Descending into the ocean unveils a surreal realm, but sometimes the most captivating scene is not below, but above—where light and water perform a celestial ballet. One of the most breathtaking underwater experiences occurs when gazing up toward the surface and witnessing beams of sunlight breaking through. These moments are especially enchanting during full-moon night dives or early morning immersions when light angles are dramatic. Whether in the stillness of Malibu’s reefs or the dynamic currents of Indonesia, photographing sunbursts underwater preserves a rare harmony between water and light.
Shooting underwater sunbursts is about capturing the dynamic interplay between the sun and the sea. As divers and underwater photographers, we often focus on marine life, reefs, or wide-angle compositions. However, turning our lens upward opens up a different world—one of radiating sunrays, refracted light, and atmospheric depth. These natural phenomena not only add drama to our shots but evoke emotion and storytelling.
The essence of a good sunburst image lies in mastering both technical skills and artistic intent. From choosing the right gear to dialing in precise camera settings, everything plays a role in achieving that perfectly sharp, layered, and luminous burst. Let us now dive into the essential techniques that will help you consistently shoot striking underwater sunbursts.
Gear Setup and Environmental Considerations
For successful sunburst photography, choosing the right equipment and understanding your environment is foundational. Brent Durand’s preferred setup includes the Canon 5D Mark III, Tokina 10–17mm fisheye lens, Aquatica A5D Mk III housing, and Sea & Sea YS-D1 strobes. This combination ensures crisp image quality, a broad field of view, and robust lighting.
Fisheye lenses are particularly effective for capturing sunbursts because of their ability to include the entire sun and surrounding composition in the frame while exaggerating the radial lines of light. Additionally, their depth of field allows photographers to keep both foreground and background elements in focus, enhancing visual storytelling.
Using proper housing and strobes rated for your depth range is critical, as malfunctioning equipment can ruin an otherwise successful shoot. Ensure all O-rings are checked, housing is sealed correctly, and your strobes are fully charged before the dive. Mounting strobes on long arms and adjusting their angle can prevent backscatter and control light placement.
Environmental awareness is equally important. Optimal sunburst conditions usually occur between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun is directly overhead. Water clarity also plays a huge role; the clearer the water, the sharper the rays. Avoid areas with heavy plankton blooms or sediment, as these can scatter light and reduce burst definition.
Camera Settings for Capturing Sunbursts
Achieving the ideal sunburst shot begins with balancing your camera settings for ambient light and strobe exposure. The sun is an incredibly intense light source, and underwater conditions multiply its challenges. Four key settings—ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and strobe power—determine the outcome of your image.
Use a Low ISO
The sun provides more than enough light, so there's no need to amplify your sensor’s sensitivity. Keeping ISO low (around 100) reduces noise and maintains image sharpness. This is especially important when editing sunbursts, as pushing exposure in post-processing may create unwanted grain or halos.
If you're using manual mode, simply set your ISO to 100 and leave it. If you're relying on Auto ISO with partial or evaluative metering, you may still achieve usable results. However, avoid spot metering when aiming directly at the sun, as it will likely lead to underexposed surroundings due to the metering system being overwhelmed by the sun’s brightness.
Use a Fast Shutter Speed
A fast shutter speed (typically 1/200 to 1/250, depending on your flash sync limit) helps freeze the motion of the water’s surface and capture individual rays. Water is constantly shifting, and slower shutter speeds will blur those beautiful shafts of light. Faster speeds also darken the background slightly, helping the sunburst stand out in sharp contrast.
Keep in mind that fast shutter speeds reduce ambient light capture. That’s where your strobes come in—to fill in the foreground and subjects while preserving the burst in the background.
Use a Smaller Aperture
A smaller aperture (higher f-stop, such as f/16 or f/22) restricts the amount of light reaching the sensor and helps define the starburst effect. This happens due to diffraction around the aperture blades, which gives the sun its distinct pointed rays. The more closed the aperture, the more pronounced and sharp these rays will be.
Additionally, small apertures provide a wide depth of field, ensuring that both your subject and the sunburst remain in focus. This is especially useful for close-focussed wide-angle compositions, where a nearby reef or marine creature is paired with the sky-lit surface.
