Tangling with Kelp

Kelp forests provide shelter to some remarkable creatures, but before diving in the kelp, you need to know what you’re up against. Learn more about kelp diving and don’t get tangled up in the facts.

Diver looks at a crab crawling up kelp

Shooter: Pete Zuccarini

Pete Zuccarini is the underwater cinematographer behind movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Life of Pi,” “Dolphin Tale” and more. Read more about Zuccarini’s story and career.

Underwater cinematographer chases a dolphin to get the right footage

Cave Photography

Cave photography is equally exhilarating and challenging — try photographing something when light is sparse. Read more about cave photography and get the best tips.

Two cave divers swim through a tight and craggy crevice

Shooter: Paul Nicklen

Photographer Paul Nicklen takes extreme photos in extreme conditions. His love of wildlife started at an early age and he knew he wanted a career as a photojournalist in the Arctic wildlife.

Pod of narwhals poke their heads through ice looking for food

Pro Tips for Shooting in Cold Water

Don’t let colder water temperatures freeze you up — you can take stellar photos regardless of the conditions. Read our best tips on capturing images in cold water.

Little brown fish on top of red sponges

Shooter: David Doubilet

Underwater photographer David Doubilet was inspired by the ocean at an early age. Now, he’s known for his experimental underwater shots. Learn more about Doubilet’s career and creative process.

A tiny green frog stuck to the dive mask of a diver. Just his eyes are seen above the water

Wide-Angle Lighting Techniques

Wide-angle photography captures good color and resolution when underwater. But the optimal use of a wide-angle lens is dependent on placement. Read more about wide-angle underwater photography.

Several humpback whales swarm near each other

Give Your Images the Competitive Edge

Photo competitions can be great tools to assess your photography skills. Read more about how to find and enter into photo competitions.

Morose lionfish stares at camera

Shooter: Ernest H. Brooks II

Underwater photographer Ernest H. Brooks II is a master in black-and-white photography. Read more about Brooks’ photography career and inspiration.

Black-and-white image of a harbor seal in kelp

Full-Color Grayscale

Generating a brilliant black-and-white photo is not as simple as just removing the color. Follow these step-by-step instructions to turn your full-color image into a stunning black-and-white masterpiece.

Black-and-white image of three humpback whales