Taiwan's oceans are breathtaking, and there are even more wonders to explore in seas around the world. Whether you're simply snorkeling or strapping on a scuba tank to dive into the deep, people always want a camera in hand to capture those rich underwater moments as lasting memories. With camera models evolving at a rapid pace, figuring out which camera is best suited for underwater use — and which one will actually produce great shots — can be a real headache. Fortunately, diving expert Vanessa Yen is here to share her insights on choosing an underwater camera and getting the most out of it. We hope everyone can capture their own stunning images and help the people around them truly appreciate the beauty of the ocean.
About the Author
Vanessa Yen
Once a nine-to-five office worker unwilling to settle for an ordinary life, Vanessa made the bold decision to set aside the modest achievements she had built and leave Taiwan behind — heading to Australia, New Zealand, and Japan on working holidays to live a life completely unlike anything she had known before. She worked as a farmer picking fruit, a barista, a bartender, a cook… filling her résumé with the most wonderfully eclectic stories.
The vast ocean opened the door to the wider world for her, turning a passion into a profession. Bitten by the diving bug, she went on to guide students from all over the globe in exploring the sea. But diving alone wasn't enough — in 2014 she picked up underwater photography, heading into the water whenever she could to shoot everything in sight. After years of self-teaching, she developed her own approach and has since documented countless breathtaking underwater scenes and extraordinary moments.
"Living the dream" — a motto she first encountered on a dive boat — has stayed with her ever since. Starting from sailing and seafaring, she gradually immersed herself in the underwater world, beginning at Australia's Great Barrier Reef. She continues to live with passion, chasing dreams, diving, and travelling.
Diving Credentials:
- PADI (certification agency) IDC Staff Instructor
- Specialty Instructor: enriched air nitrox (EANx), Emergency Oxygen, wreck diving, drift diving, sidemount, Emergency First Response
- PADI (certification agency) IE Exam Interpreter
- SSI (certification agency) Advanced Instructor
- AIDA (freediving agency) 2-Star Freediver
Getting Started with Underwater Photography
Seventy percent of the world is ocean — skip it, and you're missing out on 70% of the world. Through snorkeling, a simple skill anyone can learn, you can get a first glimpse of the beautiful creatures living beneath the surface. After a few snorkeling experiences, though, you'll likely find it feels like window shopping — not quite enough. Scuba diving is what truly lets you step inside the underwater world and become part of it.
From Snorkeling into the Underwater World
You've probably scrolled through countless underwater photos online and wondered: I don't dive — how could I ever see or photograph that many fish? Here's the thing: many of the photos in this book were taken while snorkeling. Snorkeling and deep diving simply offer different angles and perspectives — great photos are by no means reserved for those who dive deep.
Generally speaking, the depth with the richest and most vibrant life in tropical coral reef waters is around 15 metres, while deeper areas hold their own surprises. Scuba diving certainly opens up a more expansive underwater panorama. But fish are fish — they swim where they swim. With only a handful of exceptions found in the deep sea, the vast majority of marine life — sharks, sea turtles, Whale Sharks, Clownfish — can be spotted whether you're snorkeling or scuba diving. Some locations are better suited to snorkeling, others to diving, depending on the local marine ecosystem and topography. Snorkeling doesn't mean you'll only see a few scattered small fish, just as scuba diving doesn't guarantee you'll encounter impressive large ones.
Spotting a Whale Shark? Not Surprising
Every marine environment is home to a different array of creatures, and wherever conditions are especially well-suited to a particular species, that species will thrive — meaning you're far more likely to encounter it there.
For some people, swimming alongside a Whale Shark is a lifelong dream. Diving in Taiwan thousands of times, they long for the day they'll finally lay eyes on one. Then they visit the Maldives and discover that Whale Sharks simply live there — even a child snorkeling for the very first time will see one. A local will tell you with a shrug: "Yesterday I saw three swim past my front door."
You've probably heard of barracuda tornados — in the Philippines they're the stuff of legend, something you stumble upon by luck and take as a sign to buy a lottery ticket. Then you head to Sipadan and realise the question isn't whether there's a tornado, but how big it is. And then you reach the Galápagos, where every species seems to appear in tornado formation.