Use High Strobe Power
To counteract the dimming caused by low ISO, fast shutter, and small aperture, you'll need to increase your strobe output. Full or near-full power settings ensure that the foreground subject is properly illuminated without requiring exposure compensation in post-processing.
However, this approach demands awareness of your strobe’s recycle time. High-power firing may slow down your ability to shoot in quick succession, so anticipate your shot and compose carefully. Also, aim your strobes outward or away from the central frame to avoid hotspots and maintain natural light balance.
Compositional Techniques and Subject Integration
Sunbursts are striking on their own, but their real power is revealed when used as a compositional anchor. Including a dynamic foreground—such as a coral wall, schooling fish, or a swimming turtle—elevates the image from technical to narrative. The sunburst becomes more than a backdrop; it becomes a source of tension, motion, and context.
Framing the sunburst behind a natural arch, above a diver’s silhouette, or through the outstretched arms of a sea fan adds layers of interest. The lines of light naturally lead the viewer’s eye through the image, enhancing flow and symmetry.
Another effective technique is shooting through the "Snell’s Window," a dome-shaped field of vision caused by light refraction underwater. Positioning the sunburst within this window creates a perfect halo effect, bordered by the surrounding reef or sea life. This technique also helps isolate the burst and minimizes edge distortion from fisheye lenses.
Timing and Light Positioning for Maximum Impact
One of the most critical variables in underwater sunburst photography is timing. The position of the sun in the sky, the angle of light penetration, and the condition of the water all play significant roles in determining the success of your image. Understanding how sunlight behaves underwater allows photographers to plan more strategically and capture stronger, more defined bursts.
The best time to capture sunbursts is between late morning and early afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky. During this window—typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—the sun's rays penetrate the water column directly overhead, resulting in sharper beams and symmetrical flares. Shooting earlier or later in the day introduces angled lighting, which can be creative but may not produce as crisp or radial a sunburst pattern.
Cloud cover also matters. While partial clouds can soften harsh exposure and create moody effects, clear skies are usually preferred for consistent and uninterrupted sunrays. Observe the weather and anticipate changes during your dive planning to maximize opportunities for capturing high-contrast sunbursts.
Additionally, consider the water’s surface condition. Calm seas produce cleaner, well-defined light shafts, while rough, choppy surfaces distort or break up the rays. Finding sheltered dive sites or shooting during periods of calm helps control this variable.
Subject and Foreground Pairing for Depth
A sunburst image becomes much more engaging when paired with a compelling foreground. Although the sunburst itself draws immediate attention, it is the combination of light with an interesting subject that holds the viewer’s interest. A reef structure, a silhouetted diver, a school of fish, or a turtle gliding across the frame—each can serve as a storytelling element within your image.
Close focus wide-angle (CFWA) techniques are ideal for this. By placing your subject close to the lens while including the sunburst in the distant background, you create a powerful sense of scale and depth. This juxtaposition leads the eye from the immediate foreground into the layered background, making the image feel immersive.
Select subjects that add texture, color, or narrative. Coral formations, especially gorgonians and branching structures, look fantastic when backlit by sunbursts. They allow rays to shine through them, creating a glowing halo effect. Similarly, shooting marine animals in motion with rays trailing behind them enhances the sense of dynamism and environment.
When composing your shot, follow principles of visual balance. Position your foreground subject along a third of the frame (using the rule of thirds), while aligning the sunburst slightly off-center. This creates compositional tension and avoids dividing the frame into equal halves, which can appear static.
Mastering Strobe Placement and Light Control
Using strobes effectively in sunburst shots requires precision. Since your exposure settings are already minimizing ambient light (through low ISO, small aperture, and fast shutter), the strobe is your primary tool for lighting foreground elements.
One common mistake is placing strobes too close to the lens or pointing them directly forward. This leads to harsh lighting, overexposed subjects, or backscatter—where particles in the water reflect the strobe light into the lens. Instead, position strobes outward and slightly behind your housing dome. This creates a softer light, minimizes reflections, and better mimics natural lighting.
