Underwater photographers usually evolve a specialty, but the first fork in their road typically involves defining an interest in either photographing natural history — marine life in particular — or concentrating on editorial and commercial work that inevitably involves photographing people underwater. Photos of charismatic marine life help tell the story of a dive destination or might be used for photo décor or stock photography. Compositions that illustrate people interacting with marine life bridge both disciplines and combine each approach’s rewards and challenges.
Freedive photography is an art as the photographer only gets one breath to get the shot. Scuba gear often is bulky and can just get in the way. Learn more about freedive 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.
Underwater photographer Jerry Greenberg has spent decades in the industry and has been a leading innovator. Read more about Jerry Greenberg.
I knew Chuck Davis’ photography long before I met the man, so interviewing him revealed a wealth of fascinating information. One of the most surprising things I learned is that Chuck shot on film all the black-and-white images featured here and processed and printed them in his darkroom.
Most of our experiences in digital photography are somewhere between one end of a spectrum and the other. Underwater photographers often make an either/or distinction when describing how we shoot, ignoring that it is really a continuum.
After reading the Shooter column “Cristina Mittermeier: Commitment to Conservation,” view this additional photo gallery of her work.
Filmmaker Cristian Dimitrius learned how to dive while in the Brazilian army and later became a biologist. Read more about his scuba lifestyle and how he became such an influential filmmaker.
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.
Great white sharks are immediately recognizable — so when you see one, do you know how to take a breathtaking photo? Glean tips on shooting great white sharks.
