How to Capture Stunning Underwater Photos in the Maldives

The right photography equipment is crucial, hence start with your camera. Use a waterproof camera or your preferred normal camera with underwater housing to protect it. Be familiar with all the features of your camera from on/off, to shutter adjustments and other features. This can be done by reading the manual or fiddling with it. Gain a sense of confidence in handling the camera.

Before you set off on the photography trip ensure that your camera's white balance settings are right to account for the blue or green tint of underwater environments and the camera is fully charged.

These basics are always observed by experienced photographers covering underwater life at most Maldives dive resorts.

Understanding the underwater environment that you will be shooting in such as visibility, water conditions, temperatures, and the types of marine life you are likely to encounter is a prudent practice of regular divers and photographers. This provides insights into the challenges that can come your way.

Photography at higher depths requires you to be a good swimmer and a certified diver, hence be equipped if that is your intention. Buoyancy Control is another crucial factor underwater to remain stable as you capture images and not have unintentional contact with fragile marine life deep in the ocean.

Several factors must be borne in mind to ensure your underwater captures are outstanding especially when shooting marine life at dive points of resorts such as [Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi].

Natural Light – Natural light creates the best underwater images, hence stay close to the surface of the water as you shoot to get most of the natural light. Try as much as possible to refrain from using a flash or strobe. They can produce unwanted backscatter. (Unwanted reflections from particles found in the water)

Shutter Speed – A fast shutter speed is ideal to freeze the action due to the movement of water and your body movements. A speed of 1/125 to 1/250 or faster is preferable.

Be close and low – Try to be as close as possible to your subject without alarming it as the distance of water reduces the sharpness of the shot. Shooting from a lower using an upward angle creates a more evocative capture.

Using the right lens – When you learn about the environment in which you will be shooting including the types of marine life, the right lens must be used. Wide-angle lenses are for larger expanses whilst macro lenses are for close-ups of intricate details of your subject and plants etc.

Use shooting in RAW – These shoots give you the flexibility to process allowing you to adjust white balance, colours and exposure during the editing process.

It is prudent to observe/cultivate these habits as underwater photographers to be responsible and environment friendly to make sure the fragile underwater ecosystems are not harmed during your photographic assignments.

Practice patience – The perfect moment for capturing a good shot may take time, be patient and observe the movements of marine life by being still, maintaining your buoyancy and not alarming the subject/s.

Respecting Marine Life – Refrain from touching or alarming marine life as this is a part of responsible photography.

Sharing Experiences – Underwater photos and experiences can be shared with like-minded people for awareness of preserving marine life and appreciating its beauty.