Light Up Your Underwater Smartphone Photography with Color and Detail
Choosing the best underwater light is essential if you want vivid, colorful, high-contrast images in underwater environments captured with a smartphone. Without artificial light, your photos will appear blue, dull, and lacking in definition. This is due to how water absorbs light, a process called light attenuation. Even at depths as shallow as 15 ft, you can begin to lose longer wavelengths of light like your reds and oranges. A quality underwater light brings back natural color and texture, transforming your underwater shots from flat to fantastic.
Can I use an underwater strobe?
Although underwater strobes are popular for underwater photography due to their high power output, you unfortunately cannot use one with an underwater smartphone housing. This is because there is no way to sync the photo from your smartphone with the sensor on the strobe. Therefor, it's nececssary to use underwater video lights to light up your image. These lights provide a continuous output and can be used for both photos and videos.
How many lumens do I need?
Generally speaking, the more lumens you have in an underwater video light, the better! In sunny, bright environments it's a good idea to have a strong light that can compete with the power of the sun. It might sond counterintuitive but you need less lumens in darker environments. For underwater smartphone housings, we typically recommend 4000-8000 lumen lights as the ideal power. Any more power, and your light starts to get rather large for your smartphone. Anything less and you might struggle to take wide angle photos and videos.
What beam angle should I choose?
A 110 degree beam angle is the ideal beam for both wide angle and macro photography and video with a smartphone. That said, you don't need as wide of a beam for macro and you might want a slightly wider beam for wide angle. We recommend two video lights if you want complete coverage of your scene.
How do I attach my light to my smartphone housing?
In order to attach a light to your underwater smartphone housing, you will need to first mount your housing onto an underwater tray. If you have a Divevolk housing, you will need this special mount. You need to make sure that your tray can extend wider than your smartphone housing, so make sure you contact Bluewater or use one of the recommended packages below to get the right size. From the tray and handles, you'll need to attach clamps and arms (or locline flex arms) which then attach to your video light.
Our Top Picks for the Best Light Packages for Smartphone Housings
Build Your Own Smartphone Housing Lighting Package
*Contact the Bluewater Team for Help Designing Your Kit at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com or 310-633-5052*
Bluewater Photo is giving you the opportunity to build your own underwater smartphone video kit. We have built the base components, all you now need to do is decide what housing you would like (unless you have one already), and also what lights you prefer. The Base system is for one light, if you want two lights, you will need to add another arms and 2 clamps.
The Base setup includes the following:
1x Divevolk underwater smartphone housing tray
1x Ultralight 5" Arm
2x Kraken Sports Standard Clamp
This will be sufficient to mount a underwater smartphone housing, and then add a single video light of your choice. To upscale to 2 lights, simply add 2 more clamps and another 5" Inon arm.
Need help? Give us a call at 310-633-5052 or email us at sales@bluewaterphotostore.com. Or use the chat at the bottom right of this page!
Underwater Lighting Starter Kit
*A Simple Single Light Kit for Macro Photos and Video*
The Underwater Lighting Starter Kit is the perfect package to have colorful, vibrant and stunning photos and videos. It comes with an aluminum tray which provides stability when shooting. The 2500 lumens video light illuminates your subject, and the included accessories allows you to position the light to the perfect angle. Simply install your underwater smartphone housing and you're ready to shoot.
What's in the box:
- Kraken Sports Single Handle Aluminum Tray
- Ultralight AC-CSF Clamp (2)
- Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm
- Light & Motion Sola 2500F Underwater Video Light - Bluewater Exclusive!
- Light & Motion Sola Ball mount
SeaLife Sea Dragon 2300F Lighting Kit
*A Simple Beginner Lighting Kit with a Flexible Handle*
The Sea Dragon 2300F dive light delivers an impressive 2300 lumens of brightness, providing ample illumination for a wide range of underwater shooting scenarios.
What sets the Sea Dragon 2300F apart is its thoughtful design, which balances performance with practicality. The light features a wide 120-degree beam angle, ensuring even coverage of your subject and minimizing hotspots. This makes it particularly well-suited for wide-angle shots of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and large marine life.
The color temperature of the Sea Dragon 2300F is carefully calibrated to enhance the natural hues of the underwater world. With a color rendering index (CRI) of 80, and 5000K color temperature, this light helps bring out the true colors of coral, fish, and other marine subjects, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images and videos.
Durability is a crucial factor in any piece of underwater equipment, and the Sea Dragon 2300F doesn't disappoint. Constructed with a corrosion-resistant metal light head and a robust polycarbonate body, this light is built to withstand the rigors of frequent diving. It's depth-rated to 330 feet (100 meters), making it suitable for technical diving as well as recreational use.
One of the most innovative aspects of the Sea Dragon 2300F is its compatibility with SeaLife's Flex-Connect system. This modular mounting solution allows for easy attachment and positioning of the light, whether you're using it with a compact camera, action cam, or smartphone housing. The flexibility of this system enables quick adjustments underwater, helping you capture the perfect shot even in dynamic diving conditions.
Bluewater 1800 Dual Video Light Kit
*An Affordable Option for Wide Beam Coverage*
The Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 1800 Kit is the perfect solution for underwater smartphone users who want to elevate their video and photography experience. Designed to provide optimal lighting and stability, this kit includes everything you need for professional-quality underwater content creation. At the heart of the setup is the Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR Focus Light, offering a powerful 1800 lumens of brightness with a wide and consistent beam, ensuring your footage remains vibrant and well-lit even in deeper or murkier waters.
