PADI Specialty Courses
PADI Digital Underwater Photography
Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and with so many underwater cameras to choose from, it has become easier and more fun than ever to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly, whether you use a point-and-shoot camera or a sophisticated dSLR like the pros.
Course Introduction
In this specialty course your instructor will help hone your photography skills so you can capture even more stunning images of the corals and marine fishes you see. You will learn how to select the right camera for you, so you can continue with your photography passion after the course is complete. You will also learn the most important principles of taking pictures underwater, and some basic photo editing skills too, so you can wow your friends and family with the quality of your diving holiday snaps.
The purpose of the PADI Underwater Photographer specialty course is to familiarize divers with the skills, knowledge, planning, organization, procedures, techniques, problems, hazards and enjoyment of underwater still photography. The Underwater Photographer specialty course is intended to serve as a safe and supervised introduction to underwater still photography techniques used in the underwater environment.
Course Overview
What will you learn?
Through hands-on training during two scuba dives and guidance from your PADI Professional, you’ll discover:
- How to choose the right underwater camera system for you.
- The PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots quickly.
- Principles for good composition of underwater images.
- Practical techniques to take great photos with your digital camera.
Get credit! The second dive of this PADI Specialty Diver course may credit as an Adventure Dive toward your Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
How can you start learning now?
Sign up for Digital Underwater Photographer Online – PADI’s eLearning option – to get started immediately. The web-based system guides you through the principles of great underwater photography, with a bonus section on underwater imaging (including video). You study at your own pace through an easy-to-use, interactive program. You also have access to an online version of the Digital Underwater Photographer Manual.
You may register online or stop by at our training center located at Shah Alam Aquatic Center to enroll in the course, get your materials and start learning. Your PADI Professional will meet with you to schedule knowledge review sessions along with your dives
What scuba gear will you use?
Beyond using basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a digital underwater camera and a computer or other device for downloading and viewing your images. Your PADI Pro may suggest additional equipment and accessories depending on your camera system. Visit your local dive center to get advice about everything you need for your underwater photography adventures.
Guide for selecting the right underwater camera systems
From simple point-and-shoot cameras to more high-end equipment that shoots high-definition images, you’ll find a system that meets your video and photography needs.
With the rise of digital photography capabilities, there are now numerous options for capturing images underwater. From simple point-and-shoot cameras that take both photographs and video to more high-end equipment that shoots high-definition images, you’re sure to find a system that meets your needs. Talk to our our instructors to get advice about underwater imaging equipment.
Standard Features
Underwater housing – Although some cameras are water resistant to very shallow depths, none can perform at scuba diving depths without an underwater housing to protect them from water and pressure. There are camera housings that mount on masks, and others that can be attached almost anywhere.
Underwater Camera Styles
- Point-and-shoot – Compact, easy-to-use cameras designed for casual, fun pictures or videos. Smartphones and tablets fall into this category with the release of underwater housings for many models.
- dSLRs – Digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras are for those who are serious about photography. They have multiple lenses and other accessories that make shooting more productive and convenient.
- Full-featured – These cameras bridge the gap between point-and-shoot and dSLRs by offering a moderately compact, easy-to-use camera with many features of a dSLR.
Optional Features
- Manual white balance – Allows you to adjust for more realistic color.
- External flash – A separate strobe underwater provides more light from a better angle.
- Full control access –The more controls your housing provides, the more options you have while shooting.
- Wide-angle adapter – This allows you to use a wide-angle lens. Nearly all dSLR systems have this capability.
- Large memory card – You want enough capacity to shoot as much as you can on a single dive without concern about running out of memory.
How To Choose
-
Start by taking the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course, which helps you determine which system best suits your needs and interests.
- Ask yourself why you want to take underwater images, and of what?
- If you already have a camera you enjoy using, check if an underwater housing exists for it. If not, shop for your camera, housing, lenses and strobes or other accessories together.
- Consider all the features starting with size. Then consider how much control you want, not just now, but as your passion for underwater imaging grows.
- Make sure your personal computer and software will work with your camera system and matches your interest in editing photos.
Maintenance
- Have a camera bag or padded case to protect your imaging gear.
- Use a port cover to protect the lens port before getting in the water and as soon as you get out, before your housing goes into the rinse bucket.
- After a dive, rinse the system thoroughly in fresh water, ideally by swishing it back and forth in a clean rinse bucket.
- Thoroughly dry the housing before opening it. You also need to be dry so you don’t drip water into the housing and onto your camera.
- Store your camera system in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If you won’t be using it for a while, remove large o-rings from housing and remove batteries from the camera.
The key to underwater photography is mixing light: ambient and strobe. Mixing it the way you want at a predefined time & moments.
This is the AESTHETIC of UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Course Package and Rates
OPTION 1 : EXPAND YOUR DIVE HORIZON
This option is for continuing dive education, students with Openwater Diver or Freediver certification from any dive organization. Discover Scuba Diving or any Trial Scuba experiance program (certified within 3 month period) may also enroll for this course.