Adjusting the strobe arms to extend wider also helps eliminate hotspots on the subject and produces even exposure. For close-up foregrounds, use a diffused strobe beam or add a soft diffuser cap. This spreads the light more evenly, enhancing color without overwhelming the details.
The brightness of your strobe should be manually controlled based on distance to subject. In high-contrast sunburst scenes, start at ¾ power and increase only if needed. If the subject is particularly reflective or white (such as sand, fish bellies, or bubbles), reduce power to prevent overexposure.
Also, consider turning off one strobe or using asymmetric lighting when you want to create directional shadows and mood. This technique can enhance the three-dimensional feel of the image, especially when paired with dramatic sunrays.
Shooting Techniques for Creative Variations
Beyond capturing standard sunburst compositions, advanced photographers often experiment with creative techniques to bring a unique style to their work. Varying angles, depth, and lens distortion can all affect the outcome and mood of your image.
One effective variation is using silhouetted foregrounds. By turning off your strobes and allowing the foreground subject (such as a diver, sea fan, or anemone) to go completely dark, you emphasize the burst and enhance contrast. Silhouettes are powerful visual tools when used correctly—they reduce distractions and direct focus toward shape and light.
Another technique involves shooting from within a cave or swim-through while framing the sunburst through the entrance. This provides natural framing, contrast between dark and light, and a sense of mystery. If your dive site includes overhangs or arches, position yourself so the burst is framed in the center while keeping the interior darkened for drama.
Motion blur can also be used creatively. While most sunburst shots aim for sharpness, intentionally slowing the shutter speed (while keeping the aperture small) allows you to capture motion trails—either from fish swimming across the rays or divers moving through the frame. This effect conveys fluidity and adds energy.
For macro lovers, although sunbursts are typically wide-angle subjects, experimenting with lens diopters and dome placement can yield unexpected and abstract compositions—especially when shooting from extremely close to the surface or incorporating bubble patterns.
Working with Natural Light and Color Balance
Sunlight underwater behaves differently depending on depth, salinity, clarity, and angle. As depth increases, colors shift, and the strength of sunbursts decreases. Red and orange hues are filtered out first, followed by yellow, green, and blue. Knowing how this affects your image helps you make better lighting and white balance decisions.
If you are shooting without strobes or with minimal artificial light, adjusting your white balance manually can preserve natural color. Set your custom white balance at the depth you’re shooting or use a gray card. This allows you to recover lost warmth and prevents images from looking too blue or washed out.
For raw shooters, color correction can be done during post-processing. But it’s still best to aim for in-camera accuracy. Using filters (such as red filters) helps correct color at shallow to moderate depth, but may interfere with strobe lighting. Experiment to find the balance that suits your style.
Shadows and gradients are more pronounced near the surface, so take advantage of these natural patterns to add visual interest. Let shadows from coral, rocks, or divers fall across the frame. This layering of light and dark creates drama and breaks monotony.
Diver Placement and Human Elements
Adding a human element, such as a diver in the composition, offers scale and storytelling. A diver positioned just below the sunburst, especially with arms outstretched or fins flared, instantly conveys exploration, awe, and interaction with the underwater world.
To photograph a diver with a sunburst, communicate clearly with your model. Use hand signals to direct their position and distance. You may need to shoot several times to get the diver in the right pose with clean posture and controlled buoyancy.
Ensure that bubbles from the diver’s regulator do not disrupt the sunburst unless you want them as part of the composition. Also, avoid having the diver look directly at the camera unless intentional, as candid or natural-looking poses tend to feel more immersive.
Shooting snorkelers from below as they swim near the surface with the sun behind them is another excellent way to add narrative to your photo. The refraction from their fins and bodies, when silhouetted by the sun, makes for captivating visuals.
Challenges and Solutions in Variable Water Conditions
Underwater environments are inherently dynamic. Factors like water clarity, particulate matter, current, and surface agitation can dramatically affect the outcome of sunburst photography. Mastering these environmental challenges allows you to adapt and still capture compelling images.
