Take Your Underwater Photography Course on Koh Tao
Turn your SCUBA dives into lasting visual stories with this underwater photography course on Koh Tao. Whether you’re using a compact action cam or a full-frame DSLR setup, this course gives you the skills to create vibrant, high-quality images beneath the surface.
You’ll learn how to manage lighting, balance colour, and fine-tune your camera settings to overcome the unique challenges of shooting underwater.
This scuba photography course in Thailand is your first step toward mastering the art of underwater storytelling.
Why Should You Learn Underwater Camera Skills?
If you want to learn underwater camera skills that go beyond point-and-shoot, this course is your launchpad. Our expert instructors will guide you through framing, white balance, strobe use, and video composition, all tailored to your specific gear and experience level.
You’ll also gain access to our editing suite, where you’ll receive practical guidance on both photo and video post-production. From colour correction to sequencing clips and refining stills, we’ll show you how to use popular editing software to enhance your work. Whether you’re focusing on photography, videography, or both, this course gives you the tools to tell immersive visual stories from your dives.
5,500 THB
What You Learn During the Underwater Photography and Videography Course
No matter your travel plans or dive schedule, we can shape the course around your pace and availability. Below is a typical training format to give you an idea of what to expect.
display:none
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Part 1 – Theory & Camera Prep
The course begins with paperwork and an introduction to your instructor. From there, you’ll dive into the underwater photography course theory using the SSI Digital Learning platform.
Key Topics Covered:
Light and Colour Underwater
Understand how water absorbs light and colour, and how this affects your shots. Learn to work with white balance, filters, and strobes to correct colour loss.
Camera and Housing Setup
Familiarise yourself with your system—whether you’re using a compact camera or a full DSLR rig. Learn how to assemble, test, and care for your gear.
Shooting Techniques
Develop strategies for framing, subject approach, and camera stability. You’ll also explore lighting options using natural light and video lights or strobes.
Mastering Camera Settings
Learn how to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture based on your dive depth and lighting conditions. This is essential for anyone looking to learn underwater camera skills effectively.
Underwater Videography Training Basics
Learn what makes compelling underwater video: shot sequencing, panning techniques, and smooth movements.
Post-Dive Editing Workflow
Get an intro to basic editing tools and file management. We’ll also show you how to organise and refine your photos and clips after the dive.
Part 2 – Open Water Imaging Dives
With theory complete and your camera set up, the next step in your SCUBA photography course in Thailand is putting your skills into practice with two dives in the ocean.
What You’ll Practice:
Buoyancy for Photographers
Master trim and positioning to get close to your subject without stirring up silt or damaging the reef.
Lighting and Exposure
Experiment with artificial lights and strobes, or learn how to maximise natural lighting depending on depth and time of day.
Composition Techniques
Use real subjects to apply rules of thirds, negative space, and movement direction for both photos and videos.
Shot Review and Feedback
Surface between dives to review your footage with your instructor and get personalised advice on improving your next round of images or clips.
By the end of your underwater photography course, you’ll be confidently capturing and editing stunning marine imagery while maintaining strong and safe dive techniques.
Schedule for Your Underwater Photography Course
We’ve structured the day to give you the best light and conditions for shooting underwater, but we can always adjust the schedule to fit your travel plans. Below is an example of what a typical day of underwater videography training at Crystal Dive looks like.
MORNING
Click here…
9:00 AM – Course orientation, paperwork, and camera setup guidance
Morning – Theory session covering buoyancy for photographers, lighting techniques, and learning underwater camera skills with your own equipment or ours
AFTERNOON
Click here…
Afternoon – Two shallow open water dives to practice camera handling, framing techniques, and using natural light for better image quality
Need to tweak the course timing? Contact us. We’re happy to tailor your scuba photography course in Thailand around your availability.
The Photo & Video Specialty Course Prerequisites
To get the most out of your underwater photography course, it’s important to meet a few entry requirements that ensure your safety and readiness to dive while using camera equipment.
display:none;
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
Minimum Certification Level
To enrol in the SSI Photo & Video Specialty Course, you must be certified as an Open Water Diver or hold an equivalent certification from a recognised training agency.
Minimum Age
The minimum age to participate in this underwater photography course is 10 years.
Medical Statement
You must be medically fit to learn underwater camera skills. You can download the standard medical statement for scuba diving here. If you have any concerns, we recommend checking with your doctor before booking or contacting us directly for guidance.
Recent Diving Experience
For your comfort and confidence underwater, you need to have logged at least one dive in the last six months. If it’s been longer, we’ll schedule a short Scuba Review before beginning your scuba photography course in Thailand.
