Diving With a Camera Without Being That Diver
Underwater photography opens up a whole new way to experience scuba diving. I’m still new to it myself—just starting to figure out buoyancy with a camera in hand, practicing framing, lighting, and trying not to scare away the subject. But even early on, it’s easy to spot the divers who give underwater photographers a bad name.
If you’re going to bring a camera underwater, great. But let’s talk about how to do it responsibly—and not be that diver everyone avoids on the boat.
What Makes Someone That Diver?
You’ve probably seen it. A diver kicking coral to get the perfect shot. Hovering over a nudibranch so long their buddy finishes their dive solo. Swimming into other divers' frames. Flooding a night dive with 10,000 lumens. These habits aren’t just annoying—they’re damaging, both environmentally and socially.
Being that diver comes down to three things:
- Environmental disrespect
- Lack of awareness
- Putting the camera above the dive
If your photography becomes the reason you ruin someone else’s dive, or damage the reef, you’re doing it wrong.
Gear Discipline: Small Rigs Before Big Rigs
It’s tempting to jump straight to a giant rig with strobes and a tray. But if you can’t manage your buoyancy with a compact camera or a GoPro first, a giant setup is just going to make things worse.
Start small. Practice. Learn where your camera is clipped or mounted. Make sure it doesn’t dangle or drag. You want to be as streamlined and in control as you are without the camera.
Don’t Lose the Dive
Your primary job is to dive safely. Photography is a bonus. Stay with your buddy. Monitor your gas. Be aware of your depth, your no-stop time, and the current. If you lose track of any of those, put the camera away.
Make sure your buddy is actually willing to stop while you photograph something. If they’re not, then either adjust your expectations or find a buddy who’s on the same page. You don’t get to go full National Geographic mode while someone else has to hover and wait, frustrated and cold.
A camera should never compromise your safety—or anyone else’s.
Respect the Environment
This should be obvious, but here it is: Never touch, kick, or chase marine life.
Don’t hover right over fragile coral, don’t set your camera down on a sponge, and don’t manipulate animals for a better shot. You’re there to observe, not to interfere.
If you can’t get the shot without damaging something, don’t take it.
Be a Good Dive Buddy First
If you’re diving with someone, you have a responsibility to them. That doesn’t stop because your camera has a cool red filter.
Talk through expectations during your pre-dive check. Agree on communication. Make sure they’re okay with stopping for photos—or pair up with another photographer if that’s what you want.
Being a ghost buddy because you’re chasing a sea turtle 30 feet away isn’t cool.
Share the Space
If you're shooting in a popular dive spot, especially one with limited space (like a wreck opening or a small coral outcrop), be mindful of other divers. Get your shot and move on. Don’t block access, hog the subject, or hover endlessly while others wait.
If another diver is already there, wait your turn or move on. The ocean is big—there’s more to see.
Flash, Focus Lights, and Etiquette
If you’re night diving, be extra careful with your lights. Constantly shining bright focus lights into other divers’ eyes or flooding the reef with high-power flood lights can ruin the experience for others—and stress marine life.
Dim your lights when not in use. Angle them away from others. Ask yourself if you’d want to be on the receiving end of your setup.
Boat Etiquette and Rinse Tanks
On boats, space is tight and rinse tanks are shared. Most boats have a designated camera bucket—use it. Don’t dump your camera into the general rinse tank meant for masks, especially if it’s got defog solution floating around in it.
If the crew separates buckets (one for cameras, one for everything else), pay attention and respect the labels. And when you’re not using your camera, secure it properly—don’t let it roll around the deck or take up the entire table.
Final Thoughts
Underwater photography is rewarding—but it comes with responsibility. I’m still figuring it out myself. But I know one thing already: the best photographers are often the most respectful, humble, and environmentally aware divers in the water.
Don’t be that diver. Be the one people want to follow underwater, because they know you’ll get the shot—without screwing up the dive.