Capture spectacular snapshots while snorkeling, splashing in the pool, or exploring the bottom of a river It is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have with your smartphone. In recent years, technology has advanced so much that you no longer need a professional underwater camera to achieve this. Today, many phones allow you to take photos underwater, or at least with the help of accessories, you can achieve impressive shots without damaging the device. Follow this guide to learn how to do it. how to take underwater photos with your smartphone.
Of course, jumping into the water unprepared can end in disaster. Therefore, Here is a complete and detailed guide with everything you need to know. to capture stunning underwater images using your mobile phone: from how to protect your equipment to composition techniques, camera settings, and recommended accessories. If you've ever dreamed of capturing aquatic landscapes without ruining your phone, you've come to the right place.
Is your phone suitable for diving?
Before you submerge your phone in water, you need to answer one fundamental question: Is your smartphone waterproof? Not all of them are, and some could be rendered completely useless after a simple dip. The key lies in the IP (Ingress Protection) certification, which indicates the device's degree of resistance to dust and water.
Mobile phones with classification IP67 can be submerged up to one meter for 30 minuteswhile those of IP68 withstands up to 1,5 meters even for half an hour, and even more so for specific advanced models. For example, the iPhone 12 and 13 can withstand up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. However, manufacturers often note that this protection may decrease with use or may not be guaranteed in environments like saltwater.
Therefore, The first thing is to check this certification in the technical specifications of your mobile phoneIf you don't have one or it's not enough, don't worry: you can still take underwater photos with the help of specialized protective cases. For more details on water resistance for mobile phones and other devices, you can check out This article on water resistance.
Essential accessories to protect your equipment
If your phone isn't prepared to get wet or you just want extra precaution, There are several solutions to protect it while capturing photos underwater.These are some of the most recommended options:
- Universal waterproof covers: Made of flexible plastic, they adapt to almost any model and have a hermetic seal. Some, like those from Syncwire, are IPX8 certified and allow you to submerge your phone up to 30 meters.
- Hard cases: They provide protection against impact as well as water. Ideal if you dive or perform more intense activities. There are versions for specific models like Huawei or iPhone with water resistance up to 2 meters.
- Professional cases: More expensive, but much safer and designed for those who want superior quality shots. They are available for iPhones, DSLR cameras, and GoPros, and allow depths of up to 40 meters.
- Disposable underwater cameras: Although they don't offer professional quality, they're an affordable alternative for capturing moments without putting your smartphone at risk. Brands like Kodak, AgfaPhoto, and Seac-Sub offer models starting at 12 euros.
- Fishbowl effect: A curious homemade trick involves placing your phone inside a glass fish tank to take photos without submerging it. It only works for photos taken from the bottom of the water.
Before using any of these solutions, Always do a leak test with paper inside to make sure no water gets in.. You may also be interested in learning more about water resistance in wearables, such as in This article about the Suunto 9.
Camera settings before diving
Once you have your phone protected or if it is directly resistant, touch the next key step: Set up your camera properly before entering the waterThis is crucial because once you're under it, many touchscreens become unresponsive, and you won't be able to make any adjustments.
These are the main parameters you should configure in advance to ensure the best possible quality:
- White balance: Set the mode to daylight or use RAW if your phone allows it, then adjust in editing.
- I The lower the better. This will minimize noise and enhance clarity in low-light environments.
- Opening: If your camera allows it, choose values higher than f/8 to increase the depth of field.
- Focus: Set it to automatic or continuous mode. Water can make manual focusing difficult.
Furthermore, activate burst mode: This will allow you to capture multiple moments in just a few seconds and then select the best shots. It's also helpful to let the camera adjust to the exposure for a few seconds before shooting, as the light changes considerably.
Tricks for taking stunning underwater images
Taking photos in the water is very different from taking photos on land. Factors such as refraction, movement, lack of light, and difficulty maintaining stability all affect the results. Here are some practical tips to ensure your images turn out spectacular:
- Hold the phone firmly: Use both hands to avoid unwanted movement. In the water, the slightest tremor can ruin a photo.
- Take your time before shooting: Wait a few seconds with your phone underwater for the camera to adjust the exposure. If you shoot right after you put it in, the image may come out very blown out or unbalanced.
- Always look for good lighting: If possible, shoot in shallow water and during the early hours of the day when the sun is high and the water is clearer.
- Get closer to the subject: Water reduces sharpness with distance, so try to be as close as possible to the object or person you are photographing.
- Lean on floating or stable elements: This will make it easier to keep the camera still and get sharp shots.
Remember also that the water changes colors, tinting everything with blue or greenish tones. If you can shoot in RAW mode, it'll be easier to recover those nuances in editing.
Creative ideas and elements to enhance your underwater photos
Taking photos underwater doesn't always have to focus on photographing fish or people swimming. With a little creativity and some objects, you can turn any shot into an artistic image.Here are some ideas for decorating your underwater scenes:
- Floating fabrics: The vaporous fabrics provide a dreamlike effect, as if the subjects were floating in a dream.
- Everyday objects: Introducing elements such as a guitar, a book, furniture, or even a swing can create a surprising and unreal scene.
- Thematic scenarios: Recreating “lost treasure”-type environments using antique objects, chests, or vintage clothing works very well.
- Interaction with the surface: Photographing from positions that combine what happens in and out of the water in a single image offers very striking compositions.
You can also take advantage elements of the natural environment, such as schools of fish, aquatic plants, bubbles, or sunken shipwrecks. These details add authenticity and spectacularity to your images.
Composition and planning: keys to success
As in any type of photography, Thinking in advance about the scene, the elements and how they relate to each other will make the difference between an ordinary image and an extraordinary one.Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before taking the plunge:
- Who or what will be the protagonists? You can choose a person, a fish, a ray of light or even an object.
- What emotion or story do you want to tell? A well-narrated session generates more impact.
- Where will you place your decorative elements? You can spread them out in the background or let them float, but they should be designed to fit the scene.
- Will you need help? Sometimes having someone else handle objects or manage equipment makes the process easier.
A good idea is to do it first a test out of the water, setting up the same stage you'll be taking to the back. This way, you can visualize how it will look, adjust positions, and correct mistakes in advance.
Where, when and how to get inspired to improve?
If you're lacking inspiration, don't worry. Looking at the work of other photographers can help you generate your own ideas.Some references in this type of photography are Elena Kalis, Bruce Mozert, and Zena Holloway, whose works play with surrealism, fashion, and underwater nature.
You can also follow social media accounts specializing in underwater photography, take online courses on the basics of digital photography, or watch tutorials specifically for this type of capture. If you're interested, you can learn more about smartwatches that offer interesting features for underwater photography at This article about Samsung.
Yes, but do spend time practicing. Underwater photography has a steep learning curve., and although it may seem chaotic at first, with patience you will improve until you achieve spectacular results.
And that's all for today! Let us know in the comments what you thought of these tips so we know How to take professional-level underwater photos with your smartphone with basic knowledge on the topic. What other tips would you recommend?