There are many benefits of including a diver in your underwater photo composition. Divers can help present a sense of scale, add depth as a background element, add interest by interacting with other elements in the frame, and much more.

Your dive model must be guided into a precise position in order to enhance the image, which is achieved with pre-arranged hand signals. These hand signals rely on just one hand since the other hand is usually holding the camera system.

Plan Ahead

Be sure to review your hand signals with your dive buddy prior to the dive. Establish signals for up, down, sideways, and even pivoting diagonally. You’ll also want a signal to alert your buddy that you would like them to model. Be sure to avoid any signals that might be misinterpreted, like the thumbs-up sign indicating a return to the surface.

You may also want to review other details with your dive buddy. Ensure their gear is streamlined. Show them photos of the posture you envision for your images. For example, you may want the diver to have their legs together and arms neatly in front of their chest. You may also want them to hold a dive light.

Quick Tips

Try to compose your scene before involving your dive buddy. Dial in your settings, composition and lighting, and only then ask them to model. This will allow you to focus solely on their position within the frame.

A great diver silhouette does not overlap with anything else in the scene. Be sure to position your model so that their fins and other body parts are not overlapping the reef. Then again, if your diver is close to the subject then you might absolutely want the overlap.

Give your dive model feedback during the dive. I always try to show the diver the image I just created, hoping that they’ll be inspired to stay alert and ready to jump into the next composition.

When all these elements come together, you bring home a great photo and your buddy has a great photo of themselves in their element