Underwater photography can seem like a daunting challenge—deep water, expensive gear, and the need to be an expert diver. But what if you’re more of a “lazy man” type, who just wants to snap some incredible underwater shots without putting in too much effort? Good news: it’s totally possible to take amazing photos with minimal work. Here’s your lazy guide to getting stunning underwater shots without the stress.
1. Invest in an Easy-to-Use Waterproof Camera
You don’t need to be a pro with a fancy DSLR and a ton of lenses to get great underwater shots. A simple, waterproof point-and-shoot camera or an action camera (like a GoPro) can do wonders for lazy underwater photography. These cameras are compact, easy to use, and often have underwater modes that adjust color and lighting automatically.
Pro Tip: Look for cameras with image stabilization features to help keep your shots steady in the water without needing to worry about perfect hand placement.
2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
You don’t need to haul bulky lighting rigs underwater. Natural light can give you some amazing results if you use it wisely. The best time for underwater shots is when the sun is high and the water is clear. Shallow water or areas near the surface are great spots to capture vibrant colors without the need for expensive strobes or flash equipment.
Pro Tip: Get close to the surface of the water (but not too close!) to capture the sun’s rays filtering through, creating stunning beams of light that give your photos that “magical” underwater look.
3. Keep Your Camera Close to Subjects
If you want sharp, vibrant photos with good detail, the key is to get close to your subject. This is especially important in murky water where light can quickly fade and colors get muted. The closer you are to your subject, the better the chances of getting a crisp shot without having to deal with too much editing or the hassle of worrying about camera settings.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to be cautious around marine life. Maintain a safe distance from animals and avoid disturbing their natural habitat while snapping your photos.
4. Use Auto Mode (Seriously)
The whole point of being a “lazy man” in this guide is to avoid overcomplicating things. Most underwater cameras (even GoPros or action cams) come with auto settings that adjust exposure, white balance, and focus. If you’re not keen on manually tweaking settings every time you dive in, leave it on auto mode and let the camera do the hard work.
Pro Tip: Don’t worry about diving into complex settings. If you have an automatic white balance option, enable it! It will help your photos pop with more natural colors, especially in blue or greenish waters.
5. Shoot in Burst Mode
Underwater photography often involves unpredictable movement. Whether it’s a fish darting by or a wave crashing, you don’t always have time for a perfect shot. Use burst mode to snap a rapid series of images in quick succession. This increases your chances of getting at least one shot with the perfect timing and focus without having to worry about the “perfect moment.”
Pro Tip: Hold down the shutter button when you spot something cool! Burst mode will capture multiple frames so you don’t have to worry about missing the action.
6. Embrace Post-Processing (It’s Not Cheating)
If you’re looking for an even easier way to make your photos pop, don’t skip editing. You don’t have to be a Photoshop expert to enhance your shots. Simple editing apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, or even the editing tools that come with your camera can help you boost colors, fix white balance, and sharpen details without hours of effort.
Pro Tip: Even a slight tweak to contrast and saturation can make your underwater shots look 10 times more vibrant and professional. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Final Thoughts
Underwater photography doesn’t have to be a hassle, and you don’t have to be a dive expert to capture stunning images. With the right tools, a bit of natural light, and a few simple techniques, you can take awesome photos without breaking a sweat. Embrace your inner lazy photographer, keep it simple, and get out there to capture the beauty beneath the waves.
