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Action cameras

10 tips for taking amazing underwater action camera shots

By Corallia Mariner

Published: 10 Mar 2025

A Recent Dive and a Burst of Inspiration

Let me start with a story. Last week, I was diving in the Bahamas – crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral, the whole shebang. I was trying to capture a school of parrotfish darting through a brain coral, but my GoPro footage was… well, let’s just say it wasn’t winning any awards. It was blurry, poorly lit, and honestly, kind of boring. That's when it hit me: I needed to up my underwater action camera game. And I bet you could use a few tips too, right? So, here are ten foolproof ways to get those incredible underwater shots you've always dreamed of!

underwater GoPro footage of parrotfish | Image: Supplied

1. Master the Art of Buoyancy

Seriously, this is the foundation of everything. If you're constantly bobbing up and down like a cork, your footage will be a shaky mess. Practice your buoyancy control until you can hover effortlessly. A good BCD (Buoyancy Compensator Device) and proper weight adjustment are crucial. Trust me on this one – I've seen enough wobbly videos to last a lifetime!

diver practicing buoyancy control | Image: Supplied

2. Light is Your Best Friend (and Worst Enemy)

Underwater, light fades FAST. The deeper you go, the darker it gets. So, using an external underwater light is non-negotiable for stunning shots. Experiment with different lighting angles to avoid harsh shadows and create a more natural look. Oh, and avoid shooting directly into the sun – unless you're aiming for that artsy, hazy effect, of course!

underwater photography lighting techniques | Image: Supplied

3. Get Close (But Not Too Close!)

Fill your frame! Get up close and personal with your subjects. But remember, marine life needs its space. Maintain a safe distance and observe responsible diving practices. A good macro lens can be your secret weapon for capturing tiny details. I once got an AMAZING shot of a seahorse using one – totally worth the investment!

close-up underwater photo of a seahorse | Image: Supplied

4. Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Forget those rapid, jerky movements. Move slowly and deliberately, allowing your subjects to become accustomed to your presence. This will dramatically improve your chances of getting clear, calm shots. And hey, it's much more relaxing too!

diver slowly approaching a reef | Image: Supplied

5. Experiment with Angles and Perspectives

Don't just shoot straight ahead! Get creative with your angles. Try shooting from below, above, or from the side to capture unique and engaging perspectives. I love shooting from slightly below – it makes everything look majestic and larger than life!

various underwater camera angles | Image: Supplied

6. Know Your Settings

This is where things get a little techy. Familiarize yourself with your action camera's settings, including ISO, shutter speed, and aperture (if adjustable). You'll need to experiment to find the perfect combination for different lighting conditions. It takes practice, but I promise it's worth it.

GoPro underwater settings menu | Image: Supplied

7. Clean Your Lens Often

You'd be surprised how quickly your lens can get covered in algae or other debris. Before each dive, give it a quick wipe. And if you're shooting in murky water, you'll need to clean it even more frequently. A clear lens is the key to a crystal-clear image – duh!

cleaning a GoPro lens underwater | Image: Supplied

8. Embrace the Unexpected

Sometimes, the best shots happen unexpectedly. Be ready to capture those spontaneous moments, those unexpected encounters. You never know what amazing things you might find! I've gotten my best shots this way – always be ready!

unexpected underwater encounter | Image: Supplied

9. Post-Production Magic

Don't be afraid to edit your footage. Many free or low-cost software programs can help enhance colors, stabilize footage, and improve overall image quality. Editing is part of the fun too!

editing underwater GoPro footage | Image: Supplied

10. Practice, Practice, Practice!

The more you dive and shoot, the better you'll become. Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. It takes time and practice to master underwater photography. But hey, that's part of the adventure, isn't it? Happy diving!