Getting a job as an underwater photographer / videographer

[Michael Frymus]

I am currently with IATSE 873 working as an electric, but I might get into 667 in the camera department as this seems like a good path to take. But im not sure.

I have been diving for a while now. And I have done underwater photography and Videography before but I haven't done it professionally and getting paid. I do have a license for it though.

Doing it with IATSE seems great. But two things about that. It's probably too wick starting my first underwater job withim the union. I think I should start with shorts or commercials first. Indie budget.
but where would I look and how would I get a job like that?

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Best advise I can give you is to go out on your own and start building a Portfolio to show off what you can do, let the Footage speak for you.

 

[Michael Frymus]

Except how so I even go get footage without being on a production.
Only way I see it is if I just shoot random underwater footage myself.

Best advise I can give you is to go out on your own and start building a Portfolio to show off what you can do, let the Footage speak for you.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Except how so I even go get footage without being on a production.
Only way I see it is if I just shoot random underwater footage myself.

My first job assignment as Pro Photographer came from Stills I had shot for fun with a trow away cam, seen by some one that worked in an agency that recommended me to the boss...

My first 3D job came after some had seen pics of me testing out 3D gear with technical memoirs...

My first job as Director came after some one had been reading about me... On social media and here on Reduser...

My first job as DP came after some one had seen what I had been shooting on that job I got after some one had read and seen my first shot for fun piece... And the related behind the scene video and pics...

See what I mean?

Just take what ever gear you can get your hands on, and go shoot what ever you can, show off what you do, and talk about it, share it and you never know...

 

[Daniel Pearson]

It might depend on the kind of work you're looking for - natural history, doco, high end commercial?

Pick up an EWA housing and team up with a great aspiring director to put together your reel?

 

[Daniel Pearson]

I shot this on my Scarlet in an EWA housing in a 4 foot deep pool with a single HMI

http://ooknow.tv/9853174

 

[Ted Parkes]

Michael .. be advised that here in Ontario and for most, if not all of Canada you have to have a Commercial Diving ticket to work in film and commercials. Years ago they Grandfathered in everyone that was working in that capacity but now you have to go through the certification.

 

[Michael Frymus]

Which certification are you referring to?
Could you link me?

Because I do have a license to dive. Along with specialization in deep diving, Photo/video, night diving, etc.

Michael .. be advised that here in Ontario and for most, if not all of Canada you have to have a Commercial Diving ticket to work in film and commercials. Years ago they Grandfathered in everyone that was working in that capacity but now you have to go through the certification.

 

[jim kozmik]

mike i am a dop uwater with 667..very difficult to break in with entry medical an rules..need commercial diver medical...jim kozmik.. 416 705 4174 cell

 

[Mike McMillin]

Been doing some of my own underwater stuff. I got an SPL Housing for my epic its been awesome so far. Still have a lot to learn but I have been enjoying it. I haven't had time to update the reel but heres a little of what Ive done. If your in LA ever and you want to take a dive let me know.