Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. I realise there are lots of people looking to get into underwater film making and I hope these FAQ’s can help in some way. I also answered about 50 questions on equipment and getting in to the industry on an instagram QnA in early 2021. Please visit my instagram profile and check out my story highlights to read those. If there is anything I haven’t covered or you’d like me to go into in more detail then please contact me. I am often in the field but I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Check out my Dive Gear page for a full breakdown of what dive equipment I use and why. My equipment is valuable so I use tough, reliable cases and bags from North Face, Lowepro and Pelican.
(Update 2022) I think the best value for money is in compact mirrorless camera. Something like the Sony FX3. Second hand is a great way to go. You can often find last years model with a housing for a reasonable price on eBay or the excellent Wetpixel classifieds.
Sounds I travel with a UE Megaboom which is rugged, can take a splash, and will pump out music for the crew on long van rides or while watching rushes. For private listening on planes and the like I use some bluetooth headphones with a Taotronics portable bluetooth transmitter. This is probably my favourite gadget as I hate getting tangled in cables every time I get out of my seat.
Noise cancelling headphones I use the Sony WH-1000XM3. Must have for flights and movies in the hotel room.
Stanley These guys are the greatest outdoor brand ever ever. I think I only work outdoors in order to be able to use and talk about their products. Awesome, bulletproof and stylish gear at affordable prices. If you just buy one thing get one of these.
A whacking dollop of Patience. Things won’t happen as planned. Stuff will go wrong. Baggage will get lost. Cameras will break. People will get ill. Animals won’t turn up. Cameras will break. Weather will be horrific. Coffee will run out. Cameras will break. You get the picture. Did I mention that cameras will break?
Further Reading
Matthew Allard wrote a fantastic blog about working as a freelance cameraman on Newshooter – I think it pretty much covers everything you would need to know.
John Brown has an excellent blog with advice for aspiring wildlife camera operators on his website. Much of what he has to say is good general advice for underwater shooters as well.
Warwick Sloss is one of the most experienced and successful wildlife cameramen around. He has some well written and highly amusing thoughts on his website.
Sophie Darlington is a well-known long-lens shooter who has some advice here.
Chris Burkard is a successful and well known adventure photographer and social influencer. He has a very well thought out and interesting FAQ which is worth taking a look at for anyone with an interest in wildlife or adventure photography and cinematography.
Some of those links will take you to Amazon and I might get a little bit of commission if you purchase something. It just pays for my time writing these blogs and articles which are hopefully informative and useful.