For Photographers
What lighting do you use for underwater portraits?
Underwater lighting requires a different approach than studio or natural light photography on land, and we rely on a carefully balanced combination of three light sources depending on the shoot conditions and creative goals. Natural light is our first consideration, and we pay close attention to sun position, time of day, and surface texture because these factors dramatically affect the quality and color of light filtering through the water. For shoots that require consistent illumination or a specific mood, we use continuous video lights that also serve a dual purpose as safety lighting for our subjects and crew.
When we need maximum power, precise control, or rich color saturation, we deploy dedicated underwater strobes, which behave very differently from land strobes. Underwater, light falls off quickly due to water density, so strobes must be placed very close to the subject, typically within 3 to 5 feet, and should always be used with soft modifiers or diffusers. We never point strobes directly at the subject at a straight angle, as this creates harsh hotspots and backscatter.
Side and rim lighting, especially at 45-degree angles, produces a sculpted, three-dimensional look that flatters skin and adds dimension to flowing fabric. Backscatter — the bright specks caused by light reflecting off particles suspended in water — can be minimized by positioning lights well off the camera axis. Industry-favorite strobe brands include Inon, Retra, Sea & Sea, and Ikelite, while Kraken, Big Blue, and Light & Motion produce excellent continuous video lights. Many of our best images combine ambient sunlight from above with a single low-power strobe used as a gentle fill, blending the natural feel of available light with the control of artificial light.