Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
This master's combines advanced underwater imaging technique with a solid understanding of marine ecosystems so that you can tell the story of the ocean. You will study underwater optics and camera systems, macro, wide-angle and split-shot techniques, marine biology and animal behavior for photographers, technical diving and expedition logistics, documentary storytelling and environmental journalism, underwater cinematography, post-production, new imaging technologies and the business of nature photography.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary?
This master's combines advanced underwater imaging technique with a solid understanding of marine ecosystems so that you can tell the story of the ocean. You will learn to master underwater optics, housings, strobes and continuous lighting, control backscatter, shoot macro, wide-angle, split-shots, pelagic wildlife and night scenes, plan dives and expeditions safely, build documentary projects and photo essays with journalistic rigor, film and edit underwater video, process RAW files and color grade footage, and market and protect your work, preparing you for careers in documentary production, conservation communication, media and marine tourism.
What sets this master's apart: it integrates technique, science and storytelling, so that your images are both striking and accurate; it covers stills and motion, from focus stacking to LOG footage and hydrophone sound; it includes the ethics of wildlife photography and documentary truthfulness; it explores emerging tools such as 3D photogrammetry, 360-degree video, underwater drones and camera traps; it deals with the real business of the field, from licensing and copyright to distribution and expedition budgets; and it ends with a Final Project that combines an expedition or studio project, a photo book or exhibition proposal and a documentary portfolio.
Program highlights
- Imaging technique: underwater optics, housings, strobes, continuous light and backscatter control.
- Advanced styles: macro, super macro, wide-angle, split-shots, pelagic wildlife and night photography.
- Science and ethics: marine biology and animal behavior for photographers and no-impact practice.
- Documentary storytelling: photo essays, environmental journalism and conservation advocacy.
- Cinematography and post-production: LOG and RAW video, stabilization, editing, color grading and sound.
- Final Project: an expedition, a photo book or exhibition proposal and a documentary portfolio.
Syllabus of the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
11 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Optics, Aquatic Physics and Underwater Photographic Technique
- 1.1. Underwater optics: refraction, scattering and color absorption with depth
- 1.2. Setting up DSLR and mirrorless cameras underwater: sensors, ISO and dynamic range
- 1.3. Underwater housings: aluminum versus polycarbonate, maintenance, flat ports and dome ports
- 1.4. Specialized lenses: macro, super macro, wide-angle, fisheye and wet conversion lenses
- 1.5. Lighting with underwater strobes: guide number, recycle time, color temperature and diffusion
- 1.6. Positioning lighting arms to avoid backscatter and harsh shadows
- 1.7. Continuous light for stills and video: high-power LEDs, CRI and TLCI, adjustable beams and UV filters
- 1.8. Manual exposure control underwater: shutter speed, flash sync and aperture
- 1.9. Fluorescence photography: blue excitation light, barrier filters and marine organisms
- 1.10. Leak testing, vacuum systems and managing equipment floods
Advanced Underwater Photography Techniques: Macro, Wide-Angle and Split-Shots
- 2.1. Underwater macro: precise focus, shallow depth of field and magnification ratio
- 2.2. Advanced macro lighting: snoots, light condensers and black backgrounds
- 2.3. Wide-angle photography: reefs, wrecks, benthic landscapes and filtered ambient light
- 2.4. Split-shot technique: capturing above and below the surface with large domes
- 2.5. Pelagic wildlife: approaching whales, sharks and mantas in open water
- 2.6. Fast action and behavior: continuous autofocus, tracking and burst shooting
- 2.7. Freediving photography: agility, silence and non-invasive approach
- 2.8. Night underwater photography: black light, night subjects and bioluminescence
- 2.9. Underwater composition: rule of thirds, leading lines, negative space and color contrast
- 2.10. Underwater portraits and fashion: directing models, buoyancy control and seasonal light
Marine Biology, Ocean Ecology and Animal Behavior for Photographers
- 3.1. Identifying marine life: main families of fish, invertebrates, corals and marine mammals
- 3.2. Marine behavior: courtship, feeding, defense and symbiosis
- 3.3. Coral reef ecology: structure, bleaching, restoration and associated fauna
- 3.4. Pelagic and open-ocean ecosystems: aggregations, food webs and migrations
