Packing Essentials for an Underwater Photography Travel Trip

As a Photo Pro at Turquoise Divers, a Dive Resort located in Roatan, Honduras, I have the pleasure of welcoming new groups of divers each week to explore the beautiful reef. Among these groups, there are always several photographers or videographers who are part of the diving experience. I often find myself being asked if I have spare batteries, various cables (such as USB, Fiber Optic, and TTL), storage devices, desiccants like silicon gel packs, case straps or lanyards, and other accessories.

In this week's blog post, I am focusing on a list of some of the equipment that a traveling underwater photographer/videographer might need to pack before leaving for their dive destination. Remember, you are dedicating lots of money and time for this trip, the last thing you need is to forget some critical item that is necessary to capture your memories while on this trip.

As a professional underwater photographer, meticulous packing is crucial for a successful trip. Having the right equipment for various camera types can mean the disparity between capturing stunning shots and missing out on extraordinary underwater moments. Whether you're utilizing a smartphone with a housing, a point-and-shoot underwater camera, or an advanced SLR or mirrorless system, here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you in packing efficiently.

1. Smartphones with Underwater Housings

Smartphones have become increasingly capable of underwater photography, especially with dedicated housings. Here’s what you need:

Equipment:

• Waterproof smartphone housing: Choose reliable housing like Kraken or SeaLife SportDiver that provides easy access to your phone's features underwater.
• Backup O-rings: These small, but crucial components ensure the waterproof seal of your housing. Always carry spares.
• O-ring lubricant: Keeps your O-rings supple and effective, preventing leaks.
• Lanyard or wrist strap: To secure your phone and prevent accidental drops in the water.
• Touchscreen-compatible gloves: Allow you to operate your phone's touchscreen while underwater, ideal for colder waters.

Accessories:

• Mini tripod or grip handle: For stability and ease of use, especially in deeper or surge-prone waters.
• Underwater lens attachments: Macro and wide-angle lenses enhance your smartphone’s camera capabilities.
• Waterproof phone case: For surface use, protect your phone from splashes and wet conditions.
• Anti-fog inserts: Prevent your housing lens from fogging, ensuring clear shots.

Power:

• Portable power bank: A must for recharging your phone on the go, especially on long-dive days.
• Spare phone battery: If your phone allows battery swaps, bring extras.
• Waterproof power bank case: Protects your power bank from water exposure.
• Charging cables: Multiple cables to ensure you can recharge all your devices.

Storage:

• High-capacity microSD cards: Ensure you have ample storage for photos and videos.
• Waterproof microSD card case: Keeps your cards safe and organized.

2. Point-and-Shoot Underwater Cameras (e.g., SeaLife, Olympus Tough Series)

These cameras are user-friendly and designed for underwater use, with or without additional lighting.

Equipment:

• Camera body: Choose a rugged, waterproof model like the SeaLife DC2000 or Olympus Tough TG-6.
• Waterproof housing: If your camera isn't inherently waterproof, dedicated housing is essential.
• Backup O-rings: Always have spare O-rings to ensure the housing remains watertight.
• O-ring lubricant: Regularly lubricate O-rings to maintain their effectiveness.
• Wrist strap or float strap: Prevents losing your camera in the water.
• Built-in or external strobe: For better lighting, especially in deeper or murky waters.

Lighting:

• Underwater video light or strobe: Enhances visibility and color in your shots.
• Extension arms and mounts: Allow flexible positioning of lights for optimal illumination.
• Extra batteries: Always carry spares for both your camera and lights.
• Battery chargers: Ensure you can recharge all your batteries nightly.

Accessories:

• Lens cover or cap: Protects your lens from scratches and debris.
• Anti-fog inserts: Essential for clear, fog-free shots.
• Cleaning cloth and solution: Keep your lens and housing clean.

Power:

• Spare camera batteries: Essential for uninterrupted shooting.
• Portable power bank: Additional power for longer trips.
• Charging cables: Multiple cables to ensure all devices can be charged.

Storage:

• High-capacity SD cards: Store large amounts of high-resolution photos and videos.
• Waterproof SD card case: Protects your cards from water damage.

3. SLR and Mirrorless Cameras with Underwater Housings

These systems offer unparalleled image quality and control for professional and advanced photographers.

