<h2>Underwater photography offers so many opportunities for beautiful photos. But how can photographers go beyond aesthetics to tell deeper stories about marine life?</h2>
<h2>Photographer <a href="https://www.stephaniedandan.com/">Stephanie Dandan</a> shares her perspective on how photography can help protect oceans and underwater life.</h2>
<p>Water can cleanse you—physically and mentally.</p>
<p>When you photograph an element that you cannot control, it instantly puts you in the present moment.</p>
<p>Perhaps this is one of the reasons so many photographers are drawn to shooting <a href="https://www.pexels.com/search/ocean/">ocean landscapes</a>, <a href="https://www.pexels.com/search/marine%20life/">underwater marine life</a>, and <a href="https://www.pexels.com/search/surf/">surf photography</a>. And if you find yourself drawn to photographing water, sooner or later you’ll feel the need to protect what you see and what you’ve come to love.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/body-of-water-under-blue-and-white-skies-1533720/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1533720" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1533720/pexels-photo-1533720.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1533720/pexels-photo-1533720.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1533720/pexels-photo-1533720.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>There's something magical about photographing the ocean.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@matthardy">Matt Hardy</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/body-of-water-under-blue-and-white-skies-1533720/" data-photo-modal="1533720"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I’ve been shooting travel, lifestyle, and water photography for years and it has taken me to some of the most beautiful places I have ever set foot in. Witnessing the magnificence of islands and beaches all over the world has inspired me to shoot in water and the lifestyle surrounding it.</p>
<p>It also motivated me to ask questions and find ways to do more, travel consciously, and leave the place better than when I found it.</p>
<p>Here are some ways all photographers who love the ocean can help protect it through water photography.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/close-up-photo-of-blue-discus-fish-2156311/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2156311" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2156311/pexels-photo-2156311.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2156311/pexels-photo-2156311.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2156311/pexels-photo-2156311.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Underwater life offers amazing opportunities for close-up photos.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@lone-jensen-431642">Lone Jensen</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/close-up-photo-of-blue-discus-fish-2156311/" data-photo-modal="2156311"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Do your research.</h2>
<p>Getting to know the place that you’re in by immersing yourself in the local community is a good place to begin. Before going to your destination, it’s best to do your research.</p>
<p>When I was traveling all over Southeast Asia for almost a year I saw the best and the worst of the impact that tourism had in local communities. I went to places like the Southern Thai Islands, the <a href="https://www.stephaniedandan.com/3000563-cambodia#0">Cambodian islands</a>, the Gili Islands, the <a href="https://www.stephaniedandan.com/2993403-philippines#0">Philippines Islands</a>—and saw firsthand how hedonism and lack of awareness of travelers can directly impact the overall wellness of these beach communities.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/two-person-riding-kayak-1320684/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1320684" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1320684/pexels-photo-1320684.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1320684/pexels-photo-1320684.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1320684/pexels-photo-1320684.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Get informed and do your research before a marine photo trip.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@asadphoto">Asad Photo Maldives</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/two-person-riding-kayak-1320684/" data-photo-modal="1320684"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some islands have been built for the tourism industry for many years—but the more remote ones are not.</p>
<p>When these “remote” places become newly discovered and an influx of tourists come in, they don’t have the structure or system to sufficiently handle the industry boom. Their waste management system becomes overwhelmed, water and air pollution becomes a significant problem, and the community undergoes a drastic change before they can even fathom what’s about to come.</p>
<p>This is why it’s important to educate yourself and others on the environmental conditions of a place before taking the trip.</p>

