Underwater Photography
Photographers in this field
Elena Kalis
Russian born photographer working out of the bahamas
Focuses on fashion photography
Shoots her models in pools and oceans
Nick Blake
From the UK
Diverse style of underwater photography
Macro
Shipwrecks
Landscape
Plays with lighting
Grant Thomas
British underwater photographer of the year 2018
Specializes in taking up close images of marine life
Salary
Currently in Canada and the US the average salary of an underwater photographer is $35 000 per year. However pay varies based on several factors.
The deeper the dive of the scene being photographed, the higher the pay will be due to the skill it requires to do so.
About the career
The process of taking photographs of various subjects underwater, from surface,using scuba equipment, or using an underwater vehicle of some kind(submarine)
Work hours
Most underwater photographers are freelance artist who’s hours are unpredictable due to availability of jobs.
It is essential for successful underwater photography to have a good source of natural light so picture quality
The best time frame for photo taking in this field is between 11:00-2:00
Clients
Marine life magazines
Television production companies involved in underwater salvaging
Fashion companies
individuals/families( vacation pictures/baby’s first swim)
Education Requirements
SCUBA( Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving training. Which must be taught by a licensed SCUBA instructor. A basic diving course can range from 3 to 4 days where as a more complex course can take several months to complete.
Minimum of a year's experience in regular photography.
SCUBA institutions
Courses in diving are usually taken through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors(PADI) originally based in the United Stated is the most recognized diving certification program in the world
National Association of underwater instructors(NAUI) 2nd largest SCUBA certification agency after PADI
British Sub Aqua Club(BSAC) founded in 153 in the United Kingdom. It has over 400 schools internationally, making it the largest dive club in the world.
equipment
Either a compact camera or a DSLR camera
An underwater housing unit , and ports to protect your camera and lens from water damage
Port and housing caps
Lenses invest in a collection of good lenses including macro lenses, fisheye lenses( for a curved image effect, and wide angle lenses
Underwater strobes(underwater flash)
Sync cords/ fibre optics cord to fire up strobes
focUs lights
Lens cleaning kit
Memory cards
Scuba gear
Purpose
Underwater photography is used for both recreational and scientific purposes.
Some people just love marine life and use this form of photography to capture the wonders of the sea, or they may choose to work in the fashion industry and take underwater shots of models.
Scientists use underwater photography to examine objects on the ocean floor, as well as to help in identifying different species without removing them from their habitats.