Underwater Photography Techniques Course
Why this course?
Discover the secrets of the underwater world with our Underwater Photography Techniques course.
Learn to capture the hidden beauty beneath the waves and transform your dives into works of art. Master the essential techniques to overcome the challenges of light and color in the underwater environment. This course is perfect for both beginners and experienced photographers who wish to refine their skills.
What will you learn?
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Types, use, and maintenance.
- Lighting Techniques: Using flashes and strobes to highlight colors and textures.
- Underwater Composition: Composition rules applied to the underwater environment to create striking images.
- Camera Settings: Mastering aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve the perfect exposure.
- Image Processing: Basic editing to improve the color, sharpness, and contrast of your underwater photos.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 25-04-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Recreational and technical divers looking to capture the beauty of the underwater world with professional quality.
- Amateur and professional photographers wanting to expand their portfolio and skills into the aquatic environment.
- Marine biologists and conservationists needing to document marine life for research and outreach.
- Social media and audiovisual content creators interested in generating striking images and visual narratives of the ocean.
- Diving instructors wanting to add value to their courses and attract new students.
Flexibility and hands-on learning
Fits your schedule: online sessions and practical training in real-world environments, downloadable material and personalized advice.
Objectives and competencies
Mastering artificial lighting techniques:
“Select, position, and adjust light sources to create the desired ambiance and highlight specific details, considering color temperature, intensity, and direction.”
Understanding and applying the principles of underwater composition:
“Mastering the use of light, color, and form to create compelling and effective underwater images, considering the limitations of the environment and equipment.”
Effectively manage underwater photography equipment:
“Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot basic problems, and ensure proper configuration for each dive.”
To produce sharp, well-focused underwater images:
Mastering artificial lighting techniques, white balance adjustment, and refraction compensation to optimize the clarity and sharpness of underwater images.
Adapting photographic techniques to the conditions of the underwater environment:
“Adjust exposure, white balance, and focus according to depth, turbidity, and ambient light, using artificial lighting equipment when necessary.”
Edit underwater photographs to optimize their quality and presentation:
Adjust white balance, eliminate backscatter, and enhance colors to reveal the hidden beauty of the marine environment.
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 Advanced Underwater Photography: Challenges and Opportunities.
- Advanced Photographic Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Optimization.
- Advanced Artificial Lighting: Techniques with Flashes and Video Lights.
- Underwater Composition: Rules of Composition and Their Application in the Aquatic Environment.
- Advanced Focusing Techniques: Macro, Wide Angle, and Selective Focus.
- Digital Workflow: Editing and Post-Processing of Underwater Photographs.
- Underwater Night Photography: Equipment, Techniques, and Safety.
- Marine Wildlife Photography: Ethics, Respect, and Approach Techniques.
- Wreck and Cave Photography: Planning, Safety, and Techniques.
- Presentation and Marketing of underwater photographs: Portfolio, social media, and contests.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Basic Equipment.
- Principles of Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Patterns.
- Natural Lighting in the Underwater Environment: Absorption, Scattering, and Color.
- Using Flashes and Underwater Lights: Types, Power, Angles, and Lighting Techniques.
- Underwater Macro Photography: Focus, Depth of Field, and Creative Lighting Techniques.
- Underwater Wide-Angle Photography: Perspectives, Models, and Using the Sun as a Light Source.
- White Balance and Color Correction in Underwater Photography.
- Introduction to Digital Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and Alternatives.
- Underwater Photography Editing Workflow: Basic Adjustments, Color Correction, and Particle Removal.
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Respect for the Environment and Sustainable Practices.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Trends
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting, and Accessories
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Dispersion, and Refraction
- Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance
- Photographic Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Depth
- Artificial Lighting: Flashes, Lights, Types of Light, and Techniques for Use
- Focusing Techniques: Manual Focus, Autofocus, and Prefocus
- Macro Photography: Specific Equipment, Close-Up Techniques, and Focusing
- Large-Scale Photography Angle: Underwater landscapes, marine life, and models
Ethics and conservation: Respect for the environment and best practices
‘
- Introduction to Advanced Underwater Photography: Ethics, Conservation, and Safety
- Specialized Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Housings, and Artificial Lighting
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Using Flashes, Strobes, Snoots, and Video Lights
- Advanced Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and the Use of Color and Texture
- Underwater Macro Photography: Techniques for Capturing Small Subjects in Great Detail
- Underwater Wide-Angle Photography: Techniques for Underwater Landscapes and Marine Life
- Underwater Model Photography: Direction, Posing, and Communication in Aquatic Environments
- Digital Workflow: Organizing, Selecting, and Backing Up Files
- Advanced digital editing in Lightroom/Photoshop: adjustments, color correction, retouching, and blemish removal.
