*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

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.
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.
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.
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

In the Next Blog

Now that you understand the importance of the euphotic zone and how light behaves underwater, the next step is mastering your custom white balance. This is the key to overcoming color loss and ensuring your images reflect the true beauty of the underwater world.

THIS IS PART 2 OF A 10 PART SERIES.

PART 1 - Is Natural Light Photography for you?

*Wildlife photographer Jean Dubois, shooting using natural light… Crocodile Diving off Banco Chinchorro, MX.* 1/320, f8, ISO 500

When it comes to underwater photography, strobes are often the go-to choice for professionals. They bring out vibrant colors and allow for incredible detail in any lighting condition. However, there’s another side to underwater photography that’s often overlooked but equally exciting… Natural Light Photography.

This approach leverages ambient light from the sun to create images with a more organic and authentic feel. It’s less intrusive to wildlife, offers greater freedom of movement, and provides a unique challenge that pushes your skills as a photographer.

*Black Manta Ray off Socorro Island, Mexico.* 1/320, f8, ISO 1000

Let’s dive into why natural light photography is worth exploring.

One of the biggest advantages of natural light photography is the freedom it gives you underwater. Without strobes and bulky strobe arms attached to your camera rig, you’re far more streamlined. This makes swimming easier, especially when free diving or dealing with strong currents.

*Great Hammerheads off Bimini Bahamas.* 1/320, f8, ISO 320

More importantly, it allows you to move fluidly and follow wildlife with minimal disruption.

Animals are often spooked by flashing lights, but with natural light, you can get closer and stay longer, building trust and capturing more intimate moments.

Natural light photography is less intrusive, which can be a game-changer when photographing sensitive marine animals like sharks, whales, and dolphins. Without the startling pop of a strobe, they are more likely to stay calm and tolerate your presence.

Some of my favorite moments underwater have been with animals mere inches from my dome port, calmly going about their lives. It’s these moments that make natural light photography so rewarding—it’s not just about capturing a shot but trying to experience a genuine connection with the wildlife.

*Right Whale off Patagonia, photographed under permit.* 1/320, f9, ISO 800

Of course, natural light photography comes with its challenges. The underwater environment absorbs light and color at different depths:

Red disappears around 15 feet.
Orange fades by 30 feet.
Yellow is gone by 60 feet.
Greens fade by 100 feet, leaving mostly blues.

This means your ability to capture vibrant images depends heavily on factors like depth, water clarity, and time of day. Cloudy skies or low light conditions can make it even more difficult, requiring careful adjustments to your camera settings.

*Great White Shark off Guadalupe Island, MX.* 1/320, f8, ISO 400.

Despite the challenges, natural light photography is incredibly rewarding.

It forces you to think creatively, adapt to your environment, and work within the constraints of the available light. But, when you nail the exposure, composition, and timing, the results are nothing short of magical.

To me, natural light images have a raw, authentic feel that strobes can’t replicate. They reflect the beauty of the underwater world as it truly is—dynamic, ever-changing, and awe-inspiring.

*Sailfish off Magdalena Island, MX.* 1/640, f8, ISO 1600

Is Natural Light Photography for You?

Shooting with natural light allows you the opportunity to connect with wildlife on a deeper level. It’s not just a technique; it’s an experience that pushes you to grow as a photographer and a storyteller.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where I’ll dive into the euphotic zone… the key to understanding how sunlight interacts with the underwater world and how to use it to your advantage.

THIS IS PART 1 OF A 10 PART SERIES.

The Euphotic Zone: Your Best Friend in Natural Light Photography