How I Take Underwater Photos of Kids + You Can Too!
Happy summer! Pool season is here and there is nothing I love more than taking action and underwater photos of kids. As a family lifestyle photographer, I learned I need to meet kids where they are at. As a mom of tween boys that includes lots of action, adventure and embracing the chaos. Today I am sharing how to take underwater photos + my underwater photography. I want to show you how you too can jump into the underwater photography game. Below are four consumer grade underwater photography products + and one professional option that will take you from start to finish.
1. Consider a LifeProof case for your phone to take underwater photos of kids.
I started out about five years ago with a Lifeproof FRĒ SERIES Waterproof Case case for my iPhone 5. This was a great starting point to jump into the underwater photography world. The case makes it easy to operate your phone underwater and a great way for the kids to get involved too. You can instantly see what you capture so it makes doing a retake easy.
2. Get a GoPro and get active. Great action images for a family lifestyle photographer.
This is probably the easies and best way to jump into the world of action and underwater photography. We have had a GoPro for several years and my kids love it. It is easy to use + light weight and a great option for hauling around on vacation. We have taken ours down the slides, snorkeling, tubing and deep diving in our pool. We purchased it for my husband several years ago for Father’s Day but it truly is a camera that the whole family enjoys. There are SO MANY possibilities with a GoPro. We currently have the GoPro HERO5 Black but the GoPro HERO6 Black is the most recent model and the one I would recommend.
3. Add an underwater dome for your GoPro. Best option for interesting underwater photos of kids.
Ok! If you only come away with one suggestion from this blog post consider purchasing a Dome Port Lens for GoPro. This is my new favorite that has come on the market. A dome port lens allows you to take those cool split shots. A split shot is when a portion of the image is of the underwater scene and another portion is of the above water scene. If you follow my work you have seen A LOT of those types of images. I love the story that they tell of two different worlds and how a single activity can look so different in each. I have included several of those images below to give you an idea + inspiration.
4. Affordable waterproof cases for your existing camera.
DiCAPac makes these cool waterproof bags that house your mirrorless or DSLR camera. The DiCAPac WP-S5 Waterproof Case for Digital SLR Cameras allows you to turn your DSLR camera into an underwater camera for a minimal cost. (Under $100). I know several photographers that use these bags on a regular basis and get amazing results. The upside to this over the GoPro is that you can shoot with a different focal length. GoPro only offers a wide angle fisheye lens. Great for far away action shots. With my traditional DSLR camera I love playing around with different focal lengths can capturing wide angle shots + details in underwater photos.
All of these options are great for those who are just diving in to the world of underwater photography. If you are a professional that would like to take it to the next level the Ikelite 200DL 200′ Underwater Housing or SPL Underwater Housing offers everything you would ever need. These housings options offer multiple ports for your wide array of lenses. I am currently using the SPL housing for my Canon 6D and fisheye + 24mm lens.
I would love to see your underwater images if you choose to purchase any of these options and attempt some underwater images this summer. Be sure to tag me @shellyniehaus on Instagram.
SENIOR | FAMILY | NEWBORN | SCHOOLS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
