Underwater Photography Tips for Anilao First-Timers

Anilao is one of those dive destinations where a point-and-shoot photographer with decent buoyancy will come home with better images than a technically skilled shooter who cannot hold still. The subjects are close, small, and patient — everything else follows from good dive fundamentals.

Get Your Buoyancy Right First

No amount of camera upgrade compensates for drifting into your subject, stirring silt, or hovering at a 30° downward angle. Before bringing a camera, complete at least 15 logged dives and practise breathing control in a pool. At Anilao specifically, muck sites like Secret Bay require exceptional trim to avoid blackout conditions from fin-kicked sediment.

Gear for Beginners

• A compact mirrorless or point-and-shoot in a manufacturer housing (Sony RX100, Olympus TG-7) is sufficient for 95% of Anilao subjects.
• Add a macro wet lens (+10 to +15 dioptre) for serious nudibranch and pygmy seahorse shooting.
• One small strobe or video light dramatically improves colour at depths below 5 metres.

Camera Settings Starting Points

Common Mistakes

• Shooting down at subjects instead of getting to eye level — animal portraiture always improves from the subject's perspective.
• Too much strobe power causing blown highlights on reflective skin or mucus.
• Moving too quickly between subjects — find one animal, spend 10 minutes with it, and shoot it properly.