<h2>Keep your carbon footprint low.</h2>
<p>When you get to your destination, try your best to <a href="https://passionpassport.com/travel-carbon-footprint/">keep your carbon footprint low</a>. This means bringing your own water bottle, reusable bag, reusable straws, buying toiletries and body products that are environmentally friendly and contain very little to no packaging.</p>
<p>Choose to purchase sustainable products like reef-friendly sunscreen and chemical-free shampoo. Avoid plastic, avoid any unnecessary trash, and if you need to dispose of your product bring it with you until you can recycle it.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/scenic-photo-of-coral-reef-3157890/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3157890" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3157890/pexels-photo-3157890.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3157890/pexels-photo-3157890.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3157890/pexels-photo-3157890.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Avoid standing on reefs while underwater—they can be fragile.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@francesco-ungaro">Francesco Ungaro</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/scenic-photo-of-coral-reef-3157890/" data-photo-modal="3157890"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When you’re in the water do not stand on reefs, don’t collect shells, sand, or attempt to capture any marine animals. You can honor them by simply observing and documenting them.</p>
<p>Participate in beach clean ups and recycling events, and support businesses that practice a daily eco-conscious lifestyle. You could tell their story by promoting them on social media, or by starting a photography project that shows how much positive change a conscious lifestyle can make.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-a-turtle-swimming-underwater-847393/" alt="" data-photo-modal="847393" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/847393/pexels-photo-847393.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/847393/pexels-photo-847393.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/847393/pexels-photo-847393.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Learn about the animals you're photographing to better tell their stories.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@belle-co-99483">Belle Co</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-a-turtle-swimming-underwater-847393/" data-photo-modal="847393"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Find and support people, businesses, and organizations that protect the oceans.</h2>
<p>The best way to get to know the environmental atmosphere of a place is to get to know its people. If they love it, there’s a good chance that most of them will do anything to protect it. Storytelling loses its essence without the subjects that make the story worth telling in the first place.</p>
<p>You could potentially focus on the creatures of the sea, but you could also enlighten people by highlighting the ones that guard it. If you’re in a beach town or an island and it’s relatively small, everyone knows everyone. Water athletes with an ecology or sustainability background could be great subjects to focus on. You can shoot them while they’re in action in the water, or during their volunteer efforts on the island.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-a-person-snorkeling-2404370/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2404370" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2404370/pexels-photo-2404370.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2404370/pexels-photo-2404370.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2404370/pexels-photo-2404370.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>People can also make great subjects for underwater photos.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@miles-hardacre-1263314">Miles Hardacre</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-a-person-snorkeling-2404370/" data-photo-modal="2404370"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Tell their stories.</h2>
<p>Dig deep and find a story worth telling. From the female surfer who’s started an initiative to ban plastic bags, or the business owner who’s leading beach clean ups, or the local fishermen protecting the mangroves—these people are the ones you need to bring attention to.</p>
<p>Magnify these people and bring attention to the work that they’re doing. Through this, you can shed light on these issues by expressing it for the world to understand and help find solutions.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-sea-wave-610744/" alt="" data-photo-modal="610744" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/610744/pexels-photo-610744.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/610744/pexels-photo-610744.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/610744/pexels-photo-610744.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>The simple motion of waves makes for a beautiful shot.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@lastly">Tyler Lastovich</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/photo-of-sea-wave-610744/" data-photo-modal="610744"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Observation and complete presence is key to water photography.</h2>
<p>There are various <a href="https://www.thewanderinglens.com/underwater-photography-tips/">ways to shoot water</a>: underwater, surfing, marine life, landscapes, waves, conceptual and macro water shots. There’s a myriad of styles you can choose to immerse yourself in. No matter what you choose, you must surrender to complete observation first.</p>
<p>Study how the water moves and learn how light and water coexists. Pay attention to the smallest details such as ripples, crests, foam, splashes; then you’ll start to understand that the ocean breathes too.</p>
<p>Then you’ll be able to tell stories that could help shape other people’s perspective of the ocean, and inspire them to adapt their lifestyles and habits to help protect it.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/photography-of-whale-tail-on-water-surface-831084/" alt="" data-photo-modal="831084" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/831084/pexels-photo-831084.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/831084/pexels-photo-831084.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/831084/pexels-photo-831084.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>This photo perfectly captures the power and movement of the whale, even though we only see its tail.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@rudy-kirchner-278171">Rudy Kirchner</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/photography-of-whale-tail-on-water-surface-831084/" data-photo-modal="831084"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Taking photos of the ocean is one way to expand environmental awareness. Then ask yourself what kinds of conversations you want to open up for your readers or followers, to help them gain awareness of the issues in each place. How can they learn how to appreciate and be present with their environment?</p>
<p>Beauty is easy to capture, but showing others how to respect and give back to the beauty that they are thriving from is worth exploring. Whether it’s a moment, or a place, the very least we can do is pay our homage by guarding it.</p>
<p><em>Cover photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-sea-turtle-2765872/">Jeremy Bishop.</a></em></p>


