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 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…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts4 January
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Underwater Photography Techniques 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.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
11-12-2026
Programme highlights
- 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.
- Immerse yourself in the world of underwater photography and create breathtaking images.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Introduction to Underwater Photography and Essential Equipment
- Basics of Underwater Photography: Challenges and Characteristics of the Underwater Environment
- Underwater photography equipment: cameras, lenses, waterproof boxes and basic accessories
- Camera Choice: Compact vs DSLR cameras and mirrorless cameras
- Types of lenses and their use: Wide angle, macro and fisheye in underwater photography
- Underwater lighting: use of flashes, LED lights and strobe lights
02
Technical principles of underwater photography
- Exposure control: Aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity in low-light environments
- White Balance: Colour Adjustment to Correct Blue/Green and Compensation Techniques
- Depth of field and focus: how to control focus on water and maximise clarity
- Lighting techniques: use of main and fill lights to improve visibility and contrast
- Control of natural light: photography in conditions of high or low light and in different depths
03
Macro photography and underwater portraits
- Macro photography techniques: necessary equipment, focus and composition for small subjects
- Control of working distance: handling of macro lenses and approach techniques without losing quality
- Lighting in macro photography: how to properly illuminate small subjects without oversaturation
- Underwater portraits of fauna: approaches and techniques to capture marine animals, from fish to mammals
- Capture of behaviours and details: how to capture interactions, movement and natural behaviours
04
Photography in special conditions: cloudy water, low visibility and night photography
- Photography in murky waters: techniques for dealing with low visibility and dispersion of light
- Use of filters in underwater photography: red, yellow and other filters to improve contrast in murky waters
- Underwater night photography: camera preparation, long exposures and use of artificial lights
- Artificial light capture techniques in dark environments: use of flashes to illuminate subjects at great depth
- Photographing in extreme conditions: high pressure, low temperature and how to protect the equipment and the photographer
05
Ethical considerations, planning and preparation for underwater photography
- Ethics in underwater photography: respect for marine fauna, non-alteration of habitats and good practices
- Physical and mental preparation for underwater photography: training in apnea, safety and stress management
- PHOTO SESSION PLANNING: Choice of place, water conditions, time of day and subject to photographing
- Underwater photography security: safety of the equipment, subjects and photographer in marine environments
- Photography in protected environments: regulations on marine fauna, marine reserves and protected areas
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
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
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 artificial lighting techniques
- 02Understanding and applying the principles of underwater composition
- 03Effectively manage underwater photography equipment
- 04To produce sharp, well-focused underwater images
- 05Adapting photographic techniques to the conditions of the underwater environment
- 06Edit underwater photographs to optimize their quality and presentation
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Professional Underwater Photographer: Documentation of marine life, reports for specialized magazines and news agencies.
02Underwater Videographer: Production of documentaries, promotional videos, and content for online platforms.
03Diving Guide with Photography: Accompanying and advising amateur underwater photographers.
04Underwater Photography Instructor: Teaching techniques and equipment handling to divers of all levels.
05Scientist/Researcher: Visual documentation of marine ecosystems for scientific studies and conservation.
06Underwater Archaeologist: Photographic recording of submerged archaeological remains.
07Visual Effects (VFX) Specialist: Creation of realistic underwater images for film, television, and video games.
08Visual Content Manager for Aquariums and Interpretation Centers: Production of photographic and videographic material for exhibitions and educational programs.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
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 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 Certifications:Recognized Open Water Diver Certification; Advanced Open Water Diver certification preferred.Diving experience:Minimum number of logged dives (e.g., 20-25) in various underwater environments. Photography equipment: Underwater camera (compact, DSLR, mirrorless) with waterproof housing and accessories (lights, lenses). Technical knowledge: Familiarity with basic photography principles (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). Health and physical condition: Medical certificate of fitness for diving, good health Physical fitness and absence of contraindications.Diving Insura
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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