PHOTO & VIDEO SPECIALTY
Price: 5,500 THB
Duration: 1 day
Minimum age: 10yrs
Prerequisites: Certified Diver
Schedule
Day 1: Orientation & Theory then 2 Dives
What’s Included in Your Underwater Photography Course
Your SSI underwater videography training with Crystal Dive includes everything you need to learn, shoot, and edit with confidence. You’ll get personalised guidance and hands-on time learning underwater camera skills, all in a small-group learning environment.
Our Photo & Video Specialty package includes:
- SSI Photo & Video Specialty Course (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Personal set of scuba equipment throughout your stay
- FREE use of dive computer
- Standard digital learning materials (Diamond Access upgrade available)
- International SSI certification upon successful completion
- Crystal Dive T-shirt
- Multilingual personal instructor
- Boat trips & refreshments for your dives
- Dive insurance for all training dives with us (valid 30 days)
- Discounted accommodation for the duration of the course
- 10% discount on additional diver-level training and equipment purchases
BIG DISCOUNTS ON PRIVATE ROOMS WITH AC & ENSUITE
With all of our courses you can make use of our private AC ensuite rooms with huge discounts.
When you´re learning to dive its important that you get a good night of sleep. During the length of all courses you can check in to our accommodation with big discounts! Have a look at our latest deals and prices here.
Message us to look at upgrades and for more info click here.
If you don’t have your own underwater camera, or don’t want to use the one you’ve got, you can hire one for just 1,500 THB. Perfect for getting the most out of your scuba photography course in Thailand.
Book Now and Start Your Underwater Photography Course
Unlock the skills to capture stunning images beneath the surface with the SSI Underwater Photography and Videography Course at Crystal Dive Koh Tao. If you want to learn underwater camera skills to take your diving (or Instagram feed) further, this course gives you hands-on training with expert instructors.
You’ll also gain an introduction to underwater videography training, giving you the tools to create both still images and dynamic video content underwater.
฿5,500
During this scuba photography course in Thailand, you’ll master framing, lighting, buoyancy for photography, and post-dive image review. Plus, you’ll gain practical editing tips and guidance to improve your results with every dive.
Need an underwater camera? Rent one for just 1,500 THB when you book your underwater photography course.
Photo & Video
During this scuba photography course in Thailand, you’ll master framing, lighting, buoyancy for photography, and post-dive image review. Plus, you’ll gain practical editing tips and guidance to improve your results with every dive.
Need an underwater camera? Rent one for just 1,500 THB when you book your underwater photography course.
Enhance Your Underwater Photography Experience
Click here…
Make your Underwater Photography Course even more memorable with a personalized video or photo package from Crystal Images, our in-house media team.
Document when you learned underwater camera skills so you have footage of our origin story when you become an underwater photo and video professional.
Choose from a 10-minute edited video (above and below the surface), or a collection of 10–15 high-resolution photographs.
These services can be added to your course booking by selecting the ‘video & photo’ option during checkout.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
display:none
Can I start my Photo & Video Specialty Course every day?
In general, yes. We start our courses any given day. To secure your desired start date, we recommend booking your Photo & Video Specialty Course online here. This will guarantee your placement in a small group of maximum 4 students per Instructor.
Is it possible to change the schedule for the Photo & Video Specialty Course?
Our schedules are flexible and we will do everything to adjust it to your travel plans. Please contact us to arrange for a schedule that suits you within the limits of the Photo & Video Specialty Course performance requirements.
What are the rates for accommodation?
For your Photo & Video Specialty Course we offer accommodation in a private AC room (choice of Double or Twin) at a discounted rate for the standard course duration of 1 night. There are also upgrade options available for the adjacent Koh Tao Regal or Beach Club Resort. More information here or just contact us directly.
What are the minimum requirements to start my Photo & Video Specialty Course?
The minimum requirements for you to enroll in the Photo & Video Specialty Course are listed here. If you still have questions about specific requirements or an equivalent certification, please contact us directly.
How many students will be together with me in my Photo & Video Diver Specialty Course?
We pride ourselves to teach our Photo & Video Specialty Course personal in groups of max. 4 students per instructor. If you still prefer a smaller group or a private course please contact us directly. On the other hand, if you travel in a bigger group, please let us know and we will arrange for multiple Instructors to teach you together.
Can I take a Go Pro on my dives for the Photo & Video Diver Specialty Course?
You can take your own camera on any of the dives. If you wish for pictures to be taken of you, our in-house video & photo company Crystal Images can take professional photos or a broadcast quality video of you on two of your dives on the Photo & Video Specialty Course. Please contact us or check out your options here.
What other courses can I take if I have some more time after my Photo & Video Specialty Course?
We have put together some recommendations for you under this link for dive activities that you may find interesting after or together with your Photo & Video Specialty Course. If you are interested in other activities, have a look at our shop and check out our multi-course packages as well.
Other Questions?
Please check out our general FAQ-Page which will answer most of your questions about Koh Tao, diving, weather conditions and everything else. Anything that cannot be answered there, please just contact us and we will get right back to you!