- 3.5. Deep-water and benthic fauna: adaptations and muck diving
- 3.6. Biology of sharks and rays: conservation, ecotourism and safe interaction guidelines
- 3.7. Cetaceans and marine reptiles: acoustics, migration routes and international approach rules
- 3.8. Temperate and cold-water ecosystems: kelp forests, polar zones and cold-water macro
- 3.9. Environmental impact of climate change: acidification, invasive species and habitat loss
- 3.10. Ethics in underwater photography: no manipulation, animal welfare and code of good practice
Technical Diving, Safety and Underwater Expedition Logistics
- 4.1. Precision buoyancy and horizontal trim for photographic stability
- 4.2. Technical diving for photographers: Nitrox, Trimix and planned decompression
- 4.3. Closed-circuit rebreathers: photographic advantages and risk management
- 4.4. Overhead environments: photography in wrecks, caverns, caves and cenotes
- 4.5. Logistics of photo expeditions to remote locations and liveaboards
- 4.6. Medical emergencies at sea: barotrauma, decompression sickness and oxygen administration
- 4.7. Operational safety with large predators: protocols for sharks and orcas
- 4.8. Transporting and maintaining heavy camera gear on international trips and ATA carnets
- 4.9. Marine navigation, tides, currents, coastal weather and visibility
- 4.10. In-water risk assessment: strong currents, swell, low visibility and entanglement
Documentary Narrative, Environmental Journalism and Ocean Storytelling
- 5.1. Building documentary projects: from concept to visual story
- 5.2. Journalistic and documentary research: source verification, scientific data and context
- 5.3. The marine photo essay: sequencing, narrative rhythm and thematic cohesion
- 5.4. Conservation reporting: IUU fishing, plastic pollution and seabed mining
- 5.5. Covering citizen science, oceanographic expeditions and ecological restoration
- 5.6. The human factor: coastal communities, artisanal fishers and sea culture
- 5.7. Writing articles, captions and pieces for specialized media
- 5.8. Environmental photojournalism for conservation NGOs and foundations
- 5.9. Building a personal brand with social impact and ocean advocacy campaigns
- 5.10. Documentary ethics: truthfulness, no staging and fair representation of environmental issues
Underwater Cinematography and Documentary Video Production
- 6.1. Underwater visual language: shots, framing, camera movement and narrative in motion
- 6.2. Digital cinema cameras underwater: LOG profiles, RAW video and high frame rates
- 6.3. Underwater stabilization: rigs, dual handles and diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs)
- 6.4. Sound recording on expeditions: hydrophones for bioacoustics and ambient coastal audio
- 6.5. Operating ROVs and drones for combined aerial and underwater shots
- 6.6. Continuous lighting for marine cinematography: lighting diagrams for underwater sequences
- 6.7. Interviews on land and on board: lighting, lavalier sound outdoors and directing testimony
- 6.8. Documentary editing: dramatic structure, rhythm, cutting on action and B-roll
- 6.9. Sound editing and music: underwater Foley, voice-over and soundtrack
- 6.10. Color correction of underwater video: LUTs, secondary white balance and tone curves
Digital Development, Post-Production and Advanced Photo Editing
- 7.1. RAW workflow in underwater photography with Lightroom, Capture One and Photoshop
- 7.2. White balance correction and color recovery at different depths
- 7.3. Digital removal of backscatter and suspended particles with brushes and masks
- 7.4. Local contrast, clarity, dehaze and shadow and highlight recovery
- 7.5. Selective sharpening, high-ISO noise reduction and AI-assisted processing
- 7.6. Advanced Photoshop techniques: frequency separation, luminosity masks and composites
- 7.7. Focus stacking in underwater macro to extend depth of field
- 7.8. Color management and monitor calibration for fine art printing and digital media
- 7.9. File output: ICC profiles, large-format resolution and web optimization
- 7.10. Archiving, cataloging, IPTC and EXIF metadata, taxonomic keywords and image libraries
Cutting-Edge Equipment, Underwater Technology and Innovation
- 8.1. 8K and 12K stills and video: storage, processing and ultra-high-resolution optics
- 8.2. Medium format cameras in underwater housings
- 8.3. Night vision, low-light technology and ultra-sensitive sensors in dark waters
- 8.4. Underwater 3D photogrammetry: modeling reefs, wrecks and benthic structures
- 8.5. Underwater drones for photographic exploration and inspection with live transmission
- 8.6. Submersible 360-degree and VR cameras for immersive documentaries
- 8.7. Artificial intelligence in cameras: automatic wildlife detection and adaptive focus tracking
- 8.8. Laser lighting and optical scanning for marine research and scientific documentation
- 8.9. Custom housings and 3D-printed accessories for specific technical needs