How Underwater Photography Can Protect Ocean Life

How Water Photographers Can Protect Ocean Life

<h2>It's not hard to create magical shots when you're shooting underwater.</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Here are ten fun ideas to try, whether you're scuba diving in the Pacific or simply taking a swim in a local lake.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/woman-on-body-of-water-1151831/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1151831" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1151831/pexels-photo-1151831.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1151831/pexels-photo-1151831.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1151831/pexels-photo-1151831.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Show some skyline above the water for a dynamic image.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@jacub-gomez-447561">Jacub Gomez</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/woman-on-body-of-water-1151831/" data-photo-modal="1151831"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #1: Split Level</h2>
<p>Create an interesting composition with your underwater photos by keeping part of the frame above water.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/blue-and-pink-coral-3204595/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3204595" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3204595/pexels-photo-3204595.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3204595/pexels-photo-3204595.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3204595/pexels-photo-3204595.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Go close up to document underwater life.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@ekamelev">Egor Kamelev</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/blue-and-pink-coral-3204595/" data-photo-modal="3204595"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #2: All About Texture</h2>
<p>There are so many incredible possibilities for subject matter when shooting underwater in the ocean.</p>
<p>Go close and capture the details and textures of plants, coral reefs, fish, and other sea creatures.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/aerial-view-of-a-ship-wreck-on-body-of-water-3675390/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3675390" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3675390/pexels-photo-3675390.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3675390/pexels-photo-3675390.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3675390/pexels-photo-3675390.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>This aerial shot shows an interesting view of a sunken ship.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@marc-coenen-298185">Marc Coenen</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/aerial-view-of-a-ship-wreck-on-body-of-water-3675390/" data-photo-modal="3675390"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #3: Aerial View</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>And it's a great way to shoot underwater images for those who are <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/resource/underwater-photography-protect-ocean-life/">captivated by ocean life</a> but don't enjoy spending time underwater, or lack the right gear for it.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/close-up-photo-of-small-jellyfish-1687678/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1687678" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1687678/pexels-photo-1687678.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1687678/pexels-photo-1687678.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1687678/pexels-photo-1687678.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Shooting in black and white creates a dramatic mood for underwater shots.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@valdemaras-d-784301">Valdemaras D.</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/close-up-photo-of-small-jellyfish-1687678/" data-photo-modal="1687678"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #4: Black and White</h2>
<p>This is an easy effect to add in post-production, and the results can be really captivating.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/person-on-body-of-water-3046582/" alt="" data-photo-modal="3046582" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3046582/pexels-photo-3046582.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/3046582/pexels-photo-3046582.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/3046582/pexels-photo-3046582.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Underwater light makes for beautiful photos.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@pspov">Pia B</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/person-on-body-of-water-3046582/" data-photo-modal="3046582"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #5: Rays of Light</h2>
<p>Focus on the rays of sunlight filtering down through the water to add a particularly magical feeling to your underwater photos.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Check out this <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/lighting-underwater-photography-and-videography">guide</a> for detailed tips on lighting underwater photos.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/underwater-photography-of-swimmer-711187/" alt="" data-photo-modal="711187" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/711187/pexels-photo-711187.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/711187/pexels-photo-711187.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/711187/pexels-photo-711187.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Underwater photos can capture movement in unique ways.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@heart-rules-1656004">Heart Rules</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/underwater-photography-of-swimmer-711187/" data-photo-modal="711187"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #6: Action Shot</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Photographing swimmers is a wonderful option for compelling action shots. The photo above is a perfect example. The <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/resource/beautiful-photos-photography-composition-tips/">framing of the image</a> effectively draws the eye upwards so that we really feel the speed of the swimmer advancing through the pool.</p>

<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #7: Just Above the Surface</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/red-jellyfish-swimming-in-water-2698871/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2698871" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2698871/pexels-photo-2698871.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2698871/pexels-photo-2698871.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2698871/pexels-photo-2698871.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Jellyfish are ideal underwater photo subjects.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@vovaflame">Vova Kras</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/red-jellyfish-swimming-in-water-2698871/" data-photo-modal="2698871"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #8: Pop of Color</h2>
<p>Focus in on a colorful subject to create a beautiful sense of contrast with the blue water around it.</p>
<p>This underwater photography technique may need a bit of <a href="https://www.pexels.com/blog/photography/beginner-photo-editing-tips-lightroom/">editing magic</a> 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.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/woman-in-white-dress-shirt-1677275/" alt="" data-photo-modal="1677275" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1677275/pexels-photo-1677275.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/1677275/pexels-photo-1677275.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/1677275/pexels-photo-1677275.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Get creative with underwater portraits.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@enginakyurt">Engin Akyurt</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/woman-in-white-dress-shirt-1677275/" data-photo-modal="1677275"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #9: Water Dancer</h2>
<p>Find a friend or model to join you underwater for this unique photo idea.</p>
<p>Go beyond just photographing your subject swimming and work with them on dance-inspired poses. Imagine you're documenting an underwater ballet.</p>
<p>Having your subject styled in clothing rather than just wearing a regular bathing suit adds to the creative feel.</p>
<figure class="image">
  <a href="/photo/grey-statues-on-seabed-2499769/" alt="" data-photo-modal="2499769" class="pexels-image">
  <img src="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2499769/pexels-photo-2499769.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress" srcset="https://images.pexels.com/photos/2499769/pexels-photo-2499769.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=1&amp;auto=compress 1x, https://images.pexels.com/photos/2499769/pexels-photo-2499769.jpeg?h=750&amp;w=700&amp;dpr=2&amp;auto=compress 2x">
</a>

