OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHY LITE: The Essentials
Learn how to photograph the wild oceans you love.
This eBook is the lite version of my complete guide focussing entirely on the technical foundations of underwater photography. From camera settings, ambient light, composition, strobe use, gear, and everything in between. No business chapters, no career content, no assignment, just the craft itself, 130 pages at a fraction of the price.
Everything in these pages has been written from my first hand experience as a photographer in the field. I taught myself the hard way: through failed attempts, time in the water, and years obsession, with no formal training. That self-taught approach won me an international photography award just one year into shooting professionally. This is the guide I wish I had when I first started and I hope it can give you a head start into the field of photography.
Who it's for?
Beginners who want a real technical foundation without paying for career content they don't need yet. Enthusiasts and hobbyists who already have the basics and want to sharpen their skills and start getting consistently better shots. If mastering the craft itself is the goal, this is where to start.
What's inside?
Foundations
Where to Begin: building ocean confidence
Planning & Safety: trip planning and diver safety
Physics of Light: how light and colour behave underwater
Camera Craft
Camera Settings: aperture, depth of field, shutter speed, ISO, the exposure triangle
Manual Shooting: choosing your settings, white balance, shooting RAW, metering modes
Perfecting Exposure: correct exposure, histograms, exposure compensation
Focusing: manual vs auto, continuous vs single, back-button focus, AF point selection
Composition: rule of thirds, classical composition, worked examples
Gear
Camera Bodies: choosing a camera, action cams, compact and full-frame
Lenses: choosing the right lens, focal lengths, full-frame vs cropped
Underwater Equipment: housings, ports and accessories
Underwater Technique
Ambient Light Photography: shooting with natural light
Positioning & Approach: lining up and approaching your subject
Wide vs Macro: capturing vast scenes and tiny subjects
Split Shots: mastering over/unders and dome prep
Using Strobes: TTL vs manual, strobe power, setting examples
Strobe Positioning: even lighting, common mistakes, preventing backscatter
Painting With Light: creative long exposures, light trails, curtain sync
File Management
Files & RAWs: file types, backups, file management
Equipment Care & Maintenance: servicing, O-rings, insurance, travelling with gear
Bonus
Terminology Glossary and full index
Note: this guide does not teach photo editing or post-production. That's covered in a separate ebook, coming soon.
File format: PDF Download with full colour diagrams and an abundance of inspiring photo examples by Brooke Pyke.
By purchasing this ebook, you agree to the following terms: This ebook is for strictly personal use only. Purchase or download does not grant any rights to share or redistribute this material, in part or in full, whether for free or for commercial purposes. All advice, techniques, and information provided are based on personal experience and are intended as general guidance only. Readers are responsible for applying their own judgment and discretion when acting on any information contained within. The author accepts no liability for injury, loss, damage, or any other consequences resulting from the use or misuse of information provided. This ebook and all content within, including text and photographs except where credited, are the intellectual property of Brooke Pyke and are protected under international copyright law. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, shared, distributed, published, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior written permission from the author.
© 2026 Brooke Pyke Photography. All rights reserved.
