Processing and Editing: software and techniques for improving photos.
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color Implications for Photography.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, housings, flashes, lenses, and accessories.
- Basic Underwater Photography Techniques: Framing, focus, exposure, and composition.
- Artificial Lighting: Using flashes and video lights to enhance colors and details.
- Wide-Angle Photography: Techniques for capturing underwater landscapes and large marine life.
- Underwater Macro Photography: Discovering the hidden details of the underwater world.
- Digital Processing of Underwater Images: Adjusting color, contrast, and sharpness.
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Minimizing the impact on the marine environment.
- Marine Conservation through of the photograph: Documenting the beauty and fragility of the oceans.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Flashes, Lenses
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, Color, and Contrast
- Basic Diving Techniques for Photographers: Buoyancy Control, Breathing, and Safety
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Use of Negative Space
- Artificial Lighting: Use of Flashes and Lights, Angles, Power, and White Balance
- Focusing Techniques: Manual Focus, Autofocus, and Pre-focus
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography: Adapting Equipment and Techniques
- Development and digital editing: workflow, color correction, and sharpening
Marine conservation through photography: documentation, denunciation, and awareness
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: Ethics, Legislation, and Sustainability
- Diving Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Safety
- Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Equalization, and Safety
- Underwater Photography and Videography: Equipment, Lighting, and Composition
- Identifying Marine Species: Fish, Invertebrates, and Algae
- Selective Harvesting Techniques: Fishing Gear, Traps, and Collection
- Handling and Transporting Specimens: Animal Welfare and Conservation
- Marine Conservation: Protected Areas, Environmental Impact, and Best Practices
- First Aid and Emergency Management in Diving
- Ethical and Legal Considerations in Spearfishing and conservation
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - MĂłdulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories.
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Dispersion, Refraction, and Color.
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Natural Light, Flash, and White Balance.
- Underwater Photographic Composition: Composition Rules Adapted to the Environment.
- Focusing Techniques: Manual and Automatic Focusing in Underwater Conditions.
- Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and Shooting Modes.
- Capturing Marine Life: Techniques for Photographing Fish, Invertebrates, and Macro.
- Considerations Safety: safe diving, respect for the environment, and photographic ethics.
Underwater Image Processing and Editing: software and techniques for improving photos.
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Current Trends
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color Implications for Photography.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, housings, flashes, lenses, and accessories.
- Basic Underwater Photography Techniques: Framing, focus, exposure, and composition.
- Artificial Lighting: Using flashes and video lights to enhance colors and details.
- Wide-Angle Photography: Techniques for capturing underwater landscapes and large marine life.
- Underwater Macro Photography: Discovering the hidden details of the underwater world.
- Digital Processing of Underwater Images: Adjusting color, contrast, and sharpness.
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Minimizing the impact on the marine environment.
- Marine Conservation through of the photograph: Documenting the beauty and fragility of the oceans.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Flashes, Lenses
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, Color, and Contrast
- Basic Diving Techniques for Photographers: Buoyancy Control, Breathing, and Safety
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Use of Negative Space
- Artificial Lighting: Use of Flashes and Lights, Angles, Power, and White Balance
- Focusing Techniques: Manual Focus, Autofocus, and Pre-focus
- Macro and Wide-Angle Photography: Adapting Equipment and Techniques
- Development and digital editing: workflow, color correction, and sharpening
Marine conservation through photography: documentation, denunciation, and awareness
‘
- Introduction to Spearfishing: Ethics, Legislation, and Sustainability
- Diving Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Safety
- Freediving Techniques: Breathing, Equalization, and Safety
- Underwater Photography and Videography: Equipment, Lighting, and Composition
- Identifying Marine Species: Fish, Invertebrates, and Algae
- Selective Harvesting Techniques: Fishing Gear, Traps, and Collection
- Handling and Transporting Specimens: Animal Welfare and Conservation
- Marine Conservation: Protected Areas, Environmental Impact, and Best Practices
- First Aid and Emergency Management in Diving
- Ethical and Legal Considerations in Spearfishing and conservation
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Introduction to spearfishing: history, evolution, and applications
- Basic equipment: masks, fins, wetsuits, regulators, tanks
- Physics of diving: pressure, volume, buoyancy, temperature
- Physiology of diving: effects of diving on the human body, risks
- Entry and exit techniques: from shore, boats
- Buoyancy control: weights, buoyancy compensators, trim techniques
- Breathing techniques: air control, diaphragmatic breathing, controlled ascents and descents
- Underwater communication: hand signals, slates, communication systems
- Underwater Navigation: Compasses, Landmarks, Search and Rescue
- Marine Conservation: Impact of Underwater Fishing, Sustainable Practices, Legislation
‘
- Introduction to spearwater capture: history, evolution, and ethics
- Basic equipment: masks, fins, wetsuits, regulators, and tanks
- Physics of diving: pressure, buoyancy, gases, and effects on the human body
- Diving techniques: breathing, equalization, ascent, and descent
- Underwater photography and videography: equipment, lighting, and composition
- Identification of marine species: flora, fauna, and ecosystems
- Legislation and regulations: permits, protected areas, and responsible fishing
- First aid and rescue: CPR, oxygen, and emergency management
- Marine conservation: environmental impact, pollution, and solutions
- Ethics in the Capture: Respect for marine life, non-predation, and disclosure.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Flashes, and Accessories.
- Principles of Photography: Exposure, Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance Underwater.
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Use of Flashes, Natural Light, and Backlighting Techniques.
- Underwater Composition: Rules of Composition, Perspectives, and Framing for Underwater Photography.
- Post-Processing of Underwater Images: Color Editing, Sharpening, and Removing Suspended Particles.
- Marine Conservation and Photographic Ethics: Impact of Photography on the Environment and Responsible Practices.
- Identification of Marine Species: Recognition of Fauna and Flora Marine photography for better photographic documentation.
- Advanced underwater photography techniques: Macro photography, wide-angle photography, shipwreck photography, and wildlife photography.
- Safety in underwater photography: Safe diving, equipment handling, and respect for the marine environment.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, Filters
- Principles of Underwater Photography: Light, Color, Composition, Focus
- Underwater Video Techniques: Stabilization, Panning, Zoom, Narrative
- Diving Safety: Procedures, Signals, Emergencies, and Rescue
- Physiology of Diving: Effects of Pressure, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and CO2
- Dive Planning: Depth, Time, Decompression, Risks
- Ethics and Conservation: Environmental Impact, Respect for Marine Life, Laws
- Post-Production: Photo and Video Editing, Software, Formats, Distribution
- Legal and Commercial: Copyright, licenses, monetization
‘
Career opportunities
- Freelance Marine Life Photographer: Content production for magazines, documentaries, NGOs, and online platforms.
- Scientific/Research Photographer: Documentation of marine species, behaviors, and ecosystems for scientific studies.
- Underwater Photography Guide/Instructor: Teaching and leading underwater photography tours and workshops.
- Communication/Marketing Specialist for Companies in the Marine Sector: Creation of images for advertising campaigns and social media content.
- Conservationist/Visual Activist: Using photography to raise awareness about ocean protection and biodiversity.
- Image and Sound Technician for Marine Documentaries: Support in the recording and editing of marine life documentaries.
- Photo Editor specializing in marine life
- Marine Nature Image Bank Manager: Cataloging, selling, and distributing photographs of marine life.
“`
Admission requirements

Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.

Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.

5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.

Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates

1. Online
application
(form + documents).

2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).

3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).

4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.

5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- 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.
Testimonials
During my marine photography training, I exceeded my expectations by capturing stunning images of a humpback whale and her calf interacting underwater. I applied the techniques I had learned regarding shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to freeze the movement and beauty of the moment in low-light conditions—a photograph that is now part of a scientific publication on the behavior of these cetaceans.
Mastering underwater photography and video techniques in this course allowed me to capture the vibrant beauty of the coral reef like never before. My images now convey the magic of the underwater world with stunning clarity and composition, even managing to be published in a nature magazine.
I managed to capture the bioluminescence of plankton in a remote bay, an image that not only fills me with pride for its beauty, but will also be used by a local NGO to promote the conservation of the area.
I managed to capture stunning images of a pygmy seahorse camouflaged within a gorgonian coral, demonstrating my mastery of buoyancy, composition, and the patience required for underwater macro photography. These photos were later published in a well-known diving magazine.
Frequently asked questions
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 University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lighting, Filters
- Principles of Underwater Photography: Light, Color, Composition, Focus
- Underwater Video Techniques: Stabilization, Panning, Zoom, Narrative
- Diving Safety: Procedures, Signals, Emergencies, and Rescue
- Physiology of Diving: Effects of Pressure, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and CO2
- Dive Planning: Depth, Time, Decompression, Risks
- Ethics and Conservation: Environmental Impact, Respect for Marine Life, Laws
- Post-Production: Photo and Video Editing, Software, Formats, Distribution
- Legal and Commercial: Copyright, licenses, monetization
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. SofĂa Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor