Underwater photography with smartphones has become an increasingly popular trend, especially with the arrival of warmer weather and the approaching holidays. You've probably thought about it at some point. Take underwater photos during a getaway to the beach or at the pool And although it may seem complicated at first glance, the reality is that, with good preparation and the right advice, you can achieve spectacular results without being an expert.
Today's smartphones offer countless possibilities for taking creative underwater photos; however, several technical and safety aspects must be taken into account to avoid ruining the device and achieve clear, colorful images. From the right protection to choosing the right lighting and composition, every detail counts when you delve into the world of underwater photography. Below, you'll discover everything you need to take incredible underwater photos with your smartphone, without leaving any essential tips or information behind.
What do you need to keep in mind before submerging your smartphone?
Before you dive into the water with your phone in hand, it's essential to know if your device is waterproof. Check the specifications carefully and look for the certification. IP67 o IP68These codes indicate that the smartphone can withstand a certain amount of time and depth underwater, although always within certain limits. Generally, phones with IP68 protection can survive up to one and a half meters for half an hour, but it's always advisable not to push the limits. Consult the user manual or the manufacturer's official website if you have any questions.
If your phone isn't waterproof certified, using it without protection would pose a very high risk. In this case, the best solution is to invest in a waterproof case specific to your model or, alternatively, a universal waterproof case that allows use of the camera and buttons. There are professional cases designed even for deep-sea diving, but for most users, a quality case will suffice for pool or beach sessions.
Some less conventional alternatives, such as the "fishbowl trick," can be used to take photos with your phone from outside the water, but their use is limited. In any case, protecting the equipment is the most important thing; cheap can be expensive if water leaks in and damages your smartphone.
Main types of protection: covers, housings and mixed cameras
You can find different options on the market to protect your phone while taking photos underwater:
- Hard cases for specific models: These covers fit snugly, creating a tight seal. For example, Sportlink manufactures iPhone cases and Samsung with certifications up to several meters deep. They're ideal if you have a compatible device.
- Universal soft plastic covers: Compatible with almost all mobile phones, they close with a clip or pressure system. Perfect for photos at the pool or beach, but be careful with the quality of the plastic: if it is too thick or scratches, it can affect the result of the images.
- Professional cases: More expensive and designed for diving, they allow for diving to greater depths and offer extra protection. Some brands, such as Sea Frogs or AICase, have designed specific models for high-end SLR cameras and smartphones, allowing full control over settings for taking underwater photos.
- Disposable underwater cameras: Although they don't require a smartphone, they're an affordable and simple option if all you want is to capture specific moments without worrying about your phone's security. The image quality is inferior, but they do the job.
Before using any case or cover, always do the paper test: insert a piece of paper into the case, close it, and submerge it for a few minutes. If the paper comes out dry, the protection is secure.
Photographer preparation and useful accessories for the session
It's not just your phone that needs to be ready. The photographer must also prepare wellA pair of diving goggles, a snorkel, or a mask can make a huge difference in comfort and dive time. If you want freedom of movement and good visibility, dress as if you were going snorkeling. This way, you'll avoid the typical problems with pool chlorine or sea salt getting into your eyes.
As for accessories, there are endless possibilities for customize the underwater environmentFrom floating objects, fabrics, submersible musical instruments, to water toys, or, if you're lucky, natural elements like rocks, plants, or shipwrecks. The limit is your creativity. You can even opt for extendable trays to better hold your phone or add an external flash for low-light scenes. If you're an action lover, there are special surfboard mounts, extendable poles, and more.
How to set up your phone for underwater photography?
One of the most common mistakes is diving without first adjusting the camera settings, as underwater it's much more difficult to manipulate the phone, especially if the touchscreen doesn't respond properly in damp or wet environments.
Before entering the water, make sure you have set up:
- White balance: Ideally, set it to daylight or automatic mode. In some cases, if you have the option to shoot in RAW, the adjustment range will be much greater afterward.
- ISO sensitivity: Try to set it as low as possible (100 or 200) to avoid noise. Underwater, light is scarce and sharpness is reduced.; a high ISO will only exacerbate this problem.
- Diaphragm aperture: If your phone allows it, select an aperture that increases the depth of field (f/8 to f/16). This will ensure that near and far objects appear sharp.
- Focus: In most cases, autofocus is best. Water makes manual focusing difficult, and any movement can ruin an image if the focus point isn't correct.
- burst mode: It's essential not to miss those magical seconds. Water moves both the subject and the photographer, so taking several photos in a row increases your chances of getting a good image.
Also remember to turn off your phone's internal flash if your case doesn't leave that area clear, as a poorly placed flash can ruin the photo with reflections.
Composition tricks and creative techniques for taking underwater photos
Composition is just as important underwater as it is in any other environment. Think about what you want to photograph and plan both the position and the elements you'll incorporate into the scene:
- Get close to the object or person: The less water there is between the lens and the subject, the sharper and more colorful the image will be. Water absorbs light and colors, so reduce distances whenever you can.
- Play with lines and reflections: Bubbles, sunbeams, surface ripples, and reflections are a huge source of fun. Experiment with angles and perspectives for original results.
