How to shoot stunning underwater footage with a GoPro, according to a marine scientist

TechCamerasGoPro & Action CamerasHow to shoot stunning underwater footage with a GoPro, according to a marine scientistGoPro ambassador Charlie Young’s handy tips on how to shoot stunning footage with your action camera underwaterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GoPro ambassador Charlie Young’s handy tips on how to shoot stunning footage with your action camera underwater

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: GoPro)

Female surfer sitting on a surfboard half underwater

(Image credit: GoPro)

You recently bought a GoPro because you’re going snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef. Excellent! However, you suddenly realise you have no idea how to use the action cam to capture the beauty of the underwater world you’re about to enter.

Fear not—we found the best person to teach you the ins and outs of underwater videography:Charlie Young, a marine scientist who’s been a keen GoPro user for over a decade. Charlie knows everything there is to know about thebest GoPros, especially how to make the most of these stunningaction camerasin the water.

Charlie YoungSocial Links NavigationMarine scientist, Sailor and PresenterCharlie is an award-winning marine scientist (BSc Hons; MSc) and conservation storyteller who lives full-time at sea onboard her sailboat, ‘Feral’, where she dedicates her time afloat to documenting wildlife and reporting on environmental threats; both above and below the water. Alongside her research she is also a passionate communicator and my advocacy work has seen her invited to speak at landmark events such as COP26 and the Blue Earth Summit.

Charlie YoungSocial Links NavigationMarine scientist, Sailor and Presenter

Charlie YoungSocial Links Navigation

Social Links Navigation

Charlie is an award-winning marine scientist (BSc Hons; MSc) and conservation storyteller who lives full-time at sea onboard her sailboat, ‘Feral’, where she dedicates her time afloat to documenting wildlife and reporting on environmental threats; both above and below the water. Alongside her research she is also a passionate communicator and my advocacy work has seen her invited to speak at landmark events such as COP26 and the Blue Earth Summit.

“I have been usingGoProfor over a decade to document my travels and wildlife adventures,” she says, “I bought my first model (HERO2) in 2013, which I used on a solo trip to Indonesia, where I worked as a research assistant on a slow loris conservation project.”

“Some of the best content I have shot has to be while diving in the Maldives,” adds Charlie, “MyGoPro HERO11 Blackcaptured incredibly high-quality footage of sharks, rays, and mantas and stood up to deep dives and low-light conditions.”

Her favourite models for underwater shooting are the latestGoPro HERO12 Blackand its predecessor mentioned above. “I particularly love that I can shoot at a ridiculously high resolution in slow motion. Slowing down the action underwater adds depth and poeticism to what I film, captivating viewers in a whole new way.”

Below, Charlie shares some tips on how to capture your best videos underwater using a GoPro. If you haven’t got a GoPro yet but you would want one, check out T3’s roundup of thebest GoPro dealstoday.

1. Keep your GoPro level

Charlie’s top tip is to always consider your position in relative to the subject. Try shooting wildlife from below or on its level to add depth to the photo or video.

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“Although it depends on your subject, generally, I find the best footage comes from keeping the horizon level, swimming in a straight line or staying stationary and tracking the wildlife. HERO12 Black has a Built-in Horizon Lock within HyperSmooth 6.0, which really helps with this.”

She recommends avoiding panning around too much or making any jerky movements, as this will impact the footage. “And always keep HyperSmooth turned on!” Charlie adds, “This helps to get rid of any shake. Watch your subject and study how it moves. This will help you choose the best angle and position to place yourself in to capture the best footage or photo.”

2. Consider where the light is coming from

Capturing amazing photos both over and under the sea line requires understanding light and how it affects your subject.

As Charlie explains, shooting with the light behind you – so to speak – helps you avoid shadows on your subject when photographing or filming wildlife.

On occasions, though, shooting into the light, especially at sunrise and sunset, can make for dramatic and beautiful shots.

“What you choose to do will depend on the result you want from your content,” she explains, “If you want sharp and detailed shots of an animal, I would shoot with the light. If you want a dreamlike landscape scene of a bustling reef, I would shoot early or late in the afternoon.”

(Image credit: GoPro)

GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera held in hand in water

(Image credit: GoPro)

3. Let nature be nature

“Wildlife is under increasing pressure from divers and content creators seeking to get up-close shots,” Charlie explains, “Always check and respect the rules when approaching wildlife and try to give it personal space. Animals don’t respond well to being chased, and some of the best shots I have got have been when I have stayed still and let the animal come to me.”

If you dive with someone who knows the area, always pay attention to their advice. Check how close they recommend you should approach animals, and try to get as close to them as possible without disturbing them.

“The closer the shot, the more detail and less noise (particles and floating debris) between you and your subject, which will always improve the video or photo,” Charlie suggests, “But respect for the wildlife should always be at the forefront of your work.”

4. Accessorise

5. Keep it high

The HERO12 Black also lets you shoot in portrait (9:16), perfect for capturing social content.

“Unless you dive deeper, in which case, you should consider shooting at a lower frame rate (30fps) to allow the camera to capture extra light and reduce noise in images,” she adds.

6. Spit it out

The HERO12 Black has a Hydrophobic lens that sheds water to keep your shots crystal clear when you’re in the water. “But if you have an older model and want to avoid water on the lens at the surface, wipe it with some spit.” Top tip from Charlie!

7. Check yous settings

Charlie suggests using a wide angle when shooting big wildlife and a linear when shooting smaller subjects or up close. It’s worth checking with the dive leader what sort of content you’re most likely to see and adjust your GoPro before the dive. As user friendly as these action cams are, it’s not the easiest to change all the settings when your in the water.

8. Keep it on

One final tip from Charlie: “Turn off the screensaver! Nothing worse than filming and the display screen switching off.”

There you have it! Eight top tips to ensure you always have the best possible content when using your GoPro underwater.

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1. Keep your GoPro level#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

2. Consider where the light is coming from#

3. Let nature be nature#

4. Accessorise#

5. Keep it high#

6. Spit it out#

7. Check yous settings#

8. Keep it on#

1. Keep your GoPro level

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

2. Consider where the light is coming from

3. Let nature be nature

4. Accessorise

5. Keep it high

6. Spit it out

7. Check yous settings

8. Keep it on