Images © Jason Milligan and © Rowan Dear
There are three different species of seadragon: weedy, leafy, and the recently-discovered ruby seadragon. All three species call Australia home and all three are incredible creatures to find and photograph. Learn where and how to capture unforgettable images of these ornate underwater dragons.
Where
Seadragons are found exclusively in the coastal waters of southern and western Australia. Many can be found on shore dives hiding within shallow waters, seagrass beds, kelp forests, rocky reefs, or jetties. Seadragons are masters of camouflage so you'll need to move slow and look meticulously for subtle movement, like a slight change in the way the "kelp" is moving. Hiring a local guide for your first dive can be a huge help.
Leafy seadragon camouflaging itself in the grass. Nikon Z6 II • Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 30mm • 2 X DS161 Strobes with TTL • f/18 • 1/160 • ISO 100 © Jason Milligan
DSLR + Mirrorless
Mode: Most of us will prefer manual for the camera and TTL for the strobes, but any mode can be used.
ISO: 200-800 depending on the ambient light, and the type of image you are trying for. Lower ISO will make it easier to get a black background when using flash, high ISO will allow you to get some natural light in the frame for wide angle images. If you are shooting natural light, you can move it much higher.
Aperture: F/8 to F/22. The colors and details can be sharper with smaller apertures with the increased depth of field they carry.
Shutter Speed: Flash synch speeds from 1/125th to 1/250th would be standard, but you will notice some beautiful work being done with slower shutter speeds, as the are pretty agreeable subjects once you find them.
Lens: This is one of those times where any lens can work. If you can get close, a super wide or fisheye lens will produce great close focus wide angle, and macro lens will give you the benefit of being able to shoot from farther away.
This macro with black background image won Rowan Dear 1st Place in Macro and a nomination for Best Picture in the 2024 World Shootout Competition. // Sony a7 IV + Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS • f/18 • 1/80 • ISO 320 © Rowan Dear
Point + Shoot
Mode: Program or Aperture Priority are typical choices, unless your camera offers Manual.
ISO: Auto or 200-800 to start, higher if the day is cloudy or the water dark.
Aperture: This will probably be determined by the camera, but F/8 or smaller is a good start for decent depth of field
Shutter Speed: Speeds as slow as 1/30th second can be used with care, but 1/125th or faster will help prevent any unwanted motion blur.
Lens: The entire range of your zoom can produce nice results, assuming you are close to the animal.
Double trouble // Two weedy seadragons swimming on the ocean floor. Nikon Z6 II • Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 22.5mm • 2 X DS161 Strobes with TTL • f/10 • 1/125 • ISO 640 © Jason Milligan
Pro-Tips
Part of the challenge is finding your subject - they are camouflage artists. Consider a guide until you are familiar with the habitat. Approach them slowly and carefully and you will be rewarded with a subject that is very camera friendly. You may need to maneuver yourself in order to isolate your subject from the background they're camouflaging in, or use macro with black background technique, or highlight them in post. Be patient and respectful of not only the animal but also the bottom around you, and any other divers. Have a type of image in mind before you dive, and remember that these creatures are so photogenic you could use many different techniques and styles with fantastic results.
Additional Viewing
Leafy Sea Dragon Photography 101: Styles, Tips, and Technique
Shooting Sea Dragons in Australia with the Nikon Z6 II
Sony FX3 Underwater Cinematic // Leafy Seadragon in South Australia [VIDEO]
Macro with Black Background Underwater Camera Settings
Close Focus Wide Angle Underwater Camera Settings
Featured Customers | Jason Milligan Underwater in Australia
Featured Customers | Rowan Dear Entering the Water With a Clear Vision
The Importance of Hitting the Water with a Shot in Mind [VIDEO]
3 Lightroom Edits to Make Macro Subjects POP [VIDEO]
Jason Milligan hales from Rockingham, Western Australia. He's been diving for close to two decades and studying underwater photography for over 10 years. In that time he has developed a keen sense of composition, clarity, and it doesn't hurt that his backyard is filled with Australia's most stunning underwater creatures. Follow more of Jason's underwater photography journey on Instagram @millo_hd.
Rowan Dear grew up in Wales, UK where he fostered a love of the outdoors and discovering new animals to identify. In 2010 he relocated to Australia and seven years later overcame his fear of water and took an Open Water course. After a few years of diving in Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines, Rowan purchased an underwater housing for his camera and his passion for underwater photography truly blossomed. He took a course with Matty Smith which taught him how to break free from Auto mode and grasp the principles of composition. His love of discovering new animals and the outdoors has remained intact and has informed much of his photography. Rowan continues to travel the world shooting underwater and remains steadfast in learning new photography techniques and building upon his solid photography foundation. Follow Rowan on Instagram @rdearphotography and visit his website www.rdearphotography.com to learn more.