Turbid water, for instance, reduces light transmission and scatters sun rays. This diffused light can soften the burst effect, leading to a halo rather than defined beams. To overcome this, move to shallower water where the sun’s intensity is greater, and adjust your composition to avoid facing directly into murky zones. Positioning yourself where visibility is optimal—such as just outside sediment clouds or up-current from sand disturbances—can result in sharper rays.
Backscatter is another common issue, especially when using high-powered strobes. Suspended particles reflect the strobe light, causing white specks across the frame. To minimize this, ensure your strobes are positioned wide and slightly behind the lens to avoid lighting up particles directly in front of it. Another trick is to reduce strobe power and bring the subject closer to the lens, decreasing the volume of water you're illuminating.
Surface motion adds further complexity. Waves distort light beams and can cause inconsistencies between shots. In this case, use burst shooting mode and take several frames in rapid succession. This increases your chances of capturing a moment when light rays are clean and undisturbed.
Poor visibility may force you to shift from sunburst-focused compositions to silhouette work, using the sun as a background glow rather than a sharp burst. Creativity and flexibility are key. Sometimes the best image from a difficult dive is not the one you planned, but the one you improvised.
Post-Processing for Enhanced Impact
Even with the right settings and techniques, underwater photography benefits greatly from thoughtful post-processing. Shooting in RAW format gives you flexibility to adjust white balance, exposure, and contrast without degrading image quality. When editing sunburst images, your goal is to emphasize the drama and clarity of the rays while preserving realism.
Start with white balance. If you used a manual white balance setting, adjust it slightly in post to bring out the natural warmth of the sun without oversaturating blues. If you shot using auto white balance, use a neutral point in the image (such as a fin or coral) to calibrate tones.
Next, focus on highlights and shadows. The sunburst will likely have bright highlights that may clip. Use the highlight recovery tool to bring back details in overexposed areas. At the same time, gently lift shadows in the foreground if needed, especially if your subject is underlit. Avoid pushing shadows too far, which can introduce noise.
Clarity and dehaze adjustments are effective for defining sun rays. Increasing clarity adds contrast to midtones, which can sharpen beams. The dehaze tool, when used carefully, can reduce atmospheric blur and bring out the sunburst’s structure. However, overuse can create an unnatural, high-contrast look.
Use selective adjustments to enhance specific areas. A radial filter around the sun can help control exposure without affecting the whole image. A graduated filter across the top of the frame can simulate natural light falloff. Spot removal tools can clean up backscatter or lens flare if needed.
Color grading should be subtle. Many underwater sunburst images benefit from warm highlights and cooler shadows. Try a split-toning approach—adding soft yellow tones to highlights and blue to shadows—to enhance the depth of the scene without overpowering it.
Finally, sharpen the image only after resizing and cropping. Use masking to apply sharpening to edges and important features, avoiding flat areas like water columns. This helps maintain a crisp image without introducing artifacts.
Comparing Different Lenses and Focal Lengths
Lens choice significantly influences the appearance and structure of sunbursts. Wide-angle and fisheye lenses are generally the preferred options due to their ability to capture expansive scenes and increase depth perception. But not all wide-angle lenses behave the same way.
Fisheye lenses, such as the Tokina 10–17mm, provide a unique curved perspective that exaggerates the radial pattern of the sunburst. This curvature adds drama and pulls the viewer into the image. Fisheyes also allow close focus distances, which makes them ideal for CFWA compositions that include both foreground subjects and distant bursts.
Rectilinear wide-angle lenses, on the other hand, maintain straight lines and offer a more natural perspective. These are better suited for reefscape shots where architectural lines—like walls or ledges—are important. While rectilinear lenses may not produce the same exaggerated sun rays as fisheyes, they provide a balanced and true-to-life view, especially when composing with the sun slightly off-center.
Mid-range zoom lenses (like 24–70mm) are not typically ideal for underwater sunbursts because of their limited field of view. However, they can be used creatively when you want to isolate the sunburst behind a specific subject, such as a single diver, a large jellyfish, or a dramatic coral tower.
Prime wide-angle lenses offer high-quality optics and sharp sunburst definition, but lack the compositional flexibility of zooms. If you’re using a fixed lens, you must rely on careful movement and distance control to frame your subject and burst correctly.
