Underwater photography etiquette

Tara North

Underwater photography can be a absorbing hobby. Every avid underwater photographer has had moments so lost in his own world that they momentarily forget about everything else around them.

But we photographers have a responsibility to behave ourselves underwater and set a good example.

Find out how with our guide to photo etiquette...

Love marine life?

The dos...

Pay attention to your buddy
Your camera's great, but it isn't your buddy and it doesn't have feelings. You'd always like to think that your buddy is looking after you, so make sure you look after them too. Stay close, show them things, take an interest in what they show you and make sure you both have fun.

Give other photographers space
Quite often, you're not the only photographer on the dive site. No doubt you wouldn't appreciate someone was breathing down your neck while you try and get an award-winning shot. So make sure you pay others the same courtesy and give others space and time when they are photographing a subject. If it's a subject you both want to spend a little time with, maybe take it in turns so neither of you is left hanging around for too long.

Show then shoot
It's very easy to get excited when you see an interesting subject and rush towards it, forgetting about everyone and everything around you. Try to resist this urge though, as it's not too polite. Much better is to show your buddy or buddies, then reel off a few shots once they have had a look themselves.

Tara North

The don'ts

Touch corals or marine life
Touching coral or marine life underwater is a huge no no. There is absolutely no circumstances where it is ok.

In an ideal world, you will be hovering perfectly next to your subject, but if this isn't possible, carefully find a bare bit of rock or sand and use one or two fingers to stablise yourself. If there is a sand patch plenty big enough to sit on, then this is also a good solution.

Kick up sand
If you are the type of person that tends to kick up sand, then work hard on your buoyancy before taking the camera in the water again. Flailing fins not only fills your own photos with backscatter, it also endangers any marine life that is unfortunate enough to be in the way and ruins things for your fellow divers, who are likely to see just a cloud of sand instead of a rare and interesting critter.

Harass marine life
It's satisfying to get a good photo, but that's all. It's certainly not worth causing undue stress to an animal for. It will be obvious if a marine creature is uncomfortable with your presence. If they wish to be left alone, they will take evasive action, just like we would. If a fish looks stressed or uncomfortable with your presence, don't harass them - leave them alone. After all, you would appreciate the same level of respect.

Hog a subject
If you are photographing something, no matter how engrossed you are, take a look up regularly and check what's going on around you. If you have found something interesting, chances are there is somebody else waiting to have a look as well. Diving is about enjoyment and it is much more enjoyable if everyone is in it together. No-one will be impressed with your photo if you didn't allow them any time to look admire your choice of subject.

Take risks
If you take risks, you not only endanger yourself, but also those you dive with. No photo is worth compromising on safety for. Dive conservatively, well within you recreational diving limits, keep a good profile, don't allow yourself to get low on air and look after your buddy. Or leave your camera at home. It's an easy choice and one that your fellow divers will also appreciate.

In a nutshell, be considerate, conservative and patient and you will get the most rewards from your hobby. After all, photography is meant to be fun. Let's keep it that way.

Choosing the right dive spot

Phil North

If you are an avid underwater photographer, choosing the right destination for your dive holiday or expedition can make a huge difference to your overall experience and enjoyment. It can also make a huge difference to the results on your camera.

Read more about Choosing the right dive spot

Bohol

The island of Bohol lies just to the east of Cebu in the Viasayas region of the Philippines and is a popular island for tourists.

The area's diving is also a major attraction, with great macro life, plentiful turtles and lovely coral reefs. Good diving options are available on the west coast, and also the quieter south-east region of Anda.

Read more about Bohol

Bunaken National Park

Bunaken has some of the best scuba diving in Indonesia

Situated off the northern coast of Sulawesi, Bunaken provides a variety of excellent dive sites.

A marine park since 1991, it is one of Indonesia's most famous diving spots.

The nutrient-rich waters result in vibrant and healthy reef eco-systems, with a high level of bio-diversity and superb marine life sightings.

Read more about Bunaken National Park

Dive equipment guide

Enshadi

All the equipment involved in diving can seem a little intimidating to a newcomer. You are likely to be wondering what on earth a Regulator is, what BCD stands for, what a split fin might be & how many millimetres your wetsuit needs to be.

There's no need to feel intimidated though. Our beginner's guide to dive equipment will take you through the basics and help you feel a little more at home with some of the terminology.

Read more about Dive equipment guide

Maumere

Maumere is a beautiful bay on the north coast of Flores. It is an area that is famous for its diversity.

Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Dolphins & Whalesharks cruise the bay, good encounters with Sharks & large Rays are possible and there is a wealth of macro life to keep any diver fascinated for hours.

Read more about Maumere

Bangka & Sangihe

Diving Bangka is an alternative to Bunaken

Just off the northern-eastern tip of Sulawesi, between Bunaken & Lembeh, lies the islands of Bangka & Sangihe.

These volcanic islands are less renowned for diving than Lembeh or Bunaken nearby, but are equally fascinating.

The volcanic nature of the area has led to some very unusual dive sites, including the chance to dive an active volcano and a dive site in a sunken village.

Read more about Bangka & Sangihe