5 Accessories for a Great Underwater Photography Experience

Last Updated on January 13, 2019

You need all the help you can get when shooting photos on land. The same thing is true when attempting an underwater photography session. Whether you’re just shooting scenes to document your adventures or are attempting something more complex, you need all the help you can get. Here are some suggestions for accessories for a better underwater photography experience:

Lanyard 

You will need a lot of help when shooting scenes under water. And since you need your hands to be free to snap photos, having a lanyard or two – maybe even more – in your gear bag can really help you out.

Of course, it’s not just any lanyard that will work – you have to find one that fits your specific needs. For instance, bringing it under water means you have to choose material that is resistant to corrosion. The last thing you want is repeated purchases over a short period.

Battery Charger 

You’re going to be snapping a lot of photos and as such, you need your batteries operating on full power all the time. You don’t want to miss out on moments just because you’re saving battery juice for later.

Yes, it makes sense to bring along extra batteries but it’s equally important to keep those charged as well when you get back to your accommodation.

Camera Mount 

No one likes shaky footage or blurry underwater images. After all, when is the next time you can visit such a place? You would at least want majority of your photos to turn out fine. A camera mount can help you solve such a problem For example, if you have a GoPro, a mask mount helps keep your camera in place as you document life under water.

Since water reduces contrast and sharpness, it’s best to take pictures within one meter of the camera. In other words, you need to be close to your subject. A mount will help you achieve stability to ensure your photos turn out fine.

Strobe Arms 

Water absorbs colors such as orange, red, and yellow. If you don’t use flash or strobe, you will end up with a photo that looks blue. Plus, more color is absorbed the deeper you get. With the help of strobe arms, you can properly light your subjects to ensure they aren’t all blue.

Camera Housing 

A number of cameras, especially the action camera variety, are designed to be taken under water. However, if you want to take a DSLR or mirrorless camera for shooting underwater scenes, you need a housing unit to keep your camera safe.

Underwater photography is quite the experience and having the right accessories helps increase your enjoyment.