The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Course is one of the most popular specialty diver courses. It’s easy and fun to capture images of your underwater scuba adventures.
PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Course Overview
Take only photos, leave only bubbles.
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.

PADI Open Water Divers who are at least 10 years old are eligible to take the Digital Underwater Photography course.
To complete the academic studies, we estimate 6 hours of independent study.
To complete the water based portions of this course (2 dives), will take 1 day (8 hour day).
Beyond using standard scuba equipment, you’ll use a digital underwater camera and a computer or other device for downloading and viewing your images. All required equipment for your course is supplied by ABC Diving.
The total, fully inclusive cost of the PADI Digital Underwater Photography Course starts at €210.00 with our ‘Standard’ option. Our ‘Bespoke’ option is €460.00.
This includes:
– All dive equipment needed for the completion of your course
– PADI educational materials
– Certification cost
THE LEARNING PATH
An insight into dive 1:
- Enter the water safely wearing snorkelling or scuba equipment in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
- Remove bubbles from the lens and housing.
- Test the various camera housing controls for proper function.
- Visually inspect the camera system for potential water entry.
- Position the camera lens down and be ready to lift the camera system above water if water is entering the housing.
- Dive with an underwater photo system demonstrating care for the environment by applying techniques that avoid damaging it.
- Take horizontal and vertical photos of a dive partner. While taking these photos, students practise:
- Take a variety of underwater photos of as many subjects as possible.
- Holding the underwater housing in such a manner to avoid blurred photos and obstructing the lens and viewfinder.
- Getting close to subjects.
- Shooting at an upward angle, when appropriate.
- At the end of the dive, the student will exit the water safely in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
An insight into dive 2:
- Independently assemble and test camera equipment prior to the dive.
- Enter the water safely wearing snorkelling or scuba equipment in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
- Dive with an underwater photo system demonstrating care for the environment and techniques that avoid damaging it.
- Practise getting proper exposure, contrast and sharpness by using and controlling (as appropriate to the camera system) shutter, aperture, EV control, focus and flash.
- Practise getting good colour by using (as appropriate to the camera system) white balance, flash, filters and wide angle lenses.
- Practise composition through choice of subject, subject positioning, negative space and other compositional elements.
- Demonstrate use of the PADI SEA Method by using (as appropriate to the camera system) the LCD monitor and/or histogram to evaluate exposure, sharpness and composition.
- At the end of the dive, exit the water safely in a manner that protects the camera system from damage.
Topics covered during the academic portion are:
- Digital Underwater Camera Systems
- General Digital Photography
- Digital Underwater Photography
- Basic Underwater Shooting
- The PADI SEA Method
- Making Your Underwater Photos Lighter or Darker
- Examining and Adjusting Exposure Underwater
- Achieving Sharp Pictures Underwater
- Composing Your Photos for Maximum Effect
- Basic Underwater Strobe Use
- Using Built-In Flash Underwater
- Using External Flash Underwater
how the booking Process works
It's As Easy As ABC!
1. Choose your course option
Click ‘Request to book’ button and complete the booking request form. Only 1 form per group is required.
2. Booking approval
Within 3 working hours, your booking request will either be approved or an alternate date suggested.
3. Pack your towel!
Once the booking is approved, a payment request is sent to you. Upon payment, your booking is confirmed.
Choose your course option
Bespoke or Standard?
Bespoke
€460
- Private Tuition
- Private Transfer Service From Anywhere in Malta
- 1 Day Course
- 2 Open Water Dives
- PADI Underwater Photographer Certification
- PADI Educational Materials
- Premium Dive Equipment Supplied
- You Choose the Days
- Student Dive Insurance Included
Standard
€210
- Class size up to 4
- Daily pick up/drop off service From Transport Zone*
- 1 Day Course
- 2 Open Water Dives
- PADI Underwater Photographer Certification
- PADI Educational Materials
- Premium Dive Equipment Supplied
- You Choose the Days
- No Student Dive Insurance Included
*View Transport Zone
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