Equipment:

• Camera body: High-quality models like the Nikon D850 or Sony A7R series.
• Underwater housing: Specific to your camera model, brands like Nauticam or Ikelite are reliable.
• Dome ports and flat ports: For different types of photography (e.g., macro, wide-angle).
• Backup O-rings: Critical for maintaining a watertight seal.
• O-ring lubricant: Regularly applied to keep O-rings functional.
• Focus and zoom gears: Necessary for controlling lens functions within the housing.
• Extension rings: For accommodating different lens and port combinations.

Lighting:

• Underwater strobes: Brands like Inon and Sea & Sea offer powerful options.
• Underwater video lights: Provide continuous lighting for video shooting.
• Extension arms and clamps: For positioning your lights effectively.
• Sync cables or fiber optic cables: For connecting your strobes to the camera.
• Diffusers: Soften strobe light, reducing harsh shadows.

Accessories:

• Lens cover for ports: Protects your dome and flat ports.
• Anti-fog inserts: Essential for clear shots.
• Vacuum pump system: If your housing supports it, a vacuum pump helps ensure a watertight seal.
• Maintenance kit: Includes brushes, cloth, lubricants, and tools for minor repairs.

Power:

• Spare camera batteries: For extended shooting sessions.
• External battery pack: If applicable, for extended power.
• Battery chargers: For all your batteries, ideally dual or multi-slot chargers.
• Spare strobe and light batteries: Ensure your lighting is always ready.

Storage:

• High-capacity and high-speed SD/CF cards: For fast and reliable storage.
• Waterproof card case: Protects your cards from water and physical damage.
• Hard drive or SSD: For backing up your photos and videos.

Common Items for All Camera Types

Computers and Storage:

• Laptop or tablet: For editing and backing up your images. Ensure it has enough processing power for your software (e.g., Lightroom, Photoshop).
• External hard drives or SSDs: For backing up your images. Consider rugged, waterproof models.
• USB flash drives: Convenient for quick file transfers.
• Memory card readers: Ensure compatibility with your memory cards.
• Waterproof cases for electronics: Protect your devices from water and physical damage.

Cables and Power Supplies:

• USB cables (various types): For connecting and charging devices.
• Power strips and surge protectors: These are especially useful in locations with limited power outlets.
• International plug adapters: Essential for charging devices in different countries.
• Spare charging cables: Always have backups for all your devices.

Miscellaneous:

• Silica gel packs: Help control moisture in your camera bags and cases.
• Waterproof bags: For storing wet gear separately from dry items.
• Travel-sized cleaning kits: Include lens cleaning cloths, solutions, and brushes.
• Notebook and pen: For dive logs, notes, and planning.
• Portable photo editing software: Ensure you have your software installed and ready for use.
• Flash-light: Use this to inspect and ensure proper seating of o-rings on strobes, underwater housings, and video lights.
• Specialty batteries: for use inside underwater housings and flash converters for optic cables.

Final Tips

• Double-check your O-rings: Ensure they are clean, lubricated, and properly seated to avoid leaks.
• Backup your photos daily: Use multiple storage devices to prevent data loss.
• Keep essentials accessible: Items like chargers, spare batteries, and memory cards should be easily reachable in your carry-on.
• Pack light but smart: Prioritize items based on your shooting plan and destination specifics.

Packing for an underwater photography trip requires attention to detail, but being well-prepared ensures you can focus on capturing the stunning underwater world without any equipment worries. Happy diving and shooting!

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New Online Training Program

I am excited to announce that I am creating an online training program to teach underwater hobbyists and enthusiasts how to enhance their photos using Adobe Lightroom. If you are interested in this training, please contact me at bob@robertherb.com to express your interest and to be notified about the details and start date of the classes.

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Feel free to reach out at bob@robertherb.com if you have any questions or need further advice on underwater photography gear. Safe travels and fantastic dives!

Stay tuned and "Follow" for upcoming blogs on underwater photography tips and tricks for more in-depth insights. Please leave your comments and suggestions. Enjoy your diving and shooting experience!

Get ready for an exciting underwater photography adventure! I will soon be launching an online training course to help you enhance your underwater photography skills. If you're interested in learning more about this course, please feel free to contact me at bob@robertherb.com. You can also check out some of my outstanding work on my website, Robert Herb Photography.

I am eagerly anticipating your valuable feedback and suggestions. 

Sincerely, 

Bob Herb

Robert Herb Robert Herb Photography +1 (714) 594-9262‬  |  +504 9784-0024  |  www.RobertHerb.com Bob@robertherb.com  |  Roatan, HN or Aliso Viejo, CA (USA)