The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer and 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.

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. Obviously, you also need an underwater camera system underwater otography system 

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.

The Prerequisites for This Course

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 better position to capture that perfect picture.