Swimming Photography and the Underwater World: Beginner Equipment and Techniques for Underwater Photography

Introduction

Every swim is a ritual of entering another world. Below the surface, light refracts into unique ripples, bubbles string together like transparent beads, and the human body moves with more fluidity and grace than on land. This world has always existed, but it wasn’t until recent years, with the proliferation of recording devices, that more ordinary people gained the opportunity to capture it on camera.

Taiwan boasts abundant water resources—from the coral reefs of Kenting to the crystal-clear streams of Hualien, from the artificial blue of swimming pools to the tropical waters of Orchid Island—every scene is an excellent stage for underwater photography. You don’t need to be a professional photographer; with basic equipment and a few key techniques, any swimming enthusiast can begin their underwater photography journey.

Beginner Equipment Selection Guide

The barrier to entry for underwater photography equipment is lower than you might think. Depending on your budget and needs, there are various options:

For first-time swimming enthusiasts, the GoPro Hero series or similar action cameras are the most recommended starting point: simple to operate, wide-angle lenses suited for underwater shooting, and highly durable—even an accidental bump against the pool edge won’t matter. Taiwan’s major sporting goods stores and online platforms (Shopee, PChome) offer a wide selection.

Core Underwater Photography Techniques

Equipment is just the starting point; what truly makes photos look great are techniques and an understanding of light.

Light is the soul of underwater photography

Water absorbs light, especially the red and orange wavelengths, which is why underwater photos often lean toward blue-green. Here are several ways to address this:

• Shoot in shallow water (within 3 meters): Natural light is abundant and color retention is best. It’s recommended to shoot on sunny days between 10 AM and 2 PM
• Get close to your subject: The closer the distance, the less light attenuation, resulting in clearer images
• Use a red filter: This compensates for the red light lost in water, making colors more natural and saturated
• Make good use of light angles: Shooting from below upward can capture the “light curtain” effect of refracted light on the water surface—absolutely mesmerizing

Composition and shooting techniques:

• For swimming action shots, use burst mode to capture the most powerful moments
• Position the camera near the waterline for a split shot (half water, half air) composition—the most unique perspective in underwater photography
• For still-life photography (corals, schools of fish), keep your body stable and breathe slowly to minimize movement
• When shooting in pools, pay attention to the play of light and shadow from water ripples—this is the greatest charm of indoor underwater photography

Post-processing recommendations:

• Use Lightroom’s “Underwater” preset, or manually boost warm tones (orange, red) while reducing cyan and green
• Increase contrast and clarity to slightly tame the hazy underwater look
• Some cameras support RAW format, offering more room for post-processing

Practical Tips

Pre-dive preparation checklist:

• Confirm that your equipment’s waterproof rating matches the shooting depth. Waterproof housings must undergo a pressure test before use (place a dry tissue inside and submerge to check for leaks)
• Learning basic freediving techniques (breath-hold diving) helps you achieve better shooting angles
• Practice shooting techniques in a pool first before venturing into open water
• Hire or invite a friend to dive in with you as a subject—dynamic photos with two people working together yield the best results
• Underwater photography enthusiasts in Taiwan can join the “Taiwan Underwater Photography Association” or related Facebook groups to exchange techniques and gear information

Recommended shooting locations in Taiwan:

• Indoor pools: Taipei City Swimming Pool (blue plastic pool floor with excellent lighting effects)
• Outdoor Jiaoxi Hot Spring Swimming Pool: Unique environmental color tones
• Kenting Houbihu: Rich in coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling photography
• Orchid Island: Visibility up to 20–30 meters with vibrant underwater colors
• Near Green Island’s Zhaori Hot Spring: Unique seabed terrain

Conclusion

Underwater photography adds another dimension to swimming—it’s not just about physical exercise, but about exploring, with your eyes and your lens, a world you can’t see in everyday life. Every underwater photo is a special record: that refracted light, those dissipating bubbles, that figure moving freely through the blue—all are precious moments only you can capture by getting into the water yourself. Take your camera into the water and let swimming become more than just a sport.

Related Reading

• Swimming Technique Video Analysis: Using Your Phone to Identify Technical Flaws
• Swimming Technique Video Analysis: How to Use Underwater Footage to Identify Your Own Deficiencies
• Introduction to Water Activities in Taiwan: From Swimming to Surfing, SUP, and Snorkeling
• Self-Analysis Through Swimming Videos: Technical Diagnostic Methods for Above- and Underwater Shooting