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ambient light photography

The Freedom of Natural Light Photography: A Connection to the Wild

Lemon Shark off Tiger Beach. 1/320, f/10, ISO 400

This is Part 10 of a 10 part Natural Light Photography Series.

After exploring the technical aspects of natural light underwater photography, it’s time to reflect on the heart of this approach—the freedom it offers and the deeper connection it fosters with wildlife. For me, shooting with natural light isn’t just a technique; it’s how I experience and capture the underwater world.

Why Natural Light Photography Stands Out

Unlike shooting with strobes, natural light photography offers unparalleled freedom. Without bulky equipment weighing you down, you can move effortlessly through the water, focusing on the experience rather than the gear.

This streamlined approach is especially valuable when freediving, where every ounce of agility and breath hold counts.

But the benefits extend beyond convenience. By using ambient light, you become less intrusive to marine life. Animals aren’t startled by the sudden flash of strobes, allowing you to observe their natural behaviors up close. This creates opportunities to capture moments that feel raw, authentic, and deeply personal.

Brown Pelican and Cormorant off Magdalena Bay, Mexico. 1/400, f/8, ISO 1250

Moments That Matter

Some of my favorite images are those where I’m mere inches away from a shark or dolphin, witnessing their grace and power in a way that feels almost intimate. Natural light photography allows me to stay longer and connect more deeply with these incredible creatures. It’s not just about getting the shot—it’s about sharing a space with wildlife and respecting their world.

Pelagic Thresher Shark off Malapascua Island, Philippines. 1/200, f/5.6, ISO 1600

Of course, there are challenges. Cloudy days, shifting water conditions, and the inherent unpredictability of wildlife can make natural light photography frustrating at times. But those fleeting moments when everything aligns make it all worthwhile.

Keeping It Real

One of the joys of natural light photography is its honesty. It pushes you to embrace the imperfections of the wild—whether it’s less-than-ideal lighting, murky water, or an animal that decides it’s not in the mood to cooperate. These challenges remind me that the underwater world isn’t a curated gallery but a dynamic, living ecosystem.

I also strive to share the full spectrum of my experiences, not just the highlights. Alongside stunning encounters, I document the travel headaches, the days when the animals don’t show up, and the less glamorous aspects of life underwater. These real-world moments add depth to the story and remind us that nature, like photography, is about more than perfection.

Great Hammerhead off Bimini Bahamas. 1/320, f/10, ISO 400.

A Call to Connection and Conservation

Natural light photography isn’t just a way to capture images—it’s a way to inspire. By sharing my work, I hope to remind people that these animals exist, that their homes are worth protecting, and that they deserve to thrive in a world without barriers. Every photo is a chance to spark curiosity, ignite passion, and motivate action for conservation.

Final Thoughts

Natural light photography is about more than technique—it’s about freedom, connection, and storytelling. It’s about embracing the wild, unpredictable beauty of the underwater world and sharing it with others in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. For me, it’s a journey of constant learning and discovery, one that I’m honored to share with you.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of natural light photography. I hope these blogs have inspired you to experiment with this approach, connect more deeply with wildlife, and find your unique voice as a photographer.

The underwater world is waiting… go capture it.

Shutter Speed: Freezing Moments Underwater

This is Part 4 of a 10 part Natural Light Photography Series.

In underwater photography, your shutter speed plays a crucial role in capturing sharp, dynamic images. Whether you’re photographing the graceful glide of a shark or the lightning-fast movements of a dolphin, choosing the right shutter speed is essential. In this blog, I’ll share my approach to setting shutter speed for natural light photography and explain why it’s one of the most critical tools in your underwater arsenal.

The Basics of Shutter Speed Underwater

Shutter speed determines how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. A faster shutter speed freezes motion, while a slower shutter speed lets in more light but risks motion blur. In underwater photography, where both you and your subject are often moving, this balance becomes even more delicate.

Understanding Shutter Speed: From freezing fast motion to creating smooth, dreamy effects – master the art of light and movement.

When shooting with strobes, a common shutter speed is 1/125, but for natural light photography, it’s a whole different story. Your settings will depend on:

  • The subject’s speed and movement

  • The available light

  • Your ability to stay steady while shooting

My Go-To Shutter Speeds

  1. Slow-Moving Subjects (e.g., Tiger Sharks, whales):

    • Shutter Speed: 1/320

    • Why: Tiger sharks and whales move at a slow, deliberate pace, but both the animals and I are in motion. At 1/320, I can confidently capture their details without motion blur.

  2. Fast-Moving Subjects (e.g., Dolphins, Sea lions):

    • Shutter Speed: 1/500

    • Why: Dolphins and sea lions are incredibly fast and often unpredictable. A faster shutter speed ensures I can freeze their motion, even while swimming hard to keep up. For fast-moving animals, 1/500 is my absolute minimum. While I would prefer to go higher for an even crisper image, doing so often requires increasing the ISO, which can introduce too much noise into my photos. Finding the right balance is key when shooting in natural light underwater.

  3. Low-Light Conditions (e.g., Orcas in Norway):

    • Shutter Speed: 1/125 or lower (if necessary)

    • Why: In places like Norway, where sunlight is limited or non-existent during winter, slower shutter speeds are unavoidable. While this can lead to some blur or grain (due to higher ISO), it’s often the only way to get a usable image.

Why I Stick to 1/320 for Most Shots

For the wildlife I typically photograph—big, toothy animals like sharks—1/320 has become my magic number. It’s fast enough to freeze motion while still allowing enough light for a well-exposed image. Some might say it’s on the higher side, but for me, it strikes the perfect balance for sharp, detailed results.