The kit also features the Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray, providing a stable and ergonomic grip for steady shots, while the Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm allows for customizable positioning of the light for optimal coverage. The Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp ensures all components stay securely in place, making setup and adjustments quick and hassle-free.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 1800 Kit offers an all-in-one solution that guarantees stunning underwater videos and photos with ease.
Your Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 1800 Kit includes the following items:
1. Kraken Hydra 1800+WSR Focus Light (2)
2. Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray (1)
3. Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm (2)
4. Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp (4)
Bluewater 2300 Dual Video Light Kit
*More Lumens for Less Money!*
The Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 2300 Kit is the perfect solution for underwater smartphone users looking to enhance their video shooting capabilities. This all-in-one kit provides the essential tools to capture stunning, high-quality footage beneath the surface. At its core is the OrcaTorch D710V Mk II Triple-Color Video Light, designed to offer exceptional brightness and versatility with its triple-color options, ensuring you can adapt to different underwater lighting conditions and capture true-to-life colors.
Complementing the light is the Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray, providing excellent stability and comfort for smooth video recording. The Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm offers flexibility in positioning your light setup, allowing you to achieve the perfect angle and lighting. Additionally, the Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp ensures secure and simple mounting of all your gear, making setup a breeze.
Ideal for both novice and seasoned underwater videographers, the Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 2300 Kit is the complete package to help you shoot clear, vibrant, and professional-quality underwater content.
Your Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 2300 Kit includes the following items:
1. OrcaTorch D710V Mk II Triple-Color Video Light (2)
2. Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray (1)
3. Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm (2)
4. Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp (4)
Bluewater 3000 Dual Video Light Kit
*Maximum Power for Wide Angle Photos and Video!*
The Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 3000 Kit is the ultimate solution for underwater smartphone users looking to elevate their video shooting experience with maximum power for excellent wide angle photo and videos. This all-inclusive kit provides everything you need for professional-quality underwater videos and photos. It features Kraken Hydra 3000 Video Lights, renowned for their powerful and consistent lighting that ensures your footage remains vivid and clear, even in challenging underwater environments.
The kit also includes the Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray, which offers superior stability and control for your smartphone, making it easier to shoot smooth, steady footage. For added versatility and customization, the Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm allows for adjustable lighting positions, while the Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp ensures secure and easy attachment of all components, helping you set up and adjust your rig with ease.
Perfect for both beginner and experienced underwater videographers, the Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 3000 Kit ensures you have everything needed to create stunning, high-quality content from the depths of the ocean.
Your Bluewater Underwater Smartphone 3000 Kit includes the following items:
1. Kraken Hydra 3000 Video lights (2)
2. Kraken Sports Dual Handle Pistol Grip Tray (1)
3. Ultralight 5 DB-05 Double Ball Arm (2)
4. Ultralight AC-CSF New Style Clamp (4)
Why Shop With Bluewater Photo?
Our team includes professional underwater photographers and videographers with over 15 years of experience testing and photographing underwater to ensure you get thorough first hand experience and trusted reviews.
Expertise in Underwater Photography: Run by passionate divers and photographers who truly understand the gear and how it performs in real-world conditions.
Competitive Pricing: Offers competitive prices with added value like expert advice and top-tier customer support. We will match and beat any price!
Established Reputation: Trusted by thousands of divers, photographers, and professionals worldwide.
Exceptional Customer Support: Personalized service from knowledgeable staff who care about getting you the right gear.
Transparent and Honest Advice: Recommendations are based on what’s best for your needs—not just what’s in stock.
Meet the expert
Nirupam Nigam
Nirupam Nigam is a passionate underwater photographer and the world's leading expert in underwater photo & video equipment. Nirupam carries the unique distinction of having shot more modern camera models underwater than anyone else on Earth: 47 and counting! As president of Bluewater Photo, his deep technical knowledge forms the basis of our underwater camera reviews and recommendations to our customers.
While growing up in Southern California, Nirupam went snorkeling for the first time and was captivated by the cathedral of light found at the kelp forest canopy. He began his journey as an underwater photographer at the age of 15 while testing underwater photo equipment as an intern at Bluewater Photo and as a deckhand on the Spectre Dive Boat.
Nirupam received degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science, General Biology, and Arctic studies from the University of Washington. After college he spent a few years as a fisheries observer on fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific, collecting data for NOAA. This provided him the opportunity to travel to and dive in dozens of countries between contracts.
After getting married, he decided it was time to settle on land and in 2017 took over as the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide - the world's largest online resource for underwater photographers. At the Underwater Photography Guide, Nirupam reviews dozens of cameras, underwater strobes, camera accessories, housings, and any other gadget and gizmo imaginable. Nirupam also organizes Ocean Art, the world's most prestigious underwater photo contest. In 2020, while the pandemic was in full swing, Nirupam developed Bluewater University to help budding photographers take online classes in underwater photography and video.
You can get in touch with him at nirupam@uwphotographyguide.com and through his website www.photosfromthesea.com. Be sure to join him on one of underwater photoworkshops he leads with Bluewater Travel.