The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer & Underwater Photographer Courses
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and the rise of digital underwater photography has made it easier and more fun than ever. This is why there are actually two PADI underwater photography courses. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly with today modern digital equipment, whether you use a point-and-shoot snap camera or a sophisticated D-SLR like the pros. The PADI Underwater Photographer course is a more traditional photography course designed for conventional film equipment.
The Fun Part
The fun part about this course is learning to capture images to share with your friends and family. It’s a great way to relive the adventures you’ve had.
Get College Credit
You may be able to earn college credit for the PADI Underwater Photographer Specialty course.
What You Learn
- How to choose the right underwater camera system for you.
- The PADI SEA method for getting great shots quickly.
- The three primary principles for good underwater photos
The Scuba Gear You Use
You use all the same basic scuba gear you would use for the diving environment as well as an underwater photography system.
Check with your local dive shop about gear rentals and packages offered with this course. You can find most everything at the scuba diving shop in your area.
The Learning Materials You Need
Avoid the frustration of learning underwater photography through trial and error. The PADI Digital Underwater Photography crewpak shortens the learning curve with tips and hints from the pros.
Topics covered include :
- Basic photography tips
- Strobe diagrams for a variety of effects
- Tips for eliminating backscatter
- An explanation of the various digital file formats
- How to bring back the color in your images
The crewpak includes the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual and submersible white balance slate. The course materials preview skills you’ll practice with your instructor. Once the course is over, use your manual as a reference guide as you explore new environments and to evolve your skills.
Prerequisites
To enroll, you must have a PADI Open Water Diver or Junior Open Water Diver certification (or have a qualifying certification from another organization).
Your Underwater Photography Adventure Dive in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver / Adventure Diver course credits (at your instructor’s discretion) as the first dive in the PADI Underwater Photographer course.
Your Next Adventure
Two excellent specialties to pair with underwater photography are the PADI Enriched Air Diver course and the PADI Dry Suit Diver course on your way to PADI Master Scuba Diver. The PADI Enriched Air Diver course allows you to extend your time underwater so you have more time to capture images. In cooler climates, a dry suit allows you to dive comfortably longer, and to make more dives.
You may also find the Peak Performance Buoyancy course gives you helpful tips to optimize your weighting and skills so you’ll be in a better position to capture that perfect picture.
