underwater color correction

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.

Custom White Balance: The Key to Vibrant Underwater Images

This is Part 3 of a 10 part Natural Light Photography Series.

Thresher Shark off Malapascua Island, Phillipeans. Depth 70’ 1/250, f8, ISO 1250

When it comes to natural light photography underwater, no tool is more important than custom white balance. This technique allows you to compensate for the loss of color as you descend and is essential for capturing vibrant, true-to-life images. If you don’t master this skill, you’ll struggle to retain the natural beauty of the underwater world in your photos.

Why Custom White Balance Matters

Underwater, colors disappear quickly:

  • Reds vanish at around 15 feet.

  • Oranges at 30 feet.

  • Yellows at 60 feet.
    By the time you’re at 100 feet, you’re left with muted greens and blues.

Reef off Malapascua Island, Philippines. Depth 50 feet. 1/160, f4.5, ISO 800

Custom white balance tells your camera what “white” should look like in your current conditions, helping it correctly interpret other colors. Without it, even the most perfectly composed shots will appear dull and washed out. While post-processing can help to some extent, getting it right in-camera is the best way to ensure your images look stunning.

How to Set Custom White Balance

  1. Ignore Camera Presets:
    Built-in white balance presets (e.g., “daylight” or “cloudy”) aren’t designed for underwater use and won’t give you accurate results. Go straight to custom white balance mode.

  2. Find a Reference Object:
    Snap a photo of something white or gray that’s lit by the same light you’ll be shooting in. This tells your camera what white should look like in those conditions. Common references include:

    • White balance cards (designed for underwater use)

    • The sand on the ocean floor (a favorite of mine)

    • White fins, wetsuit trim, or dive slates

  3. Recalibrate Often:
    Light changes as you descend or ascend, so you’ll need to adjust your custom white balance every 10 to 20 feet to maintain accurate color representation.

Great Hammerhead off Tiger Beach, Bahamas. Depth 40 feet. 1/320, f8, ISO 250

What If You Don’t Have a White Balance Card?

Improvisation is key! Some options I’ve used include:

  • The bottom of a boat (if it’s white)

  • A diver’s tank (as a gray reference)

  • Propeller blades when swimming near the surface

Just be sure to communicate with your dive buddies beforehand if you plan to use their gear for calibration. No one wants to feel awkward when they catch you taking close-ups of their fins or tank!

Schooling Jacks at Cabo Pulmo, MX. Depth 50 feet. 1/320, f9, ISO 640

Tips for Success

  • Experiment Until You’re Happy: Don’t be afraid to adjust multiple times during a dive. Each dive site and condition is different, and the more you practice, the better you’ll become.

  • Pre-Set Your Camera Settings: Before setting white balance, make sure your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO are already dialed in for the conditions. This ensures a balanced exposure and gives you a better foundation to work with.

  • Use the Histogram: Check your histogram regularly to confirm proper exposure and avoid relying solely on the camera’s LCD screen, which can be misleading underwater.

The Freedom to Create

Once you’ve mastered custom white balance, you’ll unlock a new level of creative freedom in your photography. You’ll be able to produce vibrant images that capture the underwater world as you see it—full of life and color.

Coming Next

In the next blog, we’ll explore shutter speed and how to use it effectively to capture movement underwater. From slow-moving sharks to speedy dolphins, mastering your shutter speed is critical to creating sharp, dynamic images. Stay tuned!

THIS IS PART 3 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