The world of blackwater photography is a realm of mystery, where divers drift in the open ocean at night, searching for microscopic creatures rising from the depths. It is one of the most challenging forms of underwater photography. We are proud to present the Best Creative Award to