When to Adjust Shutter Speed

  • Increase Shutter Speed: For faster animals or when shooting in bright conditions.

  • Decrease Shutter Speed: In low-light environments or when photographing slower-moving subjects.

Practical Tips for Underwater Shutter Speed

  1. Keep Your Camera Steady: Even the slightest movement can cause blur when shooting underwater. Practice controlling your breathing and staying as still as possible.

  2. Test and Adapt: Start with a base shutter speed (like 1/320) and adjust based on the animal and lighting conditions.

  3. Use Your Histogram: Check your histogram regularly to ensure your exposure is balanced, especially when adjusting shutter speed.

The Importance of Experimentation

Shutter speed isn’t a one-size-fits-all setting. It depends on your subject, the conditions, and your creative goals. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand what works for your style of photography and the animals you love to capture.

Coming Next

In the next blog, I’ll dive into aperture—another critical setting for natural light photography. Learn how to achieve the perfect depth of field and ensure your subjects are always in focus, even when shooting blind. Stay tuned!

THIS IS PART 4 OF A 10 PART SERIES.

PART ONE - Is Natural Light Photography Photography For You?
PART TWO - The Euphotic Zone! Your best friend.
PART THREE - Custom White Balance, Natural Lights Secret Weapon.
PART FOUR - Shutter Speed: Freezing Moments Underwater.
PART FIVE - Aperture: Achieving Sharpness and Depth Underwater
PART SIX - ISO: Balancing Light Sensitivity Underwater
PART SEVEN - Focus Points: Keeping Your Subject Sharp Underwater
PART EIGHT - The Histogram: Your Underwater Photography Lifeline
PART NINE - Post-Processing: Bringing Your Underwater Images to Life.
PART TEN - The Freedom of Natural Light Photography: A Connection to the Wild

The Euphotic Zone: Your Best Friend in Natural Light Photography

Beluga Whale off Churchill, Canada. 1/400, f9, ISO 1000.

This is Part 2 of 10 Part Underwater Natural Light Photography Series.

When shooting underwater using natural light, the euphotic zone is your playground. This is the uppermost layer of water that sunlight penetrates, and it’s where natural light photography truly comes to life. Understanding how light interacts with water in this zone is essential for creating stunning underwater images.

What is the Euphotic Zone?

The euphotic zone is the part of any body of water that receives bright and clear sunlight. Even in turbid, murky water, there’s always a euphotic zone—though it might only extend a few inches deep. In the tropics, where water clarity is exceptional, the euphotic zone can extend well beyond 260 feet—far past recreational diving depths.

This zone is where sunlight, or ambient light, allows photographers to capture natural, vibrant underwater scenes. For those relying on natural light, the euphotic zone is your best friend.

Pink Dolphin in the Amazon River, Brazil. 1/320, f5.6, ISO 2000

Here are two examples of wildlife thriving in very different Euphotic Zones: the pink dolphin of the Amazon River and the lemon shark of the Bahamas. Each represents the unique beauty and diversity of life in their distinct aquatic worlds. The pink dolphin thrives in the dim, low-light conditions of the Amazon River, navigating its murky waters with remarkable adaptations that allow it to flourish in this unique environment. In stark contrast, the lemon shark thrives in the clear, sunlit waters of the Bahamas, where high visibility and abundant light create the perfect conditions for this sleek predator to navigate and hunt.

Lemon Shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas. 1/320, f8, ISO 400

How Light Behaves Underwater

Light behaves very differently underwater than it does on land. Water is about 800 times denser than air, which causes light to scatter and absorb quickly as it penetrates. The deeper you go, the more light—and color—you lose.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle off Playa Del Carmen, MX. 1/320, f5, ISO 800

Here’s how color disappears at different depths:

  • Red vanishes around 15 feet.

  • Orange fades by 30 feet.

  • Yellow disappears by 60 feet.

  • Green is absorbed around 100 feet, leaving only blues.

This means that the deeper you dive, the more muted and monochromatic your images will appear. Natural light photographers need to work within these limitations to create vibrant and well-exposed photos.

Whale Shark off Isla Mujeres, MX. 1/320, f9, 1/800

Tips for Working in the Euphotic Zone

  1. Stay Shallow:
    The closer you are to the surface, the more light and color you’ll have. For the best results shoot wildlife above 30 feet where reds and oranges are still visible.

  2. Time Your Dives:
    Early morning and late afternoon offer soft, diffused light that can add mood and dimension to your photos. Midday dives provide the most light penetration, which is great for capturing vibrant colors at deeper depths.

  3. Understand Water Clarity:
    Clear tropical waters extend the depth of the euphotic zone, while murky or nutrient-rich waters will reduce it significantly. Adjust your expectations and camera settings accordingly.

  4. Position the Sun Behind You:
    Just like on land, keeping the sun at your back ensures your subject is well-lit and shadows are minimized. Unless you are going for an artsy image and then you want your subject to be backlit by the sun.

Tiger Shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas. 1/250, f8 ISO 400

The Challenges of the Euphotic Zone

Natural light photography in the euphotic zone is not without its difficulties. Clouds, tides, and weather can all affect light penetration. Additionally, the further you descend, the harder it becomes to maintain vibrant colors without proper camera settings and techniques like custom white balance (which I’ll cover in a future post).

Why the Euphotic Zone is Worth It

Despite the challenges, the euphotic zone offers unparalleled opportunities for natural light photographers. The sunlight filtering through water creates breathtaking effects, like god rays that cut through the blue, or the shimmering light patterns on the ocean floor. These natural phenomena can add depth and drama to your images, creating compositions that feel both authentic and otherworldly.

Sealion off Baja, MX. 1/400, f9, ISO 640