Life as a tourist photo Pro

Troy Mayne · Issue 31, Jul/Aug 2006 · pp. 38–40

Products mentioned: Nikon D70s, Nikon D100, Nikon D200, Aquatica Housing, Nikkor 12-24mm lens, Ikelite 200 Strobe, Sea and Sea Housing, Sigma 10-20mm lens, Sea and Sea DX 90 strobe

It is very difficult to make a living as an underwater photographer but a great way to start or to supplement your earnings is to work as an underwater photographer in the tourism field. It sounds like an easy gig, and it can be, with certain well developed skills. On the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, there are quite a few dive operations who employ underwater photographers to visually record a passengers underwater experience and then sell it. There are many different ways that this is done. Various techniques and equipment are used to produce and sell underwater images. Digital photography has propelled digital stills to the fore front, where video once ruled. Nowadays photographs are taken, printed and sold before a passenger steps off the boat. I work on day cruise vessels. Generally the best money to be made is on the introductory divers but many people also purchase images of thems…