Digital Underwater Photography
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and with so many underwater cameras to choose from, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated dSLR like the pros. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Digital Underwater Photographer course. Because underwater photography is also popular with snorkelers, there is an option for avid snorkelers and skin divers to complete the course.
Required Dives
Dive One
• Enter the water safely wearing snorkeling or SCUBA equipment in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
• Immediately after entering the water remove bubbles from the lens and housing.
• Test the various camera housing controls for proper function.
• Visually inspect the camera system for potential water entry.
• Position the camera lens down and be ready to lift the camera system above water if water is entering the housing.
• Take one submerged test shot and start the photo dive.
• Dive with an underwater photo system demonstrating care for the environment by applying techniques that avoid damaging it.
• White balance the camera underwater using the White Balance Slate. (If the camera is not capable of white balance, use different “scene” modes.)
• Take horizontal and vertical photos of a dive partner.
• Take a variety of underwater photos of as many subjects as possible.
• At the end of the dive, the student will exit the water safely in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
Dive Two
• Independently assemble and test camera equipment prior to dive.
• Enter the water safely wearing snorkeling or SCUBA equipment in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
• Dive with an underwater photo system demonstrating care for the environment and techniques that avoid damaging it.
• Practice getting proper exposure, contrast and sharpness by using and controlling (as appropriate to the camera system) shutter, aperture, EV control, focus and flash.
• Practice getting good color by using (as appropriate to the camera system) white balance, flash, filters and wide angle lenses.
• Practice composition through choice of subject, subject positioning, negative space and other composition elements.
• Demonstrate use of the PADI SEA Method by using the LCD monitor and/or histogram to evaluate exposure, sharpness and composition.
• At the end of the dive, exit the water safely in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
Gaining the Knowledge
This will be a comprehensive and very informative training program that introduces you to becoming an Digital Underwater Photographer. At your own pace, you'll work your way through the different sections including; how to choose the right underwater camera system for you, The PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots quickly, principles for good composition of underwater images, practical techniques to take great photos with your digital camera. This portion takes between 12-15 hours and must be completed prior to your dives.
The second dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification – ask your SCUBA Heroes instructor about earning credit
Equipment: Beyond using basic SCUBA equipment, you’ll need a digital underwater camera and a computer or other device for downloading and viewing your images. Your SCUBA Heroes Instructor may suggest other equipment and accessories depending on your camera system.
Why PADI: PADI Divers carry the most respected and sought after scuba diving credentials in the world. No matter where you choose to dive, your PADI certification card will be recognized and accepted. In fact, on most scuba diving adventures, you’ll be surrounded by other PADI Divers who made the same certification choice you did – to train with the world’s largest and most respected scuba diving training organization.
Read: "The PADI Difference" for an in depth look as to why SCUBA Heroes has teamed up with PADI
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