Always use a dome port with your lens underwater. The dome helps maintain image sharpness, allows proper focusing distance, and reduces distortion near the edges. Ensure the dome is clean and free from scratches or salt crystals, as these can scatter light and ruin burst definition.
Experimenting with Color, Mood, and Emotion
While technical accuracy is important in sunburst photography, artistic interpretation makes an image memorable. Light is an emotional subject. By experimenting with composition, tone, and color, you can create images that go beyond documentation and enter the realm of storytelling.
For instance, shooting with a dark, moody foreground and a bright burst in the background creates a sense of mystery or solitude. This style works well in wreck dives or cave entrances, where natural light streams through confined spaces.
Conversely, bright and colorful reefs lit by strobes, combined with a golden sunburst above, evoke vibrancy and abundance. These images feel alive and optimistic, communicating the richness of marine ecosystems.
Try converting sunburst images to black and white. This technique emphasizes shape, contrast, and light flow without the distraction of color. Rays appear more defined, and foreground elements gain graphic intensity. Black and white is particularly effective when shooting strong silhouettes or geometric reef structures.
Mood can also be influenced by the direction of the light. Shooting directly into the sun creates a sense of awe and exposure, while angling the light creates diagonals that imply motion or transition. Play with vertical versus horizontal compositions. While most sunbursts are shot in landscape orientation, a portrait format can dramatize vertical reef walls and the light above.
Use your images to tell a story. Think beyond beauty—what is the subject feeling, where is the diver going, what is the ocean showing us? Let light not only guide your camera, but also your message.
Planning and Executing a Sunburst Dive
Achieving professional-level sunburst shots requires intention and preparation. It starts before the dive begins—with research, weather observation, and gear check. Choose dive locations known for visibility and clear water. Reef walls, shallow sandy areas, and sea mounts near the surface are all ideal.
Communicate with your dive guide or buddy ahead of time. Let them know you’ll be working on sunburst photography and may need to linger at certain depths or ask for diver modeling assistance. Check local tides and sunlight angle. Use apps to track sun position throughout the dive window and plan your timing accordingly.
Inspect your gear thoroughly. Clean your dome port, charge strobes, set ISO to 100, aperture to f/16 or higher, and shutter speed to your flash sync maximum. Perform a quick test shot at the surface to confirm exposure settings.
Once underwater, begin by observing the light. Find where the sun is shining through cleanly, away from particle-rich areas. Choose a subject, then position yourself so the sunburst is in the background or at a complementary angle. Move slowly and adjust position by centimeters to get the burst aligned with your subject.
Check your histogram often. Sunbursts push your camera's dynamic range. Avoid clipping highlights while maintaining some foreground detail. Take multiple shots of the same scene with slightly different exposures.
Always leave room for improvisation. Sometimes, marine life will enter the frame unexpectedly. Be ready to react while keeping your settings consistent. Many iconic underwater images were born from spontaneous opportunities.
Safety Considerations in Sunburst Photography
While creating beautiful sunburst images is a rewarding endeavor, safety should always remain a top priority. Underwater photography, especially when involving specific positioning and focused technical work, can lead to distraction from essential dive protocols. Being aware of your environment, equipment, and team is critical for safe execution.
One of the most common risks during sunburst photography is loss of situational awareness. Looking directly upward into the sun while concentrating on composition can cause you to lose track of depth, air consumption, buddy position, or current. Always check your dive computer frequently and maintain neutral buoyancy. Avoid ascending too quickly while trying to line up a shot, and be mindful of overhead environments such as coral ceilings, arches, or boats.
If working with a buddy or dive model, establish clear signals and a shared plan before descending. Photographers can easily drift apart from their buddy when concentrating on framing, so communicate your movements. Using a signaling device like a noise maker or torch flicker can help alert your team when repositioning.
Another concern is strobe or camera failure at depth. Always do a full pre-dive check and test shot at the surface to confirm all equipment is functioning properly. Carry backup O-rings, a small towel, and basic tools in your gear bag in case you need to troubleshoot housing issues before the dive.