- Publishing and promoting underwater photography: social media, contests, and galleries.
‘
- 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 - Módulos
- 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 Advanced Underwater Photography: Challenges and Opportunities.
- Advanced Photographic Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Optimization.
- Advanced Artificial Lighting: Techniques with Flashes and Video Lights.
- Underwater Composition: Rules of Composition and Their Application in the Aquatic Environment.
- Advanced Focusing Techniques: Macro, Wide Angle, and Selective Focus.
- Digital Workflow: Editing and Post-Processing of Underwater Photographs.
- Underwater Night Photography: Equipment, Techniques, and Safety.
- Marine Wildlife Photography: Ethics, Respect, and Approach Techniques.
- Wreck and Cave Photography: Planning, Safety, and Techniques.
- Presentation and Marketing of underwater photographs: Portfolio, social media, and contests.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Basic Equipment.
- Principles of Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Patterns.
- Natural Lighting in the Underwater Environment: Absorption, Scattering, and Color.
- Using Flashes and Underwater Lights: Types, Power, Angles, and Lighting Techniques.
- Underwater Macro Photography: Focus, Depth of Field, and Creative Lighting Techniques.
- Underwater Wide-Angle Photography: Perspectives, Models, and Using the Sun as a Light Source.
- White Balance and Color Correction in Underwater Photography.
- Introduction to Digital Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and Alternatives.
- Underwater Photography Editing Workflow: Basic Adjustments, Color Correction, and Particle Removal.
- Ethics in Underwater Photography: Respect for the Environment and Sustainable Practices.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Trends
- Basic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, Lighting, and Accessories
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Dispersion, and Refraction
- Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and White Balance
- Photographic Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, Symmetry, and Depth
- Artificial Lighting: Flashes, Lights, Types of Light, and Techniques for Use
- Focusing Techniques: Manual Focus, Autofocus, and Prefocus
- Macro Photography: Specific Equipment, Close-Up Techniques, and Focusing
- Large-Scale Photography Angle: Underwater landscapes, marine life, and models
Ethics and conservation: Respect for the environment and best practices
‘
- Introduction to Advanced Underwater Photography: Ethics, Conservation, and Safety
- Specialized Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Lenses, Housings, and Artificial Lighting
- Underwater Lighting Techniques: Using Flashes, Strobes, Snoots, and Video Lights
- Advanced Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and the Use of Color and Texture
- Underwater Macro Photography: Techniques for Capturing Small Subjects in Great Detail
- Underwater Wide-Angle Photography: Techniques for Underwater Landscapes and Marine Life
- Underwater Model Photography: Direction, Posing, and Communication in Aquatic Environments
- Digital Workflow: Organizing, Selecting, and Backing Up Files
- Advanced digital editing in Lightroom/Photoshop: adjustments, color correction, retouching, and blemish removal.
- Publishing and promoting underwater photography: social media, contests, and galleries.
‘
- 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 Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Physics of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Underwater Photographic Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Underwater Lighting: Use of External Flashes, Snoots, and Diffusers
- Underwater Composition Techniques: Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and Point of Interest
- Marine Wildlife Photography: Approach, Animal Behavior, and Ethical Considerations
- Underwater Landscape Photography: Reefs, Caves, and Shipwrecks
- Digital Processing Techniques for Underwater Photography: Color Correction, Sharpness and particle removal.
- Professional workflow: organizing, editing, and delivering images.
- Ethics and conservation in underwater photography.
‘
- Introduction to spearfishing: history, evolution, and applications.
- Basic equipment for spearfishing: cameras, lights, housings, etc.
- Underwater lighting techniques: types of lights, angles, and white balance.
- Underwater photography: composition, focus, exposure, and color balance.
- Underwater videography: recording, editing, stabilization, and narration.
- Safety in spearfishing: planning, safe diving, and first aid.
- Ethical and legal considerations: permits, licenses, and respect for the environment.
- Marine conservation: impact of spearfishing and sustainable practices.
- Image processing: editing, Retouching, cataloging, and archiving.