- 8.10. Automated conservation imaging: underwater camera traps and long-term remote monitoring
Industry, Market, Intellectual Property and Career Paths
- 9.1. The nature and documentary photography market and stock agencies
- 9.2. Publishing in specialized magazines, illustrated books and international media
- 9.3. Selling fine art work: galleries, limited-edition prints and art fairs
- 9.4. Copyright, usage licensing, image release contracts and protection against misuse
- 9.5. Digital marketing for marine photographers: portfolio, social media and SEO
- 9.6. International underwater photography competitions
- 9.7. Selling documentaries to streaming platforms, broadcasters and distributors
- 9.8. Funding expeditions: research grants, patronage and sponsorship
- 9.9. Guiding photographers and running international underwater photography workshops
- 9.10. Business management: budgets, invoicing, equipment insurance and liability
Producing Ocean Expeditions and Documentary Projects
- 10.1. Designing a documentary project
- 10.2. Budget and funding
- 10.3. Filming and photography permits
- 10.4. Expedition logistics
- 10.5. Managing the technical crew
- 10.6. Safety on ocean shoots
- 10.7. Working with scientists
- 10.8. Distribution plan
- 10.9. Impact campaigns
- 10.10. Documentary project report
Final Project
- 11.1. Concept and design of a documentary project or high-quality underwater photography portfolio
- 11.2. Logistics, safety and financial planning of the field expedition or studio work
- 11.3. Fieldwork: dives, filming and photography of the chosen subject
- 11.4. Selection, curation and critical editing of the photographic or audiovisual material
- 11.5. Advanced processing of the final series or post-production of the short documentary
- 11.6. Layout and design of an author photo book on the project
- 11.7. Exhibition proposal for a museum or gallery: prints, installation and lighting
- 11.8. Project report, curatorial text and technical data sheet
- 11.9. Dissemination strategy, press kit and editorial or audiovisual distribution plan
- 11.10. Public presentation, screening and oral defense before a panel of photography and marine science experts
Duration and format of the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
It is 1,500 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
Career opportunities after the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
Questions about the Master's in Underwater Photography and Ocean Documentary
It combines both, using underwater photography and film as tools for scientific documentation and for visual storytelling about the ocean.
It is strongly recommended to hold at least an entry-level recreational diving certification, since applying the underwater techniques requires diving. Advanced certifications and prior photography experience are an advantage.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a compatible underwater housing, underwater lights or strobes, and a computer for editing are recommended. The program also explains how to choose and maintain equipment.
Yes. A full module covers underwater cinematography, from camera settings and stabilization to sound recording, editing and color grading.
Yes. The program covers stock agencies, publishing, fine art sales, copyright and licensing, competitions, distribution to broadcasters and platforms, and running a photography business.
You design and carry out an expedition or studio project, edit and post-produce the material, prepare a photo book or exhibition proposal, and present your documentary portfolio to an expert panel.
The master's is taught entirely online, with a virtual campus available 24/7, recorded live sessions and tutorials. It comprises 1500 hours of study across 11 modules of about 136 hours each, and you progress at your own pace within the schedule you are given on enrollment.
More programs in Underwater imaging
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at photographers and videographers who want to specialize in underwater imaging and ocean storytelling, marine biologists, oceanographers and conservationists who want to communicate their work through images, professional and recreational divers who want to raise their technical and creative level, filmmakers and documentary makers, and environmental journalists and communicators. A degree in fine arts, audiovisual communication, marine biology, environmental sciences or a related field, or proven experience in photography, professional diving or marine research, is recommended, together with at least an entry-level recreational diving certification.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer suitable for photo and video editing with a stable internet connection and a camera for live sessions; a DSLR or mirrorless camera with an underwater housing and underwater lights or strobes are recommended.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.