How to Take the Best Underwater Photos with an iPhone

I get it—you want to capture those magical underwater moments, but the idea of investing in a heavy, expensive camera rig sounds like a hassle. The good news? Your iPhone is a powerful underwater camera, and with the right setup, you can shoot professional-quality photos and videos while keeping everything simple.

In this guide, I’ll share my experience on how to take the best underwater photos with an iPhone, why I prefer it over traditional cameras, and how you can get the best shots with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max housing—the best iPhone case for underwater photography. Plus, I’ll throw in some tips on lighting, lenses, and editing apps to help you level up your underwater content.

The Challenge of Shooting Underwater: Light & Depth Matter

The deeper you go, the more light you lose—especially beyond 16 ft / 5 m. Reds disappear first, followed by oranges and yellows, leaving everything looking blue or green. That’s why understanding light is key to taking great underwater shots.

Some quick tips:

  • Stay shallow if you want vibrant colors (10-16 ft / 3-5 m is ideal).
  • Use a color-correcting filter or adjust white balance in editing.
  • If diving deeper, bring a video light to bring back lost colors.

Why an iPhone is Perfect for Underwater Photography

I used to think I needed a big DSLR to get stunning underwater shots. But after years of filming with my iPhone, I’ve realized it’s actually a better option for most divers. Here’s why:

  • Always with you – No need to pack bulky camera gear. Your phone is ready when you are.
  • Instant access to your content – No transferring files. Your photos and videos are ready to edit and share immediately.
  • Great quality – Modern iPhones have advanced cameras with deep fusion, night mode, and HDR, making them amazing for underwater photography.
  • Perfect for social media – If you’re creating content for Instagram or TikTok, your phone keeps everything in the right format without extra steps.

Best iPhone Case for Underwater Photography: DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max is hands down the best underwater housing for iPhones. Unlike other cases that only let you press a few buttons, this one gives you FULL touchscreen control underwater—which is a game-changer.

Why I love the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max:

  • Waterproof to 197 ft / 60 m – Works for freediving, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
  • Full touchscreen access – Adjust settings, switch apps, and even edit underwater.
  • Works in all conditions – Whether you’re in warm tropical waters or ice diving with neoprene gloves, this housing performs.
  • Compatible with extra lenses – Add macro, wide-angle, or red filters for better shots.
  • Works with more than just iPhones – The DIVEVOLK housing is also compatible with almost all smartphone models on the market, making it a versatile choice for mobile underwater photography. 

Pro Tips for Taking Stunning Underwater Photos & Videos with an iphone

1. Master Your Lighting

  • Use natural light – Shoot when the sun is up but not directly overhead (8 AM – 12 PM) for the best visibility and color balance.
  • Avoid backscatter – Position yourself so the sun is behind you, not your subject, to minimize floating particles in your shots.
  • Use a red filter if diving deeper than 16 ft / 5 m to restore warm tones lost at depth.
  • Experiment with angles and distances – The more variety in your shots, the easier your video editing process will be later.

2. Experiment with Lenses

  • Wide-angle lenses create dramatic shots—perfect for underwater selfies and expansive reef scenes.
  • Macro lenses are amazing for capturing tiny marine life. With video lights, the details pop even more! You won’t believe these shots were taken on an iPhone.
  • Dome lens – Capture stunning split shots (half underwater, half above) effortlessly with your iPhone!

3. Stabilize Your Shots

  • Move slow and steady – This is key to getting smooth, professional-looking footage.
  • Use both hands and tuck in your elbows to minimize shaky footage.
  • Find a stable position – Hold onto something to steady yourself while filming, or wear a little extra weight to help control buoyancy and avoid fighting against the water’s natural lift.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice!

  • The more you shoot, the better your instincts will become.
  • Experiment with different angles, subjects, and compositions—marine life, divers, sun rays filtering through the water.
  • Share your videos! Get feedback, learn from others, and inspire the next wave of underwater content creators.

5. Edit Like a Pro (With Just One App!)

I only use CapCut for editing my underwater videos—and it’s completely free!

This app has tons of features, but it’s still super easy and quick to use. Here are my go-to functions:

  • Color correction – Bring back lost reds and balance tones for more natural-looking footage.
  • Slow motion & transitions – Create smooth, cinematic effects.
  • Text & overlays – Perfect for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

Ready to Start Filming? Grab Your DIVEVOLK & Dive In!

Using an iPhone for underwater photography is easy, fun, and incredibly effective—especially with the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max. Whether you’re snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, this setup lets you capture pro-quality shots without the hassle of big camera gear.

Use the DIVEVOLK Discount Code “DIVETIAN6” when you order directly from DIVEVOLK. 

When you use the DIVEVOLK Discount Code “DIVETIAN6“, you’ll get a 6% discount and an additional free protective cover!

For orders over $500, you’ll receive a 6% discount and an additional free EVA box and a L-shaped bracket for your handle!

The extra freebies won’t appear on the checkout page, but they will be included in your package.

I’ve also written an in-depth review of this smartphone housing after using it for two years. Click here to read the full review.