iPhone photography underwater – The secret to stunningly vibrant images

As smartphone photography has been gaining extreme popularity even among professionals, taking it to new depths is simply the next best thing! In this post we will discuss how you can take your iPhone photography underwater and enhance the quality of your images.

Delve into a mesmerizing universe captured through the lens of your iPhone underwater camera. The underwater world is a realm of whimsical inhabitants, sinuous sharks, and majestic mammals, captivating the fascination of people for a lifetime. As a photographer venturing into this unique territory, adapting to the underwater conditions becomes crucial. The lighting nuances and use of light(s) differ significantly from traditional land photography, demanding learning and mastery over time.

The allure lies in the challenge of navigating this aquatic realm and capturing stunning images that transport the viewer to these wondrous underwater landscapes. Each successful photograph becomes a precious glimpse into the mysteries of the deep, allowing non-divers to experience the beauty beneath the waves.

With the increasing availability of underwater housings for smartphones, the world of underwater iPhone photography is poised for a surge in popularity in the coming years. Dive into the future of photography as we unlock the potential of capturing the underwater world with your iPhone.

 

Unlock vibrancy

Experience the challenge of capturing the vibrant beauty beneath the waves with your iPhone camera, but be prepared for a different set of rules compared to traditional above-water photography. Underwater images, renowned for their stunning colours, can initially be a challenge when taken on your own device, often appearing bluish and dull.

The underwater environment alters the way light behaves, especially beyond three to five meters of depth (10-15 ft). As water absorbs light rapidly, at deeper depths the color spectrum is affected, resulting in predominantly blue or greenish hues. The longest wavelengths disappear first, thus the first colour to vanish after only 5m/15ft is red. Thus, artificial lighting becomes a crucial tool in compensating for the diminishing natural light and reviving the lost colors.

Understanding the limitations of underwater photography is essential. Beyond three to five meters, whether using artificial or natural light, the distance becomes a critical factor. With water’s density being 800 times greater than air, subjects more than five to ten meters away lose their vibrancy and contrast appearing as if through a pale fog.

The golden rule for captivating underwater shots: proximity is key. The closer you are to your subject, the clearer and more vibrant your iPhone underwater photographs will become, unveiling the mesmerizing palette of the submerged world.

 

Smartphones 

The evolution of smartphone cameras in recent years has witnessed a remarkable advancement, marked by the integration of various lenses catering to diverse photography needs. Notably, wide-angle and telephoto (or macro) lenses have become standard features in almost every contemporary smartphone. In the realm of underwater photography, the significance of these lenses is particularly pronounced. Wide-angle lenses enable photographers to get remarkably close to subjects such as corals or wrecks while capturing the entirety of the scene. This proximity not only ensures comprehensive coverage but also enhances the vibrancy of colors due to the minimized distance. On the other hand, the telephoto or macro lenses, allowing for a working distance of typically half a meter to one meter, facilitate challenging close-up shots, revealing the intricate details of critters. As smartphones continue to push the boundaries of photography, these versatile lenses contribute significantly to unlocking the full potential of underwater capture.

 

The ultimate waterproof phone case

While many smartphones boast water-resistant features, it’s crucial to recognize the distinction between water resistance and true waterproofing. Despite claims of meeting the “IP68” standard, which implies resistance to brief submersion in fresh water, most phones cannot withstand prolonged exposure to water, especially in challenging environments like saltwater. The advertised depth resistance, often around 10 meters, might be suitable for accidental splashes or a quick dip, but it falls short of enduring the pressures of a scuba dive. To truly protect smartphones during underwater adventures, dedicated housings designed for various phone models are essential. These housings act as a reliable barrier, ensuring that devices remain secure and fully functional even in deeper and more demanding aquatic conditions. 

Our top choice of waterproof smartphone housing is the SeaTouch 4 Max by DIVEVOLK. This is the first and only full touchscreen housing which allows you full access to every single app on your smartphone underwater. You can use your native camera or third party photo apps, with which you can adjust the white balance and colour temperature directly while shooting.

It is waterproof up to 60m/200ft and has a bunch of great accessories, like a dome port for split images (above&below the surface).

