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underwater natural 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.

ISO: Balancing Light Sensitivity Underwater

This is Part 6 of a 10 part Natural Light Photography Series.

1/320, f/9, ISO 1000

ISO is one of the most critical settings in underwater photography, especially when shooting with natural light. It determines your camera’s sensitivity to light and plays a key role in achieving proper exposure. While increasing ISO can brighten your image, it also introduces noise, which can reduce image quality. In this blog, I’ll share my approach to setting ISO for natural light photography and explain why manual control is the way to go.

Why I Avoid Auto ISO

Some photographers rely on auto ISO to adjust their settings dynamically, but I’ve never been satisfied with the results underwater. Auto ISO often overcompensates, leading to images that are too bright or too noisy. Instead, I prefer to set my ISO manually and use my histogram to fine-tune my exposure. This gives me complete control and ensures my images are consistently well-balanced.

Starting Points for ISO

The amount of sunlight, water clarity, and depth all influence how I set my ISO. Here are my go-to starting points:

  1. Bright Sunlight with a Sandy Bottom:

    • ISO Setting: 400

    • Why: The sand reflects sunlight, providing plenty of natural light to work with.

  2. Deep Water with No Bottom in Sight:

    • ISO Setting: 800

    • Why: Without a reflective surface, less light reaches your subject, so a higher ISO compensates for the loss.

1/320, f/9, ISO 1000

Using the Histogram to Adjust ISO

Before finalizing my ISO, I rely on my histogram to check exposure. Here’s how I approach it:

  1. Perform a 360-Degree Spin:

    • I do a full turn in the water to observe how light changes depending on my angle to the sun. This helps me find a middle ground that works, even if I’m facing slightly toward the sun.

  2. Fine-Tune with the Histogram:

    • The histogram provides an objective way to evaluate whether my exposure is balanced, allowing me to adjust ISO as needed.

How to read your Histogram.

When to Adjust ISO

  • Increase ISO:

    • In low-light conditions, such as cloudy days, deep dives, or early morning/late afternoon shoots.

    • To freeze fast-moving subjects when a faster shutter speed is needed.

  • Decrease ISO:

    • In bright, shallow water with excellent visibility.

    • When you’re close to your subject and don’t need the extra light sensitivity.

1/320, f/9, ISO 1000

Practical Tips for ISO Underwater

  1. Start Low, Adjust Gradually: Begin with a lower ISO setting (e.g., 400) and increase as necessary based on light conditions.

  2. Minimize Noise: Keep ISO as low as possible while maintaining proper exposure to reduce graininess in your images.

  3. Test in Different Environments: Practice adjusting ISO in various conditions to better understand how your camera handles light sensitivity and noise underwater.

1/320, f/8, ISO 1000

The Power of Manual ISO

Controlling ISO manually gives you the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing underwater environment. Whether you’re shooting in shallow tropical waters or deep, murky conditions, understanding how to adjust ISO effectively will ensure your images are sharp, vibrant, and properly exposed.

Coming Next

In the next blog, we’ll discuss focus points and how to use them to keep your subjects sharp, even when shooting blind with big animals. Stay tuned for tips on mastering focus in the dynamic underwater world!

THIS IS PART 6 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