Volunteer: Underwater Photography and Video Project in South Africa

About the role

Join a leading wildlife media training company for an immersive, month-long underwater photography and videography programme designed to launch or advance your career in marine storytelling. Based in the coastal town of Scottburgh, on South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal South Coast – renowned for its marine biodiversity and proximity to the world renowned Aliwal Shoal – you’ll receive practical training in underwater camera work, lighting, framing, and post-production using photography and videography techniques.

Responsibilities

• Receive practical training in underwater camera work, lighting, framing, and post-production using photography and videography techniques.
• Join 18 underwater expeditions to photograph and film a variety of marine life, from wide-angle reef scenes to detailed macro subjects.
• Work with people underwater, focusing on movement, communication, and creative direction.
• Gain knowledge and practical skills to become an underwater photographer and videographer.
• Build a sustainable, income-generating practice.
• Develop a professional, market-ready body of work.
• Contribute to marine conservation efforts, with a focus on Aliwal Shoal, a Marine Protected Area of ecological significance.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Minimum commitment: 1 month
• Basic English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Valid passport, visas, and return flights to South Africa
• Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (full assistance available if you opt for our Premium Support service)

Qualifications

To participate, participants will need a PADI Open Water certification (or equivalent).

Skills

• Underwater camera systems: setup, housing assembly, and maintenance
• Marine wildlife encounters within vibrant reefs
• Working with people underwater
• Wide-angle and macro techniques
• Lighting skills
• Post-production for stills and video
• Portfolio development
• Marine conservation

Benefits

• Gain knowledge and practical skills to become an underwater photographer and videographer
• Ideal for students with an interest in exploring marine life underwater
• Essential business training tailored for freelancers and marine creatives

Pay

$4,500 (2026) – see Costs for more details.

Schedule

The programme runs Monday to Friday, giving you weekends free to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.