“How to Become an Underwater Photographer step-by-step”

1. Understand the Basics of Photography

• Learn the Fundamentals: Before diving into underwater photography, make sure you have a solid understanding of basic photography concepts such as exposure, composition, and lighting.
• Invest in a Good Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings will give you more control over your shots. Also, the weight is so important, you wanna carry as less as possible. I personally love my mirrorless Sony Alpha 7 III.  

2. Get Comfortable with Diving

• Get Certified: Enroll in a diving certification course from a recognized agency like PADI or SSI. Safety is paramount when diving. I started diving 11 years ago as a hobby in Thailand and I became Scuba Instructor 7 years ago. This experienced helped me to be confortable underwater and just focusing on my photography during my dives. If you come to México and you are thinking to get certified or just improve your underwater skills to became an underwater photographer, 
• Practice Diving Skills: Gain experience and confidence in diving. The more comfortable you are underwater, the better your photography will be.

3. Choose the Right Equipment

• Underwater Housing: Protect your camera with a quality underwater housing. Ensure it’s compatible with your camera model. For my Sony a7III, I bought an Ikelite housing.
• Strobes and Lights: Underwater lighting is crucial as natural light diminishes quickly underwater. Invest in strobes or continuous lights. I´m very confident and happy over the years with my Strobes from Sea & Sea. You can find different models, sizes and prices. My first one was a very simple one that was very good for training, and then, I bought a more powerfull one that after 6 years is working perfectly.
• Lenses: Wide-angle and macro lenses are commonly used in underwater photography to capture large scenes and small marine life, respectively. 

4. Learn Underwater Photography Techniques

• Master Buoyancy: Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the environment and getting clear shots.
• Understand Color Correction: Water absorbs different wavelengths of light, so learning about color correction and using filters can help maintain the natural colors in your photos.
• Composition: Apply photography composition rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing, even underwater.

5. Develop Post-Processing Skills

• Editing Software: Familiarize yourself with photo editing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your images.
• Color Correction: Adjust the white balance and colors to correct any distortions caused by water.

6. Build a Portfolio

• Curate Your Best Work: Select your best photos to showcase in a professional portfolio.
• Create a Website: A personal website or blog can help you reach a broader audience and showcase your work.
• Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share your photos and connect with other photographers and potential clients.

7. Market Yourself

• SEO and Blogging: Write SEO-friendly blog posts about your experiences, techniques, and equipment reviews to attract organic traffic.
• Networking: Connect with diving centers, artist, marine conservation organizations, and other photographers.
• Workshops and Exhibitions: Participate in photography workshops and exhibitions to gain exposure and improve your skills.

8. Stay Informed and Inspired

• Follow Trends: Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in underwater photography.
• Join Communities: Participate in forums, online communities, and local photography clubs to stay motivated and inspired.

By following these steps, you can start your journey towards becoming a successful underwater photographer. Remember, practice and patience are key. Happy diving and photographing!