Underwater photos are so dreamy! Even if you’re not a pro in the water or with a camera, you can still create beautiful photos underwater. It just takes a bit of knowledge and practice. Here are ten things I try to keep in mind when taking underwater photos.

~ Incorporate Flowing Fabric or Clothing

Part of what makes shooting underwater so magical is the movement. I love experimenting in the water with fabric and letting it swirl around me. You can play with dresses with long trains, skirts or use large cuts of fabric to achieve a similar effect.

~ Experiment with Poses

I’ve come to notice that poses that look good out of the water don’t always look good in the water and vice versa. Since you’re working with different gravity, try all kinds of poses that would either look crazy or be impossible to achieve on land. There is so much room for experimentation under the surface. Have fun with it.

~ Take a Split-shot

A split shot is style of photograph where the lens is half under the water and half above. To make it even easier to achieve, you can use a dome attachment for your camera. Opt to take a split shot when there are items of interest both under the water as well as above such as rocks, fallen trees, a mermaid or animal.

~ Play with Reflections

Keep your eye out for interesting reflections on the top of the water. Tilt the camera upwards a bit to get this area in the frame. Aim for a perfect a mirror image, however the swirls created with different colors and shapes look cool too.

~ Add in Effects

I love using bubbles, orbs, rainbows or sun rays in the apps Lightleap and Motionleap to make the photos even more whimsical.

~ Pull your Photos from Video

This is my number one tip. Since there is so much movement underwater between hair, fabric, floating leaves, bubbles, hands, legs etc. it’s hard to otherwise compose the perfect shot with all elements in perfect alignment. In the past, I would think I nailed a shot only to discover a bubble over my eye. Now, I simply video everything and pull the best photos from the footage.

~ Use Props

I actually don’t have a photo where I am using props, but I’ve seen many underwater Halloween and mermaid-themed shoots incorporating different accessories, props and outfits that playfully bring a creative vision to life.

~ Practice - A lot

Holding your breathe is hard work and so is controlling all parts of your face, body, clothing and hair to hold a pose while floating. Underwater photos are something I’ve had to really really practice, but its worth it!

~ Explore Caves

If you’re looking to create interesting underwater photos, consider diving deep and seeking out caves and crevices, especially here in Florida. These types of photos and videos are always so beautiful to see.

~ Look for Playful Natural Lighting

Depending on where you are and the time of day, nature may already provide beautiful natural light for you to work into your photos instead of adding it in post. Underwater photos with natural light rays are truly mesmerizing.

Writing this post has really inspired me to carve out that kid-free time in the water to practice both my freediving and my underwater photography.

How do you like to play with underwater photography?