Presentation and dissemination: exhibitions, publications, social media, and conservation projects.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Photography: History, Evolution, and Ethics
- Underwater Photography Equipment: Cameras, Housings, Lenses, and Flashes
- Principles of Light Underwater: Absorption, Scattering, and Color
- Artificial Lighting Techniques: Flash Positioning, Diffusers, and Snoots
- Underwater Composition: Rule of Thirds, Guidelines, and Symmetry
- Focus and Depth of Field in Underwater Photography
- White Balance and Color Correction in the Camera
- Wide-Angle Photography: Reefs, Shipwrecks, and Marine Life
- Macro Photography: Nudibranchs, Small Fish, and details.
- Safety of the photographer diver: situational awareness and respect for the environment.
‘
- Introduction to Underwater Capture: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Physics of Diving: Pressure, Buoyancy, Gases, and Physiological Effects
- Diving Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Operation (SCUBA, Rebreathers)
- Diving Techniques: Entry, Descent, Equalization, and Underwater Navigation
- Underwater Photography and Videography: Basic Principles, Equipment, and Techniques
- Underwater Lighting: Types of Lights, Lighting Techniques, and Effects
- Underwater Handling Techniques: Tools, Safety, and Procedures
- Dive Planning: Risk Assessment, Dive Profiles, and Contingencies
- Underwater Communications: Signals and Systems Communication and protocols
- Marine ethics and conservation: respect for the environment and sustainable practices
‘
Career opportunities
- Professional Underwater Photographer: Documentation of marine life, reports for specialized magazines and news agencies.
- Underwater Videographer: Production of documentaries, promotional videos, and content for online platforms.
- Diving Guide with Photography: Accompanying and advising amateur underwater photographers.
- Underwater Photography Instructor: Teaching techniques and equipment handling to divers of all levels.
- Scientist/Researcher: Visual documentation of marine ecosystems for scientific studies and conservation.
- Underwater Archaeologist: Photographic recording of submerged archaeological remains.
- Visual Effects (VFX) Specialist: Creation of realistic underwater images for film, television, and video games.
- Visual Content Manager for Aquariums and Interpretation Centers: Production of photographic and videographic material for exhibitions and educational programs.
“`
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 Art: Learn the essential techniques for capturing stunning underwater images.
- Equipment and Setup: Get to know underwater photography equipment inside and out and how to configure it for every situation.
- Natural and Artificial Lighting: Discover how to take advantage of natural light and use flashes and spotlights to achieve professional results.
- Underwater Composition: Enhance your photos with composition techniques specifically designed for the aquatic environment.
- Post-processing: Learn how to edit your underwater photos to highlight their beauty and correct imperfections.
Testimonials
Mastering underwater photography techniques in this course allowed me to capture the vibrant beauty of a coral reef on my last trip. Adjusting buoyancy, white balance, and composition underwater is now intuitive, resulting in crisp, colorful images that I previously thought impossible.
Mastering underwater photography and video techniques in this course exceeded my expectations. I learned how to manage buoyancy, lighting, and composition in underwater environments, enabling me to capture stunning images of marine life. Now I can document the beauty of the ocean with confidence and professionalism.
Mastering underwater photography techniques in this course allowed me to capture the vibrant beauty of a coral reef with stunning clarity and composition. My photos now convey the true magic of the underwater world, something that was previously impossible for me.
Mastering underwater photography techniques in this course allowed me to capture the vibrant beauty of the coral reef like never before. I learned to control buoyancy, lighting, and composition to obtain striking and sharp images, even in challenging conditions. Now, my photographs convey the magic of the underwater world with exceptional clarity and beauty.
Frequently asked questions
An underwater camera (or waterproof housing), a light source (flash or spotlight) and, depending on the depth and type of photography, fins, mask and snorkel or diving equipment.
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 housing, a camera, an external flash and, optionally, specific lenses for underwater photography.
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 Capture: History, Evolution, and Applications
- Physics of Diving: Pressure, Buoyancy, Gases, and Physiological Effects
- Diving Equipment: Selection, Maintenance, and Operation (SCUBA, Rebreathers)
- Diving Techniques: Entry, Descent, Equalization, and Underwater Navigation
- Underwater Photography and Videography: Basic Principles, Equipment, and Techniques
- Underwater Lighting: Types of Lights, Lighting Techniques, and Effects
- Underwater Handling Techniques: Tools, Safety, and Procedures
- Dive Planning: Risk Assessment, Dive Profiles, and Contingencies
- Underwater Communications: Signals and Systems Communication and protocols
- Marine ethics and conservation: respect for the environment and sustainable practices
‘
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
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.