Categories: Recreational scuba diving specialty courses

Photo & Video

Learn to capture stunning underwater photos and videos, master lighting, composition, and editing, and create lasting memories of Koh Lanta's vibrant marine life.

1. Why Take This Speciality Course?

Take a fresh look at sharing the underwater world Underwater photography and video are the ultimate ways to share your amazing experiences on the reef with friends and family. Mastering composition, exposure, lighting with strobes, manual camera settings, and respectful shooting practices transforms snapshots into captivating stories. You will learn essential techniques for shooting macro, wide-angle, and action scenes while preserving your buoyancy and safety.

Composition & Lighting: Master rule of thirds, ambient light, and backscatter reduction for both photo and video.
Camera Techniques: Learn manual settings, white balance, focusing, and how to operate different types of cameras and housings.
Editing & Post-Processing: Discover basic software tools for color correction, cropping, and creating engaging video clips.
Respectful Wildlife Shooting: Practice safe and eco-conscious habits to get great shots without stressing marine life or damaging coral.
Open to Certified Divers: Includes practical workshops and dedicated ocean photography dives.

2 .Course Curriculum (1 Day, 2 Local Dives)

he course combines interactive online learning on the MySSI app with practical camera setup workshops and 2 dedicated open water photo/video dives around Koh Lanta’s dive sites.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:

Camera Gear & Housing Setup: Preparing your equipment, understanding different lens types, and proper O-ring maintenance.
Underwater Lighting & Strobes: Controlling shadows, using internal and external flashes, and mastering natural light.
Composition & Shooting Styles: Techniques for capturing macro (nudibranchs, shrimp), wide-angle (wrecks, coral reefs), and moving marine life.
Video Creation Basics: Stabilization, shot selection, and essential storyboarding for compelling video content.

3. Prerequisites

Prerequisites: Open Water Diver certification (SSI, PADI, or equivalent) and access to an underwater camera system (own or ours).
Minimum Age: 10 years old.

4. Your International Certification

At the end of the course, you will earn your SSI Photo & Video Specialty Certification.

Digital SSI Photo & Video certification recognized worldwide.
Counts directly toward your Master Scuba Diver rating or Advanced Open Water / Specialty Diver levels SSI.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a very expensive, professional camera to take this course?

Not at all! You will learn how to get the most out of whatever camera you have, from a basic compact or action camera (like a GoPro) up to an entry-level DSLR or mirrorless setup. We focus on techniques applicable to all levels.

Is it difficult to manage a camera while diving?

The course covers key practical skills for maintaining good buoyancy control and streamlined posture while holding a camera, ensuring you can shoot safely and responsibly without compromising your safety or the reef.