Be cautious with marine life. Positioning yourself for the perfect burst might tempt you to hover close to delicate coral or marine creatures. Always prioritize the health of the ecosystem over the image. Do not rest your equipment on the reef, and maintain awareness of your fins to avoid unintended damage.
Proper planning and cautious execution ensure not only a great image but a safe and sustainable dive.
Ethics and Environmental Responsibility
As underwater photographers, we carry the responsibility of being ambassadors for the ocean. Our images can inspire, educate, and influence, but they can also have unintended consequences if taken at the expense of marine life. Ethical photography practices must always guide your approach to shooting sunbursts and any other underwater scenes.
Avoid baiting fish or manipulating animals to position them under a sunburst. This interferes with their natural behavior and introduces stress. Patience and observation will reward you with authentic moments that are both beautiful and respectful of the environment.
Do not touch, stand on, or hold onto coral, even if it seems lifeless. The pressure from hands, knees, or equipment can cause irreversible damage to reef systems. If you need to steady yourself for a shot, practice perfect buoyancy or use a muck stick only on dead rock or sand.
When sharing your photos online or in public forums, provide accurate information about the location, species, and behavior observed. Promote sustainable diving practices and highlight the importance of marine conservation in your captions and discussions.
Leading by example and emphasizing environmental integrity elevates your role as a photographer. Let your work show not just the beauty of the underwater world, but the care and respect with which it was captured.
Learning from the Masters of Sunburst Photography
Many world-class underwater photographers have made sunbursts a signature element of their portfolios. Studying their work can offer insight into techniques, composition, and storytelling that go beyond the technical details.
Look at how experienced photographers frame subjects against the sun. Some use minimalist silhouettes with dramatic rays, while others combine bustling reef scenes with subtle burst effects. Notice the different ways they balance foreground lighting with ambient exposure. Some prefer high-contrast visuals, while others use gentle tones for a softer result.
Pay attention to the use of color. In some images, the sunburst is warm and golden, creating a tranquil or nostalgic tone. In others, the blue is dominant, with sharp rays piercing through a rich aquatic atmosphere. Understanding how color grading and in-camera settings influence these results can inspire your own creative choices.
Also, examine how subject placement interacts with the sunburst. Whether it’s a turtle swimming toward the surface, a diver pausing in mid-water, or a coral outcrop catching the light, there’s often a rhythm and intention behind each element’s location in the frame.
By analyzing top images not just for their beauty but for their structure and method, you expand your visual vocabulary and learn to make more deliberate, impactful choices in your sunburst photography.
Building Your Portfolio and Style
As you gain confidence and experience with sunburst photography, start building a portfolio that reflects your style. Rather than repeating the same type of image, aim for variety in light conditions, subjects, framing, and mood. Over time, this body of work will reflect your unique perspective and voice as a photographer.
Organize your shots into series—perhaps one focused on diver silhouettes, another on reef bursts, and another on marine life interacting with sunrays. Presenting your images as coherent narratives makes them more compelling to viewers, clients, or contest judges.
Be intentional in how you edit and display your work. Maintain consistency in tones, exposure, and overall presentation to establish a signature look. This is how viewers start to recognize your style at a glance.
Use your portfolio not just as a collection of your best shots, but as a visual journal of your growth. Let it tell the story of your journey as a photographer—your choices, your risks, and your respect for the ocean.
Conclusion
Photographing underwater sunbursts is both a technical and creative challenge. It requires an understanding of camera settings, strobe positioning, environmental conditions, and timing. But more than that, it demands patience, respect, and vision. A successful sunburst photo doesn’t just showcase light; it captures a moment when nature, physics, and emotion collide beneath the surface.
From the precision of exposure control to the art of composition, every decision you make contributes to the final image. But the heart of sunburst photography lies in the way it makes us feel—humbled, inspired, and deeply connected to the underwater world.
Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced diver refining your style, sunburst photography invites you to see familiar environments in new ways. Look upward during your next dive. Observe how sunlight dances through the surface, how rays caress the reef, and how everything below is brought to life by the touch of light.
In those moments, your camera becomes more than a tool. It becomes a translator between ocean and observer, between light and memory. Through it, you don’t just take a picture—you tell a story of the sea. And in that story, the sun always shines.