No matter where you are on your underwater photography journey you’ll no doubt have questions. You’re likely to want to connect with likeminded aquatic paparazzi to get down and dirty with the details too. We scoured the digital world to bring you some of the best blogs and online resources out there that offer valuable underwater photography tips.
Below is a summary of the best websites for you to check out. All are packed with tips, guides, ideas, forums and much more. Each is a little different, and you’re likely to dive in and out of a few of them as your needs differ.
Before we jump into the various websites, let’s take a look at social media to get you connected with others of your ilk.
Facebook groups give a home to communities with shared interests and connect people all over the world – all you need to do is find a group and request to join. If you’re not familiar with all the specific photographic terms and definitions that go with this genre, you soon will be after following along with all the inside chat.
Underwater Photographers Facebook Group Page
One such group is Underwater Photographers which is a very active group with over 10 thousand members. You can share your images, view images by other members and ask questions.
Underwater Photography and Videography Facebook
With over 16 thousand members and sponsorship by ScubaMagazine.net, Underwater Photography and Videography is also very active. As the name might suggest, it includes video which means the content is a lot more varied.
Real Underwater Photo Critique
There is a smaller group called Real Underwater Photo Critique. Here you will get constructive advice and thoughts along with ideas for improvement from some very experienced photographers.
Of course, Instagram is all about the visual and will fuel your imagination and inspire. The easiest way to fill your stream with some stunning photography is to follow a hashtag.
#Underwater Photography
For example, search for #underwaterphotography and when prompted, click follow. If you see an image you like, click through to the photographer’s account and if you like what you see you can follow them too. It’s a great way to discover new accounts.
@SaltNomads are an account who curate the best content out there and repost it which is another great way to discover photographers like:
Underwater Photographer Brian Skerry
Underwater Photographer Alex Mustard
Underwater Photographer Alfred Minaar
Websites
Each of the following sites has their social media platforms too, don’t forget to check them out as you look through the sites.
Underwater Photography
This site has been around since 1996 and says it’s the longest running and most visited resource for underwater photographers. There are weekly, monthly, and annual competitions along with active forums and you can search imagery by category and location. Their tutorials cover every subject you could need, but it is $69 to have access.
http://www.underwaterphotography.com/
Underwater Photography Guide
This site is full to the top of everything you might ever need to know about underwater photography, and it’s very easy to navigate. There are clear tutorials and guides relating every subject imaginable. There’s even a very helpful section relating to camera settings. You’ll also find some great articles, gear reviews, and a travel section.
https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/
Dive Photo Guide
Dive Photo Guide has a whole section of their site dedicated to techniques. Whether there is something you are struggling with or something you want to learn, there’s a guide for it. They also feature a very easy to navigate and understand equipment guide and a particularly helpful section covering purchasing your first underwater camera. As if that’s not enough there’s a vast array of articles and an up to date news section.
http://www.divephotoguide.com/
Wetpixel
Wetpixel is a thriving community comprising of 20 thousand underwater photographers. There are stunning photo galleries and a very lively and active forum community. Their almost daily articles deliver the industry’s news, releases, and anything image related. Wetpixel also hosts trips and have a free HD video podcast.
Underwater Photography Magazine
As the name might suggest, Underwater Photography Magazine is a magazine, as opposed to a blog or website. The magazine is free and delivered digitally. In exchange for your email address, you can download the bimonthly mag and any back issues free of charge. The mag features an abundance of striking imagery and overflows with lots of other great underwater photography content as well as details of shootouts and product reviews.
Underwater Macro Photographers
If it’s the little things in life that make your heart sing, then this is the place for you. Underwater Macro Photographers is more than just a website it’s also a thriving Facebook community dedicated to tiny underwater critters and the challenges of photographing them. There’s a monthly competition, e-mag, articles, portfolios and much more.
Scuba Shooters
Scuba Shooters are an underwater photography community featuring imagery from over 1000 photographers. For a small fee, you can site your portfolio alongside others, and your images will be ranked by views. There are regular competitions too so if you like a bit of healthy competition then this is the place for you. The site features articles and produces a monthly digital magazine too.
BSoUP
The British Society of Underwater Photographers dates back to 1967 and holds monthly meetings in London. There is an annual subscription of GBP45 which is reduced to GBP30 if you live 50 miles outside of London or GBP35 if you live outside of the UK. In Focus is their magazine which is produced a few times per year and delivered digitally to members only. While the society is only likely to appeal to those able to get to their meetings regularly, the society holds various competitions throughout the year, many of which you don’t have to be a member to enter.
The best resource for learning underwater photography is the act itself, so grease those O-rings, get suited up and dive in and show us what you’ve learned!