- Use the rule of thirds: As with any photograph, balanced framing and distribution of elements enhance the visual impact. Take advantage of the natural geometry of the water and backgrounds.
- Creative elements: Try combining fabrics, original accessories, and everyday objects to create unique environments or tell a story. Flowing fabrics, for example, are ideal for conveying movement and a dreamlike feel.
- Choose protagonists: From plants and fish to people snorkeling, rays of light, or even fragments of boats, each element can tell a different story.
Lighting and color issues: take advantage of natural light
Lighting is one of the biggest challenges when photographing underwater, as light dims quickly and colors lose intensity (red is the first to disappear as depth increases).
To get the most out of the light you have several strategies:
- Choose the right time: In the early morning, the water is usually calmer and the light is softer and more even. This makes for clearer images with less distortion.
- Don't stray far from the surface: The closer you stand to the line with the air, the more light and more vivid colors you will have. Forget about diving to great depths if you don't have powerful flashes.
- Use external flash or torch: If your phone supports it or you can use an external accessory, an added flash helps fill in shadows and restore lost colors. Be careful with reflections on the glass or plastic of the case.
- Edit later: If you shoot in RAW, you'll have more options for restoring colors and correcting blue or greenish casts in an editing program. There are very intuitive mobile apps that work wonders with just a few adjustments.
Practical tips for taking sharp photos and avoiding accidents
Patience will be your best ally. Taking underwater photos doesn't usually turn out right the first time:
- Hold on tight: Use both hands and don't let go of your phone under any circumstances. Water can cause it to slip away without you even noticing, ruining your session (and your device).
- Let the mobile adapt: Wait a few seconds after submersion for the sensors to readjust the exposure; this will prevent burnt or overexposed images due to changes in light.
- Don't force the situation: If you see the case or cover starting to fog up or leak moisture, stop the session immediately and check the equipment.
- Plan your shot well: Prepare the stage, props, and people before you get in the water. Practice on dry land if necessary to get a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
Creativity and customization: unique environments and settings
Want to make your photos truly special? You have endless possibilities to customize the setting:
- decorative objects: Fabrics are ideal for creating moving effects; use them on dresses, scarves, or as a backdrop. Antique elements add a vintage or thematic feel.
- Natural treasures: Look for corals, algae, or small rocks if you're in the ocean or river. Combining flora and fauna will give you images spectacular.
- Toys or instruments: From submersible guitars to floating balloons, everything adds up to a magical atmosphere.
- Fashion accessories: Choose swimsuits, goggles, or snorkels that add color and style to your outfit. If you're more daring, you can try costumes or original styles.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When you start taking underwater photography with your phone, it's common to make a series of mistakes that can ruin the experience or prevent you from getting the images you're looking for:
- Submerging your phone without checking the protection: Never trust a new or cheap case without first testing it with the paper test.
- Forgetting to set up your camera before getting wet: Underwater, the touchscreen is often useless, so adjust ISO, balance, and shooting modes before you dive in.
- Neglecting the light: If the session is too late or during low light hours, the photos tend to come out dark and colorless. Prefers the surface and the early hours of the day.
- Do not use burst mode: Underwater movement is continuous; taking advantage of burst mode will multiply your chances of success.
- Holding on to the internal flash: If the cover does not leave the bulb free, ugly reflections will appear in all images.
Which phones are suitable for diving? Models and compatibility
Most modern mid-range and high-end smartphones are water-resistant, but not all of them can withstand the same depths or times. For example, in recent years, iPhones have become benchmarks thanks to the introduction of water resistance starting with the iPhone 7. Since then, the following devices have improved their immersion capabilities:
- iPhone 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, X, XR: Up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- iPhone XS, XS Max: Up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 11: Up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max: Up to 4 meters for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 12 (entire range) and 13: Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
On Android, models like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, recent Sony Xperia, and other high-end models also meet IP68 certification. Still, it never hurts to use additional protection to avoid any failures that could end in disaster.
Recommended accessories to get the most out of underwater photos
If you're passionate about photography and want to elevate your game, there are accessories specifically designed to enhance the experience and the final result:
- Extendable trays with handle: Ideal when using an action camera or GoPro, as give greater stability and allow for impossible handheld framing.
- Supports and fixings: To mount your camera on surfboards, diving helmets, extendable poles, or any stable surface from which you want to record.
- Double covers: Perfect for protecting phones of different sizes or for switching between devices as needed.
- External flashes, LED torches and underwater lighting: Especially useful if you want to try creative sessions at sunset or in turquoise waters with poor visibility.
The challenge of mastering underwater photography: inspiration and practice
Inspiration also plays a fundamental role. Don't hesitate to consult the work of great photographers and artists from the underwater world, such as Elena Kalis, Bruce Mozert, and Zena Holloway. Their galleries demonstrate what can be achieved with patience, creativity, and a little technique.
A good idea is to practice compositions out of the water: set up the scene, experiment with the subjects, props, and framing, and when you have everything clear, transfer the idea to the water.
Plan every detail well: make a list of objectives, design alternative scenarios, and always have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This way, you'll avoid a session being ruined by an unforeseen event and make the most of every opportunity. Practice as much as possible, don't get frustrated if you don't get it right the first time, and, above all, have fun while you learn. Share this information and help others to do the same..
