Guide

Underwater Photography in Singapore

Underwater photographer shooting swimmer in clear blue pool

Underwater photography in Singapore ranges from professional portrait sessions in private pools to recreational shooting around the southern islands. If you're looking to book a shoot or try it with your own gear, here's how it works.

Pool Photoshoots

The most accessible form of underwater photography in Singapore. Typically conducted in private pools (condominiums or landed homes) for controlled lighting and clear water.

  • Cost: $200 to $500 per session, depending on the photographer and package
  • What you get: 20 to 40 edited images per session
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours in the water
  • Best for: portraits, family shoots, maternity sessions, competitive swimmer profiles

The pool setting allows the photographer to control depth, positioning, and lighting. Natural light from above creates the blue-green tones that give underwater photos their look.

Open Water Photography

Singapore's southern islands (Lazarus, St. John's, Sisters' Islands) and dive sites at Pulau Hantu offer opportunities for underwater photography in natural settings. Visibility varies -- Singapore's waters are not known for crystal clarity, but there's more marine life than most people expect.

Doing It Yourself

Getting started with underwater photography doesn't require expensive equipment:

  • Waterproof phone case: $30 to $80. Good enough for casual pool and snorkelling shots
  • Action camera (GoPro or similar): $200 to $500. Versatile, tough, and handles underwater well
  • Mirrorless camera + underwater housing: $1,000+. For serious work requiring full manual control

Tips for Better Underwater Photos

  • Shoot upward toward the surface -- the natural light creates better contrast
  • Get close to your subject. Water absorbs light and reduces clarity over distance
  • Use burst mode. Movement underwater is unpredictable
  • Clean water matters more than expensive gear. A clear pool will always produce better results than murky open water
  • If shooting people, have them exhale before submerging -- puffed cheeks don't photograph well

Finding an Underwater Photographer

Search for underwater photographers in Singapore on Instagram or local photography directories. Look at their portfolio, ask about pool access (they should have this sorted), and check what's included in the package before booking.