10 Magical Underwater Photography Ideas

It's not hard to create magical shots when you're shooting underwater.

The light, the colors, and the textures you encounter below the waves all tend to make for unforgettable snaps. But paying attention to composition and experimenting with creative ideas can take your photos from the standard pretty vacation shots to more artful and unique images.

Here are ten fun ideas to try, whether you're scuba diving in the Pacific or simply taking a swim in a local lake.

Underwater Photography Idea #1: Split Level

Create an interesting composition with your underwater photos by keeping part of the frame above water.

This fun technique allows you to capture the motion of the waves, the color of the sky, and the surrounding scenery—in addition to whatever's happening under the water.

Underwater Photography Idea #2: All About Texture

There are so many incredible possibilities for subject matter when shooting underwater in the ocean.

Go close and capture the details and textures of plants, coral reefs, fish, and other sea creatures.

When it comes to plants, get as close as possible to capture as much detail as you can! But be sure to avoid moving or touching plant life just as you would avoid harming or frightening fish or other animals you photograph.

Underwater Photography Idea #3: Aerial View

Okay, maybe it's cheating a little to say aerial shots are still underwater photography. But beautiful underwater photos can definitely be shot from above the water.

Drone shots can allow you to capture stunning detail and texture and even underwater subjects, like coral reefs and even shipwrecks. This is a great option for photographers seeking something a little different with their water photography.

And it's a great way to shoot underwater images for those who are captivated by ocean life but don't enjoy spending time underwater, or lack the right gear for it.

Underwater Photography Idea #4: Black and White

This is an easy effect to add in post-production, and the results can be really captivating.

While the bright colors of underwater life are definitely worth capturing, you can create unique imagery with a dramatic feel by either shooting in black and white or editing your shots later for a timeless look.

Underwater Photography Idea #5: Rays of Light

Focus on the rays of sunlight filtering down through the water to add a particularly magical feeling to your underwater photos.

This technique works best on a sunny day. The results will be different depending on how close you are to the water's surface, and also what kind of lighting you're using.

Check out this guide for detailed tips on lighting underwater photos.

Underwater Photography Idea #6: Action Shot

Motion is a fantastic element for underwater photos because movement in water can be seen so vividly: think of the ripples of waves or the splashes that accompany a big dive.

Photographing swimmers is a wonderful option for compelling action shots. The photo above is a perfect example. The framing of the image effectively draws the eye upwards so that we really feel the speed of the swimmer advancing through the pool.

Underwater Photography Idea #7: Just Above the Surface

Similar to the aerial photography idea above, this concept is also not strictly an underwater photo. You'll be shooting just above the surface of the water to capture a subject below.

This photography idea works best if you have a clear subject, as in the creative portrait above. But you can also try this underwater shot in any clear and relatively shallow body of water for interesting results. Consider shooting the tiles of a pool or the stones below the surface of a lake.

Underwater Photography Idea #8: Pop of Color

Focus in on a colorful subject to create a beautiful sense of contrast with the blue water around it.

This underwater photography technique may need a bit of editing magic to amplify the bright color of the subject and darken the surrounding environment. The result is a dramatic image that brings out the detail and texture of the creature or plant depicted.

Underwater Photography Idea #9: Water Dancer

Find a friend or model to join you underwater for this unique photo idea.

Go beyond just photographing your subject swimming and work with them on dance-inspired poses. Imagine you're documenting an underwater ballet.

Having your subject styled in clothing rather than just wearing a regular bathing suit adds to the creative feel.

Underwater Photography Idea #10: Sunken Treasure

You don't necessarily need to hunt down a shipwreck or deep-sea pirate gold for this photo shoot—althought it definitely helps.

Underwater treasures like the sculpture in the shot above are an awesome photo subject choice. Shipwrecks are a popular choice with scuba diving photographers, and no wonder: they offer some fascinating photo opportunities.

Cover photo by Egor Kamelev.