It's just like visiting famous landmarks — if you want to see Taipei 101, you go to Taipei; you won't find Sun Moon Lake in Taitung. If you want to see a particular creature, go to where it lives. Dive in and say hello to Clownfish (Nemo) and Dory, and experience your very own Finding Nemo in real life — that's the best thing of all.
Tropical Fish — No Passport Required
Taiwan is surrounded by sea, and the name Formosa — Beautiful Island — was well-earned. Situated in the Pacific Ocean with the Kuroshio Current flowing past, Taiwan's waters boast remarkable visibility, a constant influx of marine life carried in by the tides, and thriving coral reefs. From tiny macro creatures no bigger than an ant to massive manta rays, it's all here.
Kenting, Xiaoliuqiu, Green Island, and Orchid Island are world-class dive destinations. As Taiwanese, we're incredibly fortunate — these gems are right on our doorstep, no long journey required.
Diving into a Weightless World
I love diving because being underwater makes me feel wonderfully free — calm, quiet, weightless. The rich ecosystems and kaleidoscopic corals of the ocean are my recharging station. Every dive leaves me buzzing with energy. Its magic is something you truly have to experience for yourself. Savour the weightless world beneath the surface.
My Guide to Choosing an Underwater Camera
I still remember the first time I picked up a waterproof camera. Underwater photography wasn't widespread back then, and there wasn't much to choose from — just a handful of models, with underwater housings available as add-ons. When I first started, all I knew was to select the underwater mode. And yet the vibrant Clownfish and sea anemones in front of me came out a wash of blue and green — not a single usable shot. Even nudibranchs, those creatures that practically pose motionlessly and wait for you to press the shutter, came out blurry. When I tried to capture sweeping coral scenes, the angles and colours were all wrong, with white particles scattered everywhere. The adorably cute sea turtle became an adorably murky sea turtle. Senior instructors who looked at my photos told me plainly: your underwater photography journey has a long way to go — keep practising. I took their advice to heart, sought guidance from experienced seniors, researched online, self-taught, and grabbed every opportunity to get in the water and practice. Gradually, I started producing photos that were at least somewhat decent.
Waterproof Cameras Keep Evolving
In recent years, island getaways and water activities — the Songkran water festival in Thailand, surfing in Bali, snorkeling in Guam, diving in the Maldives — have grown increasingly popular. The demand for waterproof cameras has surged accordingly, and every summer, major camera brands roll out new waterproof models and even waterproof smartphones, all competing for a slice of the booming aquatic market.
Detailed comparison reviews follow suit online, covering everything from body design, features, and specifications to aperture and side-by-side sample shots taken on land and underwater. While these reviews serve as an important reference for consumers shopping for a camera, they tend to focus heavily on hardware and software analysis. That's genuinely useful for seasoned photographers — but for someone just starting out, it can feel overwhelming and hard to digest.
Reviews are long and leave you feeling lost? The shooting techniques that matter most to users are rarely covered in depth. Everyone's needs are different; the time, location, and subject of each shoot vary enormously. Comparing a few sample images side by side still doesn't tell you which camera is right for you. And the features you need for shooting mountains are worlds apart from those for shooting underwater.
Understanding Your Camera's Features Unlocks Its Full Potential
A craftsman who wants to do good work must first sharpen his tools. In recent years, brands have launched a range of compact, lightweight cameras that are easy to carry and deliver excellent image quality. Many travellers bring along a waterproof camera to document the fun of a holiday — but having a great tool means little without the skill to use it. The right technique is what unlocks a camera's true value.
Line up several cameras side by side and they all look pretty similar — so what actually sets them apart in practice? How important is the waterproof depth rating? Does having GPS make a difference for me? With so many features, how do I use them to actually take good photos? Should I just shoot in one mode the whole time? Is AUTO good enough for everything? Beyond Sports mode, what other settings work well for moving subjects? Is Underwater mode really the only option in the sea? Is Sunset mode really the best for capturing sunsets? How do I decide on aperture and shutter speed?
How to Take Beautiful Photos of Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are naturally, irresistibly adorable — beloved by everyone, with enduring popularity. Long-lived and slow to mature, just like humans they take 20 to 30 years to reach adulthood. Their diet consists mainly of sponges, jellyfish, and other soft-bodied creatures. Young sea turtles often dart away at the sight of people, but the older they get, the less wary they become — I imagine that with age comes the confidence of having seen it all.