Level 01
Openwater Certification
For Certified Openwater Dive Students & Discover Scuba Diving Experienced Program
Package Detail
- Included
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual (Included)
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer White Balance Slate (Included)
- 1x Pool/Openwater Peak Performance Buoyancy Dive
- Use of Scuba diving equipment (Scuba tanks, BCD, Regulator, Weight Systems, Mask, Fins)
- 2x Openwater Boat Dives*
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images. - Island accomodation, travel and meals
RM850
Perhentian Island (2 Days/3 Dives)
Level 02
Openwater Certification
For Certified Openwater Dive Students & Discover Scuba Diving Experienced Program
Package Detail
- 1x Pool/Openwater Peak Performance Dive
- 2x Openwater Boat Dives
Not included
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual (Use pre-owned course manual from Level 01)
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer White Balance Slate (Use pre-owned white balance slate rom Level 01)
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images. - Island accomodation, travel and meals
Recommended
The following are recommended, but not required, for Level Two:
- Browser and image processing software for practicing organizing and adjusting digital images
- Photo quality printer with photo paper and inks
RM750
Perhentian Island (2 Days/3 Dives)
Level 01 + 02 Combo
Openwater Certification
For Certified Openwater Dive Students & Discover Scuba Diving Experienced Program
Package Detail
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual (Included)
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer White Balance Slate (Included)
- 1x Pool/Openwater Peak Performance Dive*
- 4x Openwater Boat Dives*
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images - Island accomodation, travel and meals
Recommended
The following are recommended, but not required, for Level Two:
- Browser and image processing software for practicing organizing and adjusting digital images
- Photo quality printer with photo paper and inks
RM1450
Perhentian Island (2 Days/3 Dives)
Course Package and Rates
OPTION 2 : DISCOVER UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCED PROGRAM
Its easy and fun with our combo Digital Underwater Photographer Course + Discover Scuba Diving experience program.
There are no specific performance requirements for this experience, however participants know how to aim, focus and take the picture, they’ll have fun and you’ve met the objective of the experience.
DISCOVER UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCED PROGRAM
Pool Session
This is a simple experience that consists of providing participants with digital underwater cameras that are prepared in advance. Students will had an opportunity to read the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual in advance.
The Discover Digital Underwater Photography experience has no performance requirements and does not result in certification
Package Detail
Included
- Discover Scuba Diving Program (1x pool/openwater dive)
- 1x additional underwater photography dive
- Discover Scuba Diving Wall Certificate
- Use of Scuba diving equipment (Scuba tanks, BCD, Regulator, Weight Systems, Mask, Fins)
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images. - Island accomodation, travel and meals
RM250
Pusat Akuatik Darul Ehsan Dive Pool (2 Dives)
DISCOVER UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCED PROGRAM
Openwater Session
This is a simple experience that consists of providing participants with digital underwater cameras that are prepared in advance. Students will had an opportunity to read the PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual in advance.
The Discover Digital Underwater Photography experience has no performance requirements and does not result in certification
Package Detail
Included
- Discover Scuba Diving Program (1x pool/openwater dive)
- 1x additional underwater photography dive
- Discover Scuba Diving Wall Certificate
- Use of Scuba diving equipment (Scuba tanks, BCD, Regulator, Weight Systems, Mask, Fins)
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images. - Island accomodation, travel and meals
RM295
Perhentian Island (2 Dives)
Course Package and Rates
OPTION 3 : PROFESSIONAL UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER
Go Pro with our combo Digital Underwater Photographer Course + Openwater Diver Course
Beginning to Intermediate
Openwater Certification Level 1
Go Pro with our combo Digital Underwater Photographer Course + Openwater Diver Course
Package Detail
Included
- PADI Openwater Diver Manual
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer White Balance Slate (Included)
- PADI Digital Underwater Photography ID Card & Wall Certificate
- Classroom (2x classroom}
- 2x Pool Training Dives
- 4x openwater diver course certification dives
- 1x Pool/Openwater Peak Performance Dive*
- 2x Openwater Photography Boat Dives*
- Use of complete set of scuba diving equipment during the entire course training
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images - Island accomodation, travel and meals
RM1850
Perhentian Island (7 Days/9 Dives)
Advanced to Professional
Openwater Certification Level 2
Go Pro with our combo Digital Underwater Photographer Course + Openwater Diver Course
Package Detail
- PADI Openwater Diver Manual
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual
- PADI Digital Underwater Photographer White Balance Slate (Included)
- Classroom (2x classroom}
- 2x Pool Training Dives
- 4x openwater diver course certification dives
- 1x Pool/Openwater Peak Performance Dive*
- 4x Openwater Photography Boat Dives*
- Use of complete set of scuba diving equipment during the entire course training
Not included
- Digital camera with underwater housing
- Support hardware as necessary, including but not limited to camera batteries, memory cards, o-ring lubricant, etc.
- A computer, drive or other device for downloading and backing up images
A computer, printer or other device (other than the camera) suitable for viewing digital images. - Island accomodation, travel and meals
Recommended
The following are recommended, but not required, for Level Two:
- Browser and image processing software for practicing organizing and adjusting digital images
- Photo quality printer with photo paper and inks