The housing supports almost every smartphone brand and model. This flexibility eliminates the need to invest in a new housing with every smartphone upgrade, saving both costs and the hassle of adapting to different accessories. This adaptability extends beyond just accommodating various phone models; it also caters to different sizes, such as the iPhone Pro and iPhone Pro Max. The universal compatibility ensures that users can seamlessly transition between devices, allowing photographers to focus on capturing the mesmerizing depths rather than worrying about equipment compatibility.

For more details, read the full product review of the DIVEVOLK revolutionary case!

 

Tips for lighting and filters

When engaging in underwater iPhone photography, understanding the nuances of ambient light is crucial, especially as most scenarios won’t involve additional video lights. Shooting with the sun at your back often yields vibrant, shadow-free images, whereas shooting against the light produces high-contrast, less colourful outcomes. Both approaches have their merits, and being aware of their impact on the image is essential. If possible, explore different angles and perspectives to diversify your shots during a dive, providing more options during the later selection process.

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max comes with external red and magenta filters, designed to compensate for missing red light underwater, delivering a more natural look to your photos or videos. However, it is essential to note that using a red filter in shallow depths (up to five meters) or while snorkelling can lead to overly red and magenta tones due to sufficient sunlight. Red filters are most effective in depths between five to fifteen meters in sunny daylight, enhancing colour saturation and image quality.

For additional color enhancement, video lights can be a game-changer. The waterproof housing can be attached to a tray via a lens adapter and in respect, you can attach lights to it. While video lights lack the power of strobes, they provide convenience without the need for cables. Keep in mind that video lights are effective within one to two meters, making them ideal for closer subjects and deeper dives with less ambient light. Experimenting with the combination of red filters and video lights can yield varied results, particularly when shooting colorful coral reefs. Discover the optimal balance for your underwater iPhone photography by trying different setups and techniques.

 

Mastering underwater iPhone photography

In the realm of underwater iPhone photography, perspective and background play pivotal roles, akin to the principles in nature photography. While correct exposure and compelling subjects are essential, capturing more than just the tail fins of a fish is crucial for an engaging composition. Achieving “eye contact” with the subject adds a captivating element, drawing viewers into a different visual experience. Optimal results arise when the background is monochrome, allowing the main subject to shine without distractions. Clearing the frame of unsightly elements, such as algae or colourless stones, enhances the overall aesthetic.

Adhering to photography basics further refines underwater images. Employing the golden ratio creates balanced compositions without placing the subject directly in the middle. Experimenting with diagonals and tilting the phone slightly can yield dynamic results. The advantage of compact smartphone underwater housings lies in their ability to navigate smaller environments, providing opportunities for unique angles that larger camera rigs might struggle to achieve. However, the paramount consideration is to ensure the preservation of marine life and environments while you are taking photos. By keeping these principles in mind and constantly evaluating the composition which is nicely displayed on the big screen of your smartphone, photographers can elevate their underwater iPhone photography, creating visually stunning images effortlessly.

 

The art of postproduction

Underwater iPhone photography presents a significant advantage: instant access to captured images directly on your phone. Unlike traditional workflows involving memory card transfers or camera-to-phone transfers, the convenience lies in having your underwater shots readily available for post-production. Despite the already impressive image quality of modern smartphones, enhancing contrast or adding a touch more color can elevate your visuals.

The easiest way to make these adjustments is through your smartphone’s photo app, offering basic settings like cropping, contrast, color, and saturation. For more advanced editing, free apps like ‘Snapseed’ or premium tools like Adobe Lightroom can be downloaded. Lightroom, known for its versatility, allows extensive post-production adjustments, including the use of ‘Presets’ for quick edits if you’re not familiar with the software.

To ensure optimal quality during post-production, set your phone to the highest image or video quality available, with many smartphones supporting the ‘RAW’ format for superior image quality. While enhancing images is crucial, it’s vital to maintain a natural look during post-production, avoiding excessive changes that may compromise quality or create an unnatural appearance. Dive into the world of underwater iPhone photography with these post-production tips, ensuring your images showcase the beauty of the underwater realm while maintaining a genuine aesthetic.