Learn make a career out of underwater photography.
Underwater photography has been around since the 19th century, when William Bauer, a German inventor, attempted to take underwater photographs through submarine portholes. Since then, camera and computer technology has improved, and underwater photographs can now capture the broad range of vivid colors and motion in different underwater landscapes. Modern underwater photographers have the ability to take crisp, clear images of a variety of underwater subjects, including models, sharks and even crime scenes.
Freelance Underwater Photographer
A freelance underwater photographer earns money by selling underwater photographs to businesses, magazines and other individuals. To be successful, a freelance underwater photographer should have diving skills and a good working knowledge of underwater photography. These photographers may have difficulty getting jobs because of the large number of photographers in the industry. However, it is possible for talented and creative entrepreneurs to make a living wage from freelance photography if they are diligent in promoting their photography and building an impressive portfolio.
Underwater photographs of sharks and whales are usually in demand for nature publications, and freelance underwater photographers can also take portraits of children and models underwater. There are companies that allow photographers to submit underwater photographs and keep a part of the earnings of any sold through the companies' websites.
Underwater Photography Instructor
Underwater photography is a popular type of photography to learn, so there are many opportunities available for people who wish to instruct others in underwater photography. You can seek employment with groups such as PADI, The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which employs underwater photography instructors. These instructors can also find employment in the tourist trade, as there are many underwater photography schools in cruise ship towns and other ocean side tourist stops. Oftentimes these courses are offered alongside diving courses so that amateur divers can take pictures of their underwater experiences.
Forensic Underwater Photographer
As forensic and underwater photography technology improves, several universities, such as UC Davis, are beginning to offer underwater forensic photography. Underwater photographers learn investigate crime underwater scenes and properly document the evidence. Since is it more difficult to document underwater evidence, forensic underwater photographers can be a valuable addition to any forensics department. These photographers must not only know the proper forensic methodology, but be diving certified and know properly take underwater images while accounting for things such as water density and image clarity.
Tags: underwater photographs, underwater photography, underwater photographers, forensic underwater, freelance underwater