The newest technology has allowed divers to go to greater depths and enjoy taking photos of the incredible sights they encounter while diving. For those who love to dive and who find themselves completely captivated by the process of capturing unforgettable images below the surface, a career as an underwater photographer could be ideal. Let’s take a quick look at what it takes to transform a fun hobby into a lucrative job.
Learning Underwater Photography Skills
In order to become a professional photographer, be it on land or beneath the surface, you’ve first got to become skilled with a variety of equipment and photography techniques. The amazing images we all admire online, in printed publications, and on quality productions by companies such as the Discovery Channel and National Geographic take not only imagination to create, they also require serious technical knowledge. Practicing on your own and taking underwater photography classes can provide you with the foundation you need to get started.
Another excellent way to learn about underwater photography is to study the images you find most compelling. Learn which equipment was used, and if you can, find a way to interact with the professionals who captured the photos you admire. Many of them offer seminars and one-on-one training – an excellent investment in your future.
You can never get too much training – the more you learn, the better your chances of either augmenting your income with photo sales or making your way into a full time career with a publication or media company. Keep track of the courses you take and be sure to update your portfolio and resume regularly – you’ll want to present potential buyers with your best examples.
Acquiring Photography Equipment
As you probably know, the underwater environment is shaded blue and green until you light it up to reveal the rainbow of colors that is often present. Professional underwater photography equipment can be a real investment, but it is possible to get good prices, particularly if you are willing to start out with second hand equipment. Your camera itself, along with an underwater housing specially designed to protect it from moisture and pressure, can represent a significant amount of money, as can editing software and accessories. Taking time to research and planning each purchase carefully can help you prevent costly mistakes.
Even if still photography is your passion, consider purchasing underwater video equipment and learning how to make the most of it. There are better opportunities in film and television than there are currently available in printed publications.
Diving, Diving, and More Diving
As any photographer knows, the more you provide yourself with opportunities to capture that perfect shot, the higher your chances of getting great photos which will appeal to buyers. Diving as much as possible is the best way to do that; and the more you work with your equipment, the more comfortable you’ll be with everything from lighting to breathing so your bubbles don’t get in the way. If you’re a newer diver, be sure to work on your buoyancy control – too much movement on your part, and you could return to shore with a series of blurs instead of photos of all the life you witnessed on the reef. If you don’t currently live in an area where you can dive on a regular basis, consider packing up and moving to a more photo-friendly location.
There is a good market for underwater images and an even better market for underwater film. Many underwater photographers maintain a day job and sell images online and to print publications, others work for resorts helping new photographers learn how to use their underwater cameras. It takes some time to make a name for yourself, but with the right combination of training and quality equipment, plus practice and patience, you can eventually earn the right to call yourself a professional underwater photographer or videographer.