Capturing your kids’ joy underwater is pure magic! But, figuring out how to do it without blurry photos, fogged-up lenses, or ruined gear can feel intimidating. In this post, Virginia mom and professional photographer Wendy Cox shares her best beginner-friendly tips for taking underwater photos of your kids. From gear recommendations and lighting tricks to posing ideas and editing hacks, Wendy breaks it all down in simple, approachable steps. Whether you’re using a phone, GoPro, or waterproof camera setup, you’ll learn how to safely capture crisp, colorful, joy-filled images of your kids beneath the surface (and maybe have a little extra fun together in the process).
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Beginner’s Guide to Underwater Photography
“Mom, watch this!”
How many times have we heard that phrase? I can’t even begin to count, especially when we’re at the pool. My kids want me to watch them jump in. They want me to see them do a handstand underwater. They ask me to watch while they hold their breath. When they cannonball, it doesn’t even count if I wasn’t watching it happen.
It can get a little repetitive after the 99th “Watch this!” – but grab a camera, and suddenly you’re the one saying it. Underwater photography turns ordinary pool play into something magical. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can capture bright, joyful memories of your kids that will last a lifetime.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about underwater photography, from gear and lighting tips to editing and creativity, so you can confidently take your camera (or phone) beneath the surface this summer.
Best Underwater Photography Gear for Parents
There are many choices when it comes to shooting underwater. The prices range from less than $20 to several thousand. For the purposes of this beginner’s guide, let’s talk about four of my favorite options for beginning your journey into underwater photos.
1. Waterproof Phone Cases
If you’re planning to only use your cell phone for photos, there are many great options. The least expensive option is a simple waterproof case that you slide your phone into. Here you still have access to the touchscreen, and most will even float in the water. Try this option from Amazon.
If you’re looking for a more advanced underwater system to use with your phone, I highly recommend this case from Aquatech. It’s at a much higher price point, but there are a couple advantages.
First, you can go to a depth of 10 meters with this case. The touchscreen is still completely accessible, and you have the option to use a bluetooth shutter grip. This allows you to have more control over when the picture is taken.
Second, the Aquatech case has the option to purchase an additional and phenomenal accessory. This six inch dome can attach to the case. When in use, you can get those coveted over/under shots. At around $200 for just this attachment, it’s a little pricey, but if you’re at a point where you’re ready to get more creative with your underwater photography, this is your best option.
Pro Tip: Always test your case in shallow water first before diving in with your kids!
2. GoPro
Not all of us want to take out phones in the water with us…I get that! The point is to increase our time off screens, right? The GoPro camera is a great option here. I love not having the distraction of text messages, emails, or phone calls when I’m playing with my kids in the water.
My first GoPro was the Hero 5 that I bought back in 2017 (it still works great – and now my kids use it!). I currently have the Hero 10. The newest model is the 13 and can be purchased for about $300. This is a great price for such a versatile camera.
One of my favorite parts of the GoPro cameras is that they can shoot in RAW. This is a type of file that allows for maximum versatility when editing your underwater images. We’ll talk about editing in a bit, but editing underwater photos can be a challenge. You want everything to work in your favor, and having a RAW image instead of a JPEG to work with is a game changer.
The newest GoPro has all kinds of lens attachments and fun features. If you’re into taking videos underwater, this is definitely what you’ll want for that 4K video capability. The quality of GoPro videos is unparalleled for the price of the camera. They don’t call it the “official camera of fun” for no reason!
3. DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Cases
Perhaps you have started a photography journey already and are now looking to dive into underwater images (pun intended). You already have a DSLR or mirrorless camera that you know how to use well, and would prefer not to purchase more expensive gear.
Enter the DiCaPac waterproof case. Depending on the camera body and lens you have, you can purchase a DiCaPac on Amazon for around $100. I used this for a couple years, and had no problems with water getting into the bag. I really enjoyed being able to use my “big” camera with manual controls underwater. I was at the point where I wanted to have complete control over all of the settings, and I couldn’t do that with the GoPro or my phone.
If you’re shooting in auto, I would recommend the GoPro. But if you’re shooting in manual, the DiCaPac will give you much more flexibility when taking underwater photos.
Now that you know what gear is best for your situation, let’s take a plunge into what to do when you’re actually taking the pictures.
How to get Started with Underwater Photography
Where to Start: Practice in a Pool
When you begin shooting underwater, you will have the most success in a pool. Pools typically have clearer water than the ocean, rivers, lakes, or streams. They are the most controlled environment. You’ll want to get comfortable shooting in a pool before you move on to other bodies of water, if you have the option.
Start your underwater photography journey at a private pool, if possible. You’ll be worrying about lighting, position of your subject in the frame, holding your breath, getting the angle you want, and so much more. You definitely don’t want to have to worry about a thousand other kids getting in the way of your shot.
