PADI Digital Underwater Photographer – Level 1
Develop the foundational skills required to capture clear, controlled, and visually effective underwater photographs using recreational digital imaging systems
Duration
1 day, 2 dives
Max Depth
30 metres / 100 feet
Level
Continuing Education Speciality Course
Overview
The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer – Level 1 speciality course introduces divers to the equipment, techniques, and operational procedures required for successful underwater photography using digital imaging systems.
This programme develops:
- camera handling,
- underwater composition,
- buoyancy control while task-loaded,
- and image-planning awareness in recreational diving environments.
Training focuses on:
- practical shooting techniques,
- lighting awareness,
- environmental control,
- and responsible interaction with marine life while photographing underwater subjects.
At N9BO℠, underwater photography training develops divers capable of capturing stable, controlled, and environmentally responsible underwater images in real-world tropical diving conditions.
Course Facts
- Course name: PADI Digital Underwater Photographer – Level 1
- Level: Continuing Education Speciality Course
- Minimum prerequisites: Minimum age 10, Certified as PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Ratio: Maximum of 8 students per instructor (small groups recommended for quality training)
- Configuration: standard recreational scuba equipment plus underwater photography systems, including digital underwater camera, underwater housing, lighting systems where appropriate, lanyards or attachment systems,and image-management accessories
- Depth / environment: 30 metres / 100 feet, Open water recreational dive sites, Macro-photography environments, Boat-diving environments
- Format: Knowledge development + camera workshops + composition exercises + open water underwater-photography dives
- Duration: Typically completed in 1 day
What You’ll Learn
- Configure basic underwater digital-imaging systems
- Refine buoyancy, trim, and underwater stability while task-loaded
- Capture wide-angle, macro, and subject-focused underwater images
- Improve composition, lighting awareness, and environmental control underwater
- Develop practical underwater photography capability using recreational digital systems
Prerequisites
- Be at least 10 years old
- Certified as PADI Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Be medically fit for diving
FAQ
Yes.
The programme is specifically designed for:
- divers beginning underwater photography,
- or divers wishing to improve image quality and camera-handling techniques.
No.
Many divers complete the course using:
- compact digital cameras,
- action cameras,
- or entry-level underwater imaging systems.
Yes.
Training includes:
- natural-light awareness,
- positioning,
- basic lighting control,
- and image-composition principles.
Yes.
The programme provides:
- foundational camera skills,
- underwater imaging awareness,
- and operational control required for more advanced underwater photography and videography pathways.
Many divers continue into:
- Digital Underwater Photographer – Level 2,
- Underwater Videographer,
- Peak Performance Buoyancy,
- or advanced marine-life imaging pathways.
Ready to Start Capturing the Underwater World?
Whether you want to improve travel photos, document marine life, or begin developing serious underwater imaging skills, our team will help you build the control, awareness, and practical techniques required for successful underwater photography.
Go Pro with the PADI Speciality Instructor Training Programme
Expand your professional teaching capability through speciality instructor development programmes delivered by experienced PADI Course Directors at N9BO℠. Build the instructional versatility, real-world teaching confidence, and continuing-education capability required to teach a broader range of diver-training programmes and progress further within the recreational diving industry.
