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
Underwater Image Editing Course
This course will immerse you in the fascinating world of underwater photo and video post-production. Learn to transform your marine captures into works of art, correcting colors, removing particles, and highlighting the hidden…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Underwater Image Editing Course?
This course will immerse you in the fascinating world of underwater photo and video post-production. Learn to transform your marine captures into works of art, correcting colors, removing particles, and highlighting the hidden beauty of the depths. This program provides you with the essential tools and techniques to optimize your images and videos, whether for sharing on social media, submitting to competitions, or simply reliving your underwater adventures in the highest quality.
Differentiating Advantages
- Complete Workflow: From importing and organizing to final export for different platforms.
- Advanced Color Correction: Master techniques to recover vibrant colors lost underwater.
- Backscatter Removal: Learn to clean your images of particles and visual noise.
- Non-Destructive Editing: Experiment and enhance your images without compromising the original quality.
- Professional Software: Work with industry-leading tools like Adobe Lightroom and DaVinci Resolve.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
09-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master Lightroom and Photoshop: Learn to correct color, remove particles, and enhance details in your underwater photos.
- Professional Workflow: From import to final export, optimize your editing process for stunning results.
- Advanced Techniques: Discover how to use masks, layers, and selection tools for precise control of your images.
- RAW Development: Unlock the full potential of your RAW files for vibrant colors and exceptional sharpness.
- Create Your Own Style: Customize presets and actions to develop a unique visual identity for your underwater photography.
- Unleash your creativity and transform your underwater captures into works of art.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Underwater Imaging Fundamentals and Colour Flow: Physics of Light, Dominant and Base Correction
- Underwater Light Physics Applied to Edition: Spectral Absorption, Dispersion, Backscatter and Depth Contrast Loss
- Dominant Diagnostics and Exposure: Histogram Reading, Clipping, White Balance and Retrieval of Useful Information on RAW
- Underwater Primary Correction: Green/Blue Neutralization, Red Recovery, Global Contrast and Brightness Control by Zone
- Sharpness and micro-contrast management: artifacts, halos, selective focus and limits on cloudy water
- Submarine noise reduction: ISO, chrominance, luminance, texture preservation and control of “plastic look”
02
Submarine RAW development and non-destructive edition: global adjustments with technical consistency
- Profile and camera settings: colour profiles, calibration, lens correction and aberration management in housings
- Advanced Exposure: Shadows/Highlights, Tonal Curve, Channel Recovery, and Non-Black Contrast Control
- Advanced White Balance: Temperature/Tint per scene, neutral reference, depth correction and flash compensation
- Practical colourimetry: HSL, channel mix, colour luminance and saturation control to avoid unreal tones
- Clarity, dehaze and texture: when to use, how to limit, impact on suspended particles, and natural preservation
03
Selective editing, masks and local correction: subject, background and particles with precision
- Subject–background separation: luminance/colour masks, edge refining and halo control in fauna and corals
- Localized Colour Correction: Foreground Red Recovery, Background Neutralization, and Plane Harmonization
- Control of backscatter and artifacts: selective cleaning, repetitive patterns, intervention criteria and time savings
- Dodge & Burn Underwater: volume modelling, shape reading, light direction and viewer's gaze reinforcement
- Selective sharpness and focus by intention: eyes, critical textures, progressive fall and organic noise preservation
04
Retouching, restoration and composition: technical corrections without losing underwater realism
- Advanced cleaning and restoration: stains, dense suspensions, bands, microbubbles and gradient correction
- Perspective correction and distortion: Wide angle underwater, lines, scale, shell deformations and proportional correction
- Underwater portrait and skin control: tones, dominant, textures, naturalness and coherence with artificial lighting
- Narrative-oriented composition and trim: Rule of thirds, diagonals, negative space and direction of reading in sea scenes
- Integration of multiple exposures when you apply: colour consistency, alignment, edges and prevention of artificial “look”
05
Professional workflow, archive and final project: efficiency, material safety and portfolio
- Intake and Organisation: Folder Structure, Backups 3-2-1, Version Control and Dip Traceability
- Catalogs and performance management: proxies, caches, hardware optimisation and high-volume practices
- Management of rights and permissions: use of image, sensitive locations, geotags and responsible publication
- Automation and productivity: smart presets, actions, lots, templates and standard times by shot type
- Underwater portfolio construction: narrative coherence, selection, technical statement and professional presentation
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
Amateur and professional underwater photographers looking to master post-processing techniques to enhance the beauty of the underwater world.Marine biologists and scientists who need to optimize their images for research and outreach, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic appeal.Underwater videographers and documentary filmmakers interested in improving the visual quality of their projects, creating
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
- 01Optimize workflow
- 02Mastering advanced retouching techniques
- 03Correct chromatic and color distortions
- 04Enhance clarity and detail in underwater images
- 05Develop a personal and distinctive style in editing
- 06Adapting underwater images for various media
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Professional Underwater Photographer: Creating visual content for media, advertising, and documentary projects.
02Professional Underwater Videographer: Producing videos for documentaries, tourism, research, and entertainment.
03Underwater Video Editor: Post-production of audiovisual material captured underwater, improving quality and narrative.
04Digital Marketing Specialist (Underwater Content): Creating and managing visual content for social media, websites, and marketing campaigns focused on the underwater world.
05Scientist/Researcher: Processing and analyzing underwater images for biological, archaeological, or geological studies.
06Underwater Archaeologist: Visually documenting submerged archaeological sites, creating 3D models and detailed records.
07Diving Guide/Instructor: Offering Photography and video services for clients during dives, capturing their experiences.
08Consultant/Advisor: Provide technical knowledge about equipment, filming techniques, and underwater image editing.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Correcting color and contrast problems caused by the absorption and scattering of light in 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.
Increase the saturation of reds and yellows, reduce the blue/green cast, and adjust the white balance or color temperature towards warmer tones.
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
Academic/Professional Profile:Basic knowledge of photography and digital editing; or demonstrable experience in underwater photography.Technical Competence:Basic proficiency in image editing software (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.); or willingness to learn.Recommended Equipment:Underwater camera, waterproof housing (if applicable), computer with editing software installed.Additional Considerations:Diving certification (if planning to take underwater photos/videos).```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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