Underwater photography etiquette

underwater photography etiquette

Tara North

Underwater photography can be a absorbing hobby. Every avid underwater photographer has had moments so lost in his own world that they momentarily forget about everything else around them.

But we photographers have a responsibility to behave ourselves underwater and set a good example.

Find out how with our guide to photo etiquette...



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The dos...

Pay attention to your buddy
Your camera's great, but it isn't your buddy and it doesn't have feelings. You'd always like to think that your buddy is looking after you, so make sure you look after them too. Stay close, show them things, take an interest in what they show you and make sure you both have fun.

Give other photographers space
Quite often, you're not the only photographer on the dive site. No doubt you wouldn't appreciate someone was breathing down your neck while you try and get an award-winning shot. So make sure you pay others the same courtesy and give others space and time when they are photographing a subject. If it's a subject you both want to spend a little time with, maybe take it in turns so neither of you is left hanging around for too long.

Show then shoot
It's very easy to get excited when you see an interesting subject and rush towards it, forgetting about everyone and everything around you. Try to resist this urge though, as it's not too polite. Much better is to show your buddy or buddies, then reel off a few shots once they have had a look themselves.

underwater photography best practice

Tara North


The don'ts

underwater photography bad practice

Touch corals or marine life
Touching coral or marine life underwater is a huge no no. There is absolutely no circumstances where it is ok.

In an ideal world, you will be hovering perfectly next to your subject, but if this isn't possible, carefully find a bare bit of rock or sand and use one or two fingers to stablise yourself. If there is a sand patch plenty big enough to sit on, then this is also a good solution.

Kick up sand
If you are the type of person that tends to kick up sand, then work hard on your buoyancy before taking the camera in the water again. Flailing fins not only fills your own photos with backscatter, it also endangers any marine life that is unfortunate enough to be in the way and ruins things for your fellow divers, who are likely to see just a cloud of sand instead of a rare and interesting critter.

Harass marine life
It's satisfying to get a good photo, but that's all. It's certainly not worth causing undue stress to an animal for. It will be obvious if a marine creature is uncomfortable with your presence. If they wish to be left alone, they will take evasive action, just like we would. If a fish looks stressed or uncomfortable with your presence, don't harass them - leave them alone. After all, you would appreciate the same level of respect.

Hog a subject
If you are photographing something, no matter how engrossed you are, take a look up regularly and check what's going on around you. If you have found something interesting, chances are there is somebody else waiting to have a look as well. Diving is about enjoyment and it is much more enjoyable if everyone is in it together. No-one will be impressed with your photo if you didn't allow them any time to look admire your choice of subject.

Take risks
If you take risks, you not only endanger yourself, but also those you dive with. No photo is worth compromising on safety for. Dive conservatively, well within you recreational diving limits, keep a good profile, don't allow yourself to get low on air and look after your buddy. Or leave your camera at home. It's an easy choice and one that your fellow divers will also appreciate.

In a nutshell, be considerate, conservative and patient and you will get the most rewards from your hobby. After all, photography is meant to be fun. Let's keep it that way.



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