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Diver's Depot
PADI Digital Underwater Photographer
Open Water certifiedPADI Certified

PADI Digital Underwater Photographer

Come back with photos that actually look like what you saw down there.

Contact for pricing
Contact for Pricing →Have questions? Call (936) 564-3483
Taught by Sally Sowell
Course Director & Master Instructor
Meet the team

What's included

✓Digital or printed PADI Digital Underwater Photographer specialty manual
✓Classroom session on camera settings, lighting, and composition
✓Two open water training dives shooting with your own or loaner camera setup
✓One-on-one instructor feedback on your images between dives
✓PADI Digital Underwater Photographer specialty certification card
✓Credit toward PADI Advanced Open Water (elective) and Master Scuba Diver ratings

Who it's for

This course builds on prior certification and experience — here's what you'll need before you start.

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Minimum age10 years old
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CertificationAny certified diver (or snorkeler for the non-diving option); no prior photography experience required

What you'll learn

Camera Technique & Settings

✓Move beyond 'Auto' mode into manual camera settings for underwater conditions
✓Reduce backscatter for clearer, sharper images
✓Use underwater strobes and lighting to enhance color
✓Manage shutter speed and composition in low-light, changing underwater conditions

Applied Diving & Photo Skills

✓Refine buoyancy control for steady, high-quality shots
✓Apply fish/marine life identification to caption and share images accurately
✓Complete online knowledge development plus two instructor-led open water dives
✓Get pro tips and shortcuts to avoid common beginner mistakes

Frequently asked questions

That's fine, the core skills of composition, lighting, and buoyancy apply no matter what you're shooting with. We'll tailor the settings discussion to whatever camera you bring.

Simple process

How it works

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eLearning at home

Complete the academic portion online at your own pace — videos, quizzes, no classroom required.

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Open water dives at the lake

Skills and dives happen at a local dive site, on a date we set with you.

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Get certified

Finish your dives and we issue your certification — card in hand, recognized worldwide.

Ready?

Ready to get in the water?

Book online in minutes. eLearning starts instantly. We’ll be in touch to schedule.

Contact for pricing →Call (936) 564-3483

Already certified? PADI Advance Open Water Diver is a popular next step.