How To Get Started in Underwater Video: Tips and Techniques for Scuba Divers

Pictures might be worth a thousand words, but sometimes video is simply the best way to tell a story — especially when documenting interesting movement and behavior underwater.

But getting started can be intimidating. There are complex camera settings, massive amounts of footage to store and sort, and the ever-looming editing process. These processes are often viewed as time-consuming obstacles to sharing fun videos with friends, but the truth is that once you take the first step, they become tools for creating a great video. And since many cameras shoot full HD video, there’s no reason not to try shooting on the next dive.

The first step is to check your camera’s video settings. Most new compact, mirrorless and DSLR cameras record at a 1080p resolution (full HD) and 30 frames per second. If your camera has the ability to record 1080p at 60 fps, that’s a great option since you will always be able to add a slow-motion effect while editing.

Want some inspiration? Check out these amazing videos: Sailfish Hunt in Isla Mujeres | Diving with Sharks off Fakarava.

Unless you simply want a short clip for social media, it’s smart to think about the video you want to create, and put together a storyboard. As you finish each day of your dive trip, you can reference the storyboard to see what shots you really want but haven’t captured yet.

It’s very easy to point the camera at a subject, but you’d be surprised by how shaky the footage is. Experienced shooters make a concerted effort to hold the camera as steady as possible throughout the shot.

Shoot with the sun at your back. The sun will light the reef and marine life in front of you, instead of creating harsh silhouettes. This will also bring out the most from underwater red or magenta filters.

Focus on composition for each shot. The same composition rules that impact still photography apply for video. Fill the frame with your subject. Consider the rule of thirds. Try to focus on the subject’s eye (or rhinophores for nudibranchs).

After each dive day, try to eliminate all the bad clips while they are still fresh in your memory. This helps make the editing process less intimidating, and will get you past the most difficult step: the first.

FIVE EASY VIDEO TIPS

1. Focus on the eyes. Critical focus on the eyes will connect the viewer with your subject, whether it’s a massive fish or tiny macro critter.

2. Use video lights or red filter. A video light will bring out the vivid colors of the reef and marine life in front of you. Filters are a great option for smaller cameras.

3. Use a tripod. A steady shot is key in underwater videography. Using a tripod, especially for macro subjects, will show the subject’s movement without distracting camera shake.

4. Add some lifestyle shots. Spice up your underwater video by shooting some intro and closing shots from the resort or boat, like divers entering the water, the view coming back to the dock or a sunset.

5. Include some music. Adding music to your clip or edited video will make it feel immensely more professional.