  <figcaption class="image-caption">
    <p>Undersea artifacts are a fascinating photo subject.</p>

    <p>
  Photo by <a href="/@stijn-dijkstra-1306815">Stijn Dijkstra</a>
  ·
  <a href="/photo/grey-statues-on-seabed-2499769/" data-photo-modal="2499769"> View Photo </a>
</p>

  </figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Underwater Photography Idea #10: Sunken Treasure</h2>
<p>You don't necessarily need to hunt down a shipwreck or deep-sea pirate gold for this photo shoot—althought it definitely helps.</p>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.scubadiving.com/15-amazing-shipwrecks-to-add-to-your-scuba-diving-bucket-list">fascinating photo opportunities</a>.</p>
<p><em><a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/jellyfish-digital-wallpaper-753267/">Cover photo by Egor Kamelev.</a></em></p>


Thinking of trying underwater photography? Get inspired with these creative ideas for unique shots. 

10 Magical Underwater Photography Ideas to Try

10 Magical Underwater Photography Ideas 

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Captivating underwater scene of numerous jellyfish in West Papua, Indonesia.

Mesmerizing Jellyfish in West Papua Waters

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Close-Up Black and White Image of Sea Turtle

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Photo of Jellyfish Swimming Underwater

A solitary sea turtle glides gracefully through sunlit ocean depths.

Sea Turtle Swimming Under Sunlit Waters

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Shallow Focus Photo of Pink and Brown Jellyfish

A stunning aerial shot of a spotted eagle ray swimming gracefully in clear turquoise water.

Photo of a Ray Fish 

Capture of a giant oceanic manta ray gliding gracefully in the clear blue sea.

A Giant Oceanic Manta Ray Underwater 

Explore the beauty of a sea turtle gliding through a colorful underwater coral reef.

Photo of a Turtle Swimming Underwater

A captivating underwater shot of a dolphin swimming in clear blue water.

Cute Dolphine Underwater 

Explore the captivating underwater scene with mesmerizing sunlight rays penetrating the deep sea.

Underwater Photography of Deep Sea 

Stunning image of a colorful Betta fish showcasing vibrant fins against a soft background.

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Close Up of a Red Siamese Fighting Fish

Peaceful underwater scene with sunlight and streaming bubbles in the ocean.

Photo of Bubbles Underwater

A stunning over-under shot of a humpback whale breaching the water in Tonga's ocean.

Split Shot of Whale 

Elegant underwater shot of a woman floating in a serene pose, captured in dim turquoise light.

Photo of Woman Swimming Underwater

Mesmerizing display of jellyfish with flowing tentacles in underwater setting.

Close Up Photo of Jellyfish Underwater

Brightly colored jellyfish swimming gracefully underwater in a vibrant ocean setting.

Jellyfish Illustration

Dramatic underwater view of a shark showcasing its powerful presence.

Selective Photo of Gray Shark

Stunning underwater image showcasing stingrays gliding gracefully amidst a shoal of fish, illuminated by sunrays.

Stingray in Blue Water

Capture of underwater bubbles rising towards the surface with sunlight streaming through.

Water Bubbles Under the Sea

Underwater view of sunbeams illuminating a coral reef in Hawaii's crystal-clear ocean.

Underwater Photography of Ocean

A captivating image of a dolphin gracefully swimming underwater in the deep blue ocean.

Lonely dolphin in blue water

A clear underwater shot showcasing a rocky ocean floor with vibrant blue waters.

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