7 Best-Selling Underwater Photography Books Readers Can't Stop Recommending

Unlike most underwater photography books that focus purely on artistic expression, Annemarie and Danja Kohler emphasize mastering the technical aspects that often trip up enthusiasts. You learn how to select the right gear, optimize exposure settings, and overcome common challenges like color distortion or lighting underwater. The book’s detailed diagrams and charts make complex concepts accessible, such as balancing shutter speed and aperture for clear shots. If you want to understand the mechanics behind capturing vivid underwater scenes rather than just admiring photos, this handbook suits you perfectly.

While working as an underwater photography instructor, Larry Gates noticed how many beginners struggled with the technical and logistical challenges of this craft. His book breaks down underwater digital photography into four key elements—focus, exposure, composition, and subject selection—helping you master each without needing the latest gear. He also covers essential diving skills, equipment maintenance, and safety plans to protect both divers and marine life. The closing chapters guide you through post-shoot techniques like frame selection and cropping, making this a practical manual for anyone eager to capture the underwater world thoughtfully.

This tailored book explores battle-tested underwater photography methods crafted to fit your unique challenges and interests. It covers essential techniques such as camera settings, lighting mastery, composition, and marine subject behavior, all aligned with your skill level and goals. By focusing on your specific background and photographic ambitions, it reveals how to capture stunning underwater images with confidence and creativity. The personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you, blending widely valued knowledge with your individual needs. This makes your learning journey both efficient and inspiring, allowing you to develop practical skills while appreciating the artistry and science beneath the waves.

Constantinos Petrinos, a decorated Greek underwater photographer, draws on his extensive experience capturing marine life to immerse you in the vibrant ecosystem of Indonesia's Lembeh Strait. Over five months and 320 dives, he amassed 25,000 images, selecting 280 to illustrate not only technical approaches to macro underwater photography but also the fascinating behaviors of rare creatures like pygmy seahorses and mimic octopuses. You’ll gain insights into photographic techniques tailored to challenging underwater conditions alongside rich naturalist commentary that reveals the complexity of this unique habitat. If you're passionate about both marine biology and elevating your underwater photography skills, this book offers a blend of art and science that few others match.

When Brian Skerry's decades of experience diving with marine life converged with Howard Hall's expertise, they crafted a guide that goes beyond basics to demystify underwater photography. This book walks you through specialized techniques such as capturing silhouettes and close-focus wide-angle shots, alongside practical advice on maintaining gear and photographing shipwrecks. You'll find detailed chapters explaining how to work with natural light underwater and tips on choosing the right equipment, all illustrated with 150 vivid photographs. If you want to sharpen your skills in photographing elusive underwater subjects and understand the business side of selling these images, this book speaks directly to your ambitions.

After years of teaching photography students worldwide, Maria Munn developed this guide to unlock the potential of point-and-shoot cameras underwater. You’ll learn how to select the right compact camera, master its settings, and compose striking underwater images with natural and artificial lighting. The book covers everything from protecting your gear to practical shooting tips for both beginners and experienced snorkelers or divers. For example, chapters on lighting your subject and mastering camera menus delve into technical details without overwhelming you, making it a solid resource if you want to improve your underwater shots without investing in expensive equipment.

This tailored book explores the art and technique of underwater photography through a focused 30-day journey. It covers essential photographic principles, underwater lighting challenges, equipment handling, composition, and color correction, all matched to your unique background and goals. The content reveals how to make visible progress rapidly by concentrating on the aspects that matter most to you. By combining proven knowledge with your personal interests, this personalized guide examines practical steps to enhance your shots underwater. It exposes you to technical details and creative approaches, making the learning experience engaging and deeply relevant. The result is a custom resource designed to accelerate your development with clear, actionable focus.

Unlike most photography guides that focus on general techniques, Jack and Sue Drafahl tailor their expertise specifically to the underwater environment, addressing the unique challenges this setting imposes. You learn how to choose the right digital camera and master exposure adjustments to capture clear, vibrant underwater images despite tricky lighting and water distortion. The book also covers practical skills like camera maintenance and problem-solving common issues like backscatter or color loss. If you're diving into underwater photography with a digital camera, this guide equips you with tools and knowledge to elevate your shots beyond typical snapshots.

Flip Schulke's decades of experience as a leading underwater photographer led to this focused guide on how evolving photography and diving technologies intersect under the waves. You learn practical techniques tailored to the unique challenges of underwater environments, such as managing light distortion and equipment handling while diving. The book walks you through specific scenarios where professional methods solve common problems like low visibility or subject movement, making it especially useful if you want to elevate your underwater shots. Whether you're an enthusiast or a pro, this book sharpens your skills with well-grounded insights rather than broad theory.