Find a friend, neighbor, or family member with a pool and start practicing there. It will make things so much easier for you!
Understanding Light & Weather
Photography can be described as painting with light. Light is extremely important in any situation where photography is concerned. It will make all the difference in how your photos turn out.
Choose a Sunny Day
When you’re just starting out with underwater photography, you’ll want to shoot on a sunny day. Light travels easily through the air around us, but not quite so easily through water. There is so much more that can distort, color, or obscure the light that we need to make a good image. Because of this, you’ll want the most light possible to begin with. That’s why shooting on a sunny day will give you the best results.
Time of Day Matters
I recommend shooting at least two hours after the sun rises, or at least two hours before the sun sets. If you’re shooting in your own pool, make a note of any shaded spots during different times of day. Aim to shoot when most of the pool is in full sun, but not when the sun is directly overhead.
Shooting with the sun directly overhead will cause dark shadows under your subject’s eyes. Those shadows are extremely hard to edit. Make it easier on yourself and start with optimal lighting!
Face the Light
Your location in the pool is going to make a big difference. Place yourself in the pool with your back to the sun. Face your subject, and make sure they are facing you too. This should mean that they are also facing the sun. With their whole face illuminated, your image will have optimal lighting.
Composition Tips for Getting the Best Underwater Shots
Get Close
Your proximity to the subject is the second most important part when beginning to shoot underwater (Remember, your first priority is always lighting!) The more water you have between you and your subject, the harder it will be for your camera to focus. More water between you also means less light getting to your lens, and less clarity.
When you’re as close as you can be to your subject, you’ll focus easier and have better chances at a crisp, bright image.
Use Burst Mode
Kids move fast! Use your camera’s burst mode (or continuous shooting) to take multiple photos in seconds. You’ll have a much better chance of capturing that perfect jump or underwater smile.
Try Different Angles
Get creative! Shoot from below as they dive in. Capture half-in, half-out “over/under” shots. Photograph their bubbles or ripples for artistic flair. There are so many different ways to shoot underwater and so many fun and interesting shots and details to catch – just start looking for them!
What to Wear for Underwater Photos
Color can make a dramatic impact on an underwater photo. Because the water appears blue in photos, wearing something blue will blend in with the background. My favorite colors to put my kids in when shooting underwater are red, yellow, and orange. These warm colors contrast extremely well with the cool blue of the water.
If you have a kiddo that is a strong swimmer and extremely comfortable in the water, it’s fun to try out a mermaid tail or even a tulle skirt.
Editing Underwater Photos
Editing underwater photos is a challenge. If you follow the above suggestions, it will give you the best results straight out of the camera, but your photos will still need some editing to make them really pop.
But, just a reminder, that if you’ve made it this far, give yourself a huge pat on the back! Be proud of yourself for taking the underwater photos, and bask in the joy of your little ones seeing themselves having an incredible time playing in the water. That’s the real reason we’re taking these pictures, right? We want our children to see their childhood through our eyes! We want to remember how much fun we had together every summer.
If you are someone who edits in Lightroom, here are a few tips. Some edits I make on the majority of my underwater images are:
- Bring up the contrast
- Bring up the clarity
- Warm up the skin tones with a masking brush
- Play with the blue and aqua HSL sliders
Best Presets for Underwater Photos
My dear friend Sophia Costa sells some amazing underwater presets for Lightroom. You can purchase the presets through her website.
Sophia is the queen of underwater photography. If you are ever in Hawaii I highly encourage you to book a family underwater session with her in the ocean. Her work is phenomenal, and the images she captures for you will be priceless. I had the incredible opportunity to learn from Sophia in person in Hawaii. Her connection to the ocean is apparent in her images. She taught me so much about shooting underwater, and I am constantly inspired by her work.
Final Thoughts: Dive In!
Spending time near water isn’t just fun, it’s healing. The benefits of “blue hours” (time spent by water) are well-documented for both kids and adults. It boosts our mood, creativity, and connection with nature.
So this summer, don’t let those underwater moments slip away. Grab your camera, pick your setup, and start experimenting. Whether you’re capturing cannonballs, mermaid dreams, or underwater giggles, these are the photos your kids will treasure forever.
If you need inspiration, have questions, or want to connect, you can find me on social media @wendycoxphotography.
May your summer be spectacular, your photos be phenomenal, and your memories be magnificent!
About the author
Wendy is a married momma who recently moved from central San Diego, CA to Roanoke, Virginia. She’s raising 4 human kids, 2 goat kids, 4 chickens, and one grumpy cat. She enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, backpacking, going to the beach, and generally getting out-of-doors. Wendy is a family photographer and also works at several local elementary schools as the garden educator. She dreams of traveling to all 50 states and beyond, and believes that there is great beauty to be found in all parts of the earth, we just have to open our eyes to see it.
Instagram: @wendycoxphotography
Website: http://www.wendycoxphotography.com