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Shoot underwater

Shoot underwater
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Take underwater photos using a waterproof camera or phone case, experiment with angles, lighting, and bubbles to learn about light, refraction, and motion.

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Step-by-step guide to take underwater photos

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How to hold your breath 💦😮💨 💦UNDERWATER! Learn Pool Safety for Kids! #blippi #shorts

What you need
Adult supervision required, clean bathtub or pool, goggles or swim mask, straw or small squirt bottle to make bubbles, towel, waterproof camera or phone in a waterproof case, waterproof flashlight or pool light

Step 1

Gather all the materials and ask an adult to help you with the activity.

Step 2

Put on your goggles or swim mask so your eyes are protected.

Step 3

Place the camera or phone into the waterproof case and seal it tightly.

Step 4

Ask the adult to test the sealed case in a cup of water for a few seconds to check for leaks.

Step 5

Take one quick test photo above the water to make sure the camera is working.

Step 6

Move to shallow water or sit safely beside the bathtub with the adult present.

Step 7

Aim the camera just below the water surface and press the shutter to take a photo.

Step 8

Lower the camera a bit and point the lens up toward the surface and press the shutter to take a photo.

Step 9

Point the camera straight down into the water and press the shutter to take a photo.

Step 10

Make bubbles near the camera by blowing through the straw or using the squirt bottle.

Step 11

Press the shutter to take a photo of the bubbles close to the lens.

Step 12

Turn on the waterproof flashlight so it is ready to use.

Step 13

Place the flashlight at the side of the water so light shines through the water.

Step 14

Press the shutter to take a photo of the light beams underwater.

Step 15

Share your favorite underwater photo on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a waterproof case if we can’t find one?

If you don't have a waterproof case for your camera or phone, ask an adult to use a disposable waterproof camera or a waterproof action camera (for example, a GoPro) and always follow step 4 by testing the sealed option in a cup of water for leaks.

My photos are blurry or water got inside — what should we check first?

If photos are blurry or water gets inside, re-check the case seal and any buttons from step 3, repeat the leak test in a cup of water from step 4, and take a quick test photo above the water as in step 5 to confirm the camera is working before trying steps 6–11 again.

How can we adapt this activity for different ages?

For toddlers have them sit beside the bathtub while an adult holds and aims the sealed camera and makes bubbles with the straw (steps 6–10), and for older kids let them safely take photos in shallow water and experiment with light and angles from steps 6–11 under supervision.

How can we make the underwater photos more creative or personal?

To enhance the activity, place colored cellophane over the waterproof flashlight from step 11 to create colored beams, try different bubble sizes with the straw or squirt bottle in steps 9–10, and then edit and share your favorite photo on DIY.org as in step 12.

Watch videos on how to take underwater photos

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Water Safety for Kids! | Water Safety Rules | Water Safety Tips

4 Videos

Facts about underwater photography for kids

🫧 Bubbles act like tiny lenses and mirrors — they can make bright sparkles, distortions, and even little rainbows in photos.

🔍 Get close and shoot slightly upward — less water between you and the subject gives sharper, more colorful pictures and fun silhouettes against the surface.

🌊 Refraction bends light at the water surface, making things viewed through a mask or flat glass appear about 25% closer and larger.

💡 Sunlight underwater changes quickly with depth and angle, so bright shafts and sparkles show up on sunny days while deeper shots get bluer and darker.

📷 Water absorbs colors — red and orange disappear within a few meters, so underwater photos often look bluer unless you add light.

How do I shoot underwater photos with my child?

To shoot underwater photos with your child, use a waterproof camera or a sealed phone case and practice in shallow, calm water like a backyard pool or bathtub. Check seals, secure a floating strap, and stay within arm's reach. Start with simple poses and bubbles, try different angles—overhead, side, below—and experiment with natural light and flash. Use fast shutter or burst mode to capture motion; review images together and talk about refraction and light changes.

What materials do I need to take underwater photos with my child?

For underwater photos bring: a waterproof camera or a fully sealed phone case, a floating wrist strap, goggles, and a soft towel. Pack extra batteries or a spare memory card, a lens-cleaning cloth, a small waterproof light for dim water, a bubble wand or floating toys for subjects, a dry bag for electronics, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit. Optional: clip-on weights for stability and a waterproof whiteboard to note settings.

What ages is underwater photography suitable for?

Underwater photography works for many ages but depends on water comfort and supervision. Toddlers (3–5) can participate in shallow tub or pool shots while an adult holds the camera and child; school-age kids (6–9) can attempt simple poses and bubbles with close supervision. Preteens (10+) can operate waterproof cameras with guidance. Always match tasks to swimming ability, keep sessions short, and maintain one-on-one adult supervision for safety.

What safety tips should I follow when taking underwater photos with my child?

Prioritize supervision and equipment safety: test waterproof seals and straps before use. Stay in shallow, calm water within arm's reach; never let a child hold breath underwater for long or dive for the camera. Use goggles and non-slip surfaces, remove jewelry that can snag, and avoid bright flash near faces. Keep sessions short, have a dry towel and first-aid kit, apply sunscreen, and ensure an adult knows basic water-rescue and CPR.
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Shoot underwater. Activities for Kids.