Our 10 Best Tips for the Best Underwater Snorkelling Photography

by Mihai Pinzariu on January 21, 2020

Want to try your hand at underwater snorkelling photography? Awesome! We love seeing people’s snorkelling photos because it lets us see the huge variety of amazing underwater experiences and scenery that’s out there.

Here are our 10 best tips to get you started on getting those Instagrammable shots that perfectly capture your snorkelling moments perfectly.

1. Safety first

Before we get to the good stuff, we have to talk about safety. Safety is what lets you enjoy snorkelling time and time again, with no injuries and no worries.

So if you plan on taking some hot shots underwater, keep in mind the following:

Don’t risk your safety by swimming into dangerous currents just to get a good photo,
Make sure you’re aware of the water conditions before you step out,
Take a buddy with you or tell someone where you plan to be.

Remember, there’s no point in taking beautiful photos if nobody gets to see them in the end! Safety first and always.

2. Get the right equipment

It might be tempting to spend the least amount of money on any old waterproof camera, but if you want amazing photos then you’ll have to invest in buying the right equipment. But that doesn’t mean forking out hundreds for a technical piece of equipment. Even just investing in a solid waterproof phone case can make all the difference (read point three).

Once you’ve got your equipment ready, make sure that you are familiar with how to use it before you head out in the water. Experiment with all the different functions and learn all the necessary movements you need to make. This will stop you from fiddling around in the water and missing that awesome shot!

3. Get a waterproof phone case

If you’re not at the stage where you can splurge on a top-of-the-range GoPro, don’t fret. You can use your smartphone to take underwater photos, too! Most smartphones take stunning high definition photos these days, so the most important element here is to purchase a solid waterproof phone case that won’t mess with the quality of your camera.

At NinjaShark we stock durable, lightweight, and crystal-clear waterproof phone cases that make snorkelling photography accessible to everyone.

4. Pay attention to the direction of the light

Water has a higher density than air, which means that light is absorbed differently. Because it eats up the entire spectrum of reds in a photograph, it’s easy to lose the brilliant colours of a coral reef when taking photos underwater. The more water and light that passes between your camera and the subject, the less colour will come out in your photo. Except blue of course!

To capture the true vivid colours that you see in real life, omit as much light as possible from your photo. You can do this by getting right up close to the corals or fish that you’re trying to photograph. The closer you are, the more colour will appear in your shot. Read our article about how light travels through water for more information on how this all works.

At the same time, an important factor to note here is to keep your lens away from the sun - unless you want to capture sunrays in your pictures, which can be seriously beautiful! Keep the sun behind you when photographing underwater as the scene will naturally be backlit, just like having your own natural studio light.

5. Photograph in calm and clear water

Visibility can change quickly in the water, and that’s something you don’t want to mess with when taking photos. The more particles that are in the water, the less clear your shots will be. The water particles will basically appear like little snowflakes in your photos.

Be sure you step out on calm and clear days, when there is less movement in the water. If necessary, wait in between waves to get your shot. Patience is key to capturing those stunning snorkelling photos!

6. Shoot around midday

Midday is the best time for snorkelling photography as the sun is as its brightest and filtering through the water lighting up the colours within. This is the ‘golden hour’ of underwater photography.

You’ll get vivid colours, brilliant blues, and all the essential elements for an incredible photo. So you should make use of this awesome natural lighting when it’s there!

7. Master your buoyancy while snorkelling

If you want your photos to be clear and focused, you need to master your buoancy! Otherwise, it can be tricky to stay afloat and stop your camera from jerking around. Being able to stay still when floating gives you a steadier hold on your camera, giving you sharper and clearer photos. This is something you really want to work on before jumping in for your underwater photoshoot.

Being able to float calmly also means you’ll have more control over your body’s movements so that you can attract more sea life around you to get the shots you’re looking for. Sudden movements can scare fish around you and make it harder to get those good photos. Some tips to help you include:

Holding your camera close to your body,
Feeling the movements of the ocean and only going for the shot when the water is still,
Using a snorkel with a camera mount,
Avoid kicking your feet.

8. Get to know your subject

If you’re looking to photograph animals and underwater creatures, make sure you do your homework beforehand. Know what kind of creatures are lurking beneath the surface, how they behave in different circumstances, and how much of a risk they may pose to your safety. The last thing you want is to disrupt animal life in search of a hot shot.

9. Learn how to use underwater photography editing software

Most snorkelling photos you see have been processed with photo editing software to get those vibrant and colourful results. If you want professional, magazine-worthy images then you should also learn to use those softwares. They’re the secret ingredient that balance different elements to turn a great photo into a stunning one.

There are lots of different editing softwares you can use, from basic to professional depending on how well you know your way around a computer. The tools you’re looking for will be contrast, colour temperature, saturation, sharpness, and brightness. Play around with these functions until you get the perfect picture.

10. Don’t chase wildlife just to get a photo

Finally, don’t forget what got you into snorkelling in the first place. It’s your love of underwater wildlife and the beautiful corals. When photographing sea creatures, try to capture them in their natural environment and habitat. That means photographing what you see, and not chasing animals just to get them in your picture.

If that beautiful fish or whale floats past before you can take a snap - let it go. Don’t chase them and force the photo to happen. Wait patiently and you’ll get the chance to capture them again!

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The answer is: too many! Traditional snorkel masks can be uncomfortable and scary for many people, so the beauty of snorkelling goes undiscovered and unexperienced. Whether it's breathing difficulties, choking on sea water, or foggy goggles, there's a lot that prevents people from enjoying the wonderful sport of snorkelling. And that thought makes us sad.

We think everyone should be able to enjoy the underwater world - safely, comfortably, and easily. That's why we created Ninja Shark and our revolutionary line of full face snorkel masks. They're designed to be super comfy, easy-to-use, and make snorkelling accessible for all. Because nobody should miss out on discovering what's under the sea.

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs. 

While other water equipments companies offer just a way to look under the water, NINJASHARK wants to create an amazing experience for water enthusiasts. That's why we listen to your feedbacks and we develop products based on them.

"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.

CHECK OUR NEW PRODUCTS

VIEW DETAILS

“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

CHECK OUT OUR PRODUCTS

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.

That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.

Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)

Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Longer Tube Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids (3-11 Years)

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

Air Adults - Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults

Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Package: Longer Tube (Mask + Fins + Bag) 3-11 Years

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

Package: Equaliser PRO (Mask + Fins + Bag)

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!

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