Slow Down and Swim Alongside a Sea Turtle
Sea turtles are gentle by nature and will not attack unless threatened or provoked. They swim quickly, so when you spot one, slow down and stop first. Rushing towards one in excitement may startle it away. Move slowly and calmly, and getting a photo together is entirely possible.
How to Capture a Wonderful Sea Turtle Shot
Placing a sea turtle against a backdrop of colourful coral can result in a busy, cluttered image where the turtle gets lost. The simpler the background, the better. If the background is too complex, try shooting a close-up or framing the shot so the sea turtle occupies as much of the image as possible. Shooting upward from below, with the sun as a natural backlight, can produce a beautifully luminous, shimmering effect — well worth trying.
Beyond still photos, when a sea turtle is gliding slowly past, hit the video button and capture that moment of it soaring freely through the sea.
Where to Find Them
The most commonly encountered species is the Green Sea Turtle. Xiaoliuqiu in Taiwan, Sipadan in Malaysia, and Hawaii are all world-famous sea turtle destinations with impressive numbers — you can see your fill in one trip. Sea turtles can also be encountered in marine environments all over the world.
Shoot from Below for Dazzling Results
For truly stunning sea turtle shots, try angling your camera upward from below. With the sun as a natural backdrop, the sea turtle will seem to shimmer and glow — definitely worth experimenting with. And when a sea turtle is drifting slowly past, don't forget to switch to video mode on your camera or phone and record it gliding freely through the water. It's a rare and memorable experience!
The Captivating manta ray
The manta ray is a remarkable large Stingray — the biggest can reach a wingspan of seven metres. It feeds mainly on plankton and small fish using filter feeding, with two cephalic fins at the front of its mouth helping to funnel food in. The way it moves through the water resembles a bird in flight, wings beating gracefully. Manta rays sometimes enjoy circling divers or performing looping dances in the water, making them absolutely mesmerising to watch.
During manta ray migration and breeding season, it's possible to witness dozens of them together — a truly spectacular sight. Both snorkelers and divers can experience the magic of swimming among them. When you spot one, resist the urge to rush forward; stay still. Chase after it and you'll scare it off.
A Species in Urgent Need of Protection
Search for manta rays online and you'll typically find similar stories: slaughter, capture, endangered status… The manta ray is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing pressure from both accidental bycatch and deliberate commercial fishing. Without improvement, it could face extinction.
Manta rays have been spotted at Kenting in Taiwan — but rather than finding them in the sea, they turned up at the fish market before anyone had a chance to go looking for them underwater. Looking at how neighbouring countries the Philippines and Indonesia have been expanding their marine protected areas (MPAs), it's hard not to feel a sense of shame. Perhaps we have yet to find the right balance between the fishing industry and tourism. Clear, unambiguous bans on capture — with no grey areas — are needed, and we must work harder to protect these animals' right to exist.
The Laid-Back Giant: the Whale Shark
The Whale Shark is the largest fish in the ocean. In Madagascar it is called marokintana ("many stars"); the Javanese of Indonesia call it geger lintang ("fish with stars on its back"). In Taiwan, its plump, soft appearance has earned it the affectionate nickname "tofu shark."
Most Whale Sharks live in shallow waters within 50 metres of the surface, so snorkelers can interact with them up close. Swimming alongside a Whale Shark is the ultimate wish of many ocean enthusiasts. (The photos on the right were all taken while snorkeling, by the way.)
The Whale Shark is the gentle giant of the sea. When feeding, it opens its enormous mouth like a vacuum cleaner, inhaling everything in its path. Its personality is calm and thoroughly unhurried — when it moves, it swings its tail fin from side to side like an elegant lady strolling through a boutique. It looks effortless, but you'll have to swim with everything you've got just to keep up with that tail. Whether diving or snorkeling, keep moving — the moment you stop, you'll lose it.
Where to Find Them
Only a handful of countries in the world offer reliable Whale Shark encounters. The most celebrated destination is the Maldives, where a strong conservation ethos means the sharks are neither fed nor held in captivity — they roam the Indian Ocean freely and happily. Whale Sharks can also be seen swimming wild in Sipadan, Malaysia, and Mexico. In the Philippines, wild-fed Whale Sharks can be found near Cebu. The aquarium in Okinawa is not recommended.
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