The art of marine and underwater photography: techniques, tips and exceptional locations in France

At Orca Retail, our passion for the sea is not limited to sailing: it extends to everything that captures its magic.

Marine photography, whether on the surface or underwater, is a unique way to immortalize the power of the waves, the changing lights of the horizon or the grace of a dolphin in its natural element.

Sailing a semi-rigid boat offers an incomparable advantage. Thanks to its lightness, stability and proximity to the water's surface, it lets you get close to the most photogenic areas, maneuver easily around a scene and vary angles effortlessly. It's the ideal companion for both novice and experienced marine photographers, eager to capture vivid, spontaneous images.

In this article, Orca Retail offers a complete guide for marine and underwater photography enthusiasts, from technical tips to the best spots in France, including choosing the right equipment.

Understanding marine and underwater photography

Marine photography

Photographing the sea from the surface requires a good understanding of light and movement. Nothing is static: the boat moves, the waves ripple, the wind plays with the reflections.

Here, it's not a question of seeking geometric perfection, but of capturing the living moment - that of a sail straining, a ray of sunlight piercing the mist, or a bird skimming the water.

Underwater photography

Beneath the surface, everything changes. Water absorbs colors and diffuses light: reds disappear after three meters, yellows after five, and only blue remains dominant beyond ten meters.

To reproduce the richness of the seabed, we need to learn how to compensate for this loss of color, usingartificial lighting and filters.

Mastering light and timing: The best times of day for photography

The face of the sea is constantly changing according to the time of day... So what's the best time of day for marine or underwater photography?

• At dawn (5:30-8 a.m.), the light is soft and golden, sometimes veiled by a fine mist. This is the ideal moment for poetic images: motionless sails on a sea of oil, birds flying over the surface in search of prey, or pastel reflections melting into the horizon.
• By mid-day (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), the sun is at its zenith. The light becomes harsh, almost hard, but it's precisely this intensity that makes it ideal for underwater photography. The rays penetrate more deeply, revealing the true colors of coral, fish and sandy bottoms. A world bursting with life awaits the lens, provided you master the exposure.
• In the late afternoon (5-8 p.m.), the sun goes down and the light warms up. The waves take on golden reflections, the silhouettes of sailboats are silhouetted against the sky and every movement of the water becomes more expressive. It's the perfect time for seascapes and sailing scenes bathed in low-angled light.
• Finally, as the clear night sets in, more experienced photographers can try their hand at long exposure. The twinkling of stars, the beams of lighthouses, or the bioluminescence of plankton create almost unreal compositions, where the sea becomes a mirror of the cosmos.

The technical basics of marine photography

Understanding shooting modes

There's nothing magical about a camera: it translates light into images. To do this, photographers need to consider three main settings:

• Shutter speed determines the time during which the sensor receives light. A fast shutter speed (1/1000 s or more) can freeze the movement of waves or animals. A slow shutter speed (1/30 s or less), on the other hand, creates an artistic blur effect, ideal for suggesting the movement of water.

• The aperture of the diaphragm (f/) acts like the pupil of the eye. A large aperture(f/2.8) lets in a lot of light and creates a soft background blur; a small aperture(f/11 or f/16) keeps everything sharp, perfect for seascapes.

• ISO sensitivity regulates the sensor's reaction to light. At sea, where light is often strong, it's best to stay around ISO 100-400 to maintain a sharp, grain-free image.

For beginners, the easiest way is to use semi-automatic modes:

• Shutter-priority mode (S or Tv): you choose the shutter speed, and the camera takes care of the rest.

• Aperture priority mode (A or Av): you control the depth of field, the camera adapts the light.

Composing a successful image

• Horizon line: avoid centering it; place it in the upper or lower third to balance the sky and sea.

• Focal point: a boat, a sail, a bird, etc. provide a reference point for the eye.

• Reflections and backlighting: use them to your advantage - low-angled sunlight behind a subject creates a magical atmosphere.

Manage marine conditions

• In the event of a strong current or swell, stabilize yourself with the RIB's flotation devices or a harness; don't try to frame too tightly.

• In the event of backlighting, measure the light on the main subject ("spot" mode), or expose slightly above it to prevent the image from being too dark.

• For underwater photography, stay close to the subject (less than one meter), use an external flash to restore colors, and set the white balance manually between 4,500 and 5,500 K, depending on the depth.

Buying guide: what photo equipment should you choose for the sea?

The sea is not kind to photo equipment. Salt water, humidity and shocks call for reliable, waterproof equipment. Here are a few pointers, depending on your level.

For beginners

For enthusiasts

Whatever your level, don't forget: a dry microfiber cloth, a waterproof bag and spare batteries are your best allies at sea.

France's most beautiful locations for marine and underwater photography

In France, the sea offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and fauna.

In Brittany

Around the Glénan archipelago, the water takes on almost tropical turquoise hues. From a RIB, you can photograph the immaculate sandbanks, the colorful sails of diving schools and, underwater, the seahorses, gobies and anemones that populate the eelgrass beds.

Further north, the Crozon peninsula impresses with its sheer cliffs and sea caves where grey seals come to rest.

On the Atlantic coast

The Arcachon basin is a paradise for birdwatchers: terns, egrets, curlews and the occasional seal. At low tide, the golden reflections of the Banc d'Arguin transform the landscape into a mirror.

Further south, towards Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the swell attracts common dolphins and surfers; the perfect place for dynamic shots combining nature and movement.

In the Mediterranean

The Port-Cros National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful playgrounds for underwater photography: brown groupers, barracudas and red gorgonians can be approached in exceptionally clear water.

Further west, the Calanques de Cassis offer striking contrasts between white rock and deep blue sea; octopus are common here, as are sea bream and moray eels.

Finally, around Porquerolles, the posidonia meadows are home to seahorses and needlefish, which can even be seen by snorkeling.

In Normandy

The cliffs of Étretat, bathed in evening light, are a classic must-see: their limestone whiteness turns orange at sunset.

Further north, in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the sea retreats for several kilometers, revealing calf seals and migratory birds that animate the shifting sands.

Respecting the sea you photograph

Photographing the sea also means learning to respect it. Avoid touching animals, don't trample seagrass beds, and don't leave anything behind. Even a simple piece of plastic or a non-biodegradable sunscreen can upset a fragile ecosystem.

The most beautiful image is the one that bears witness without disturbing.

Conclusion

Capturing the sea means combining technique, patience and wonder. Every wave, every ray of light, every silhouette tells a story.

Prepare your equipment, check the weather forecast, and let the light of the open sea guide you: the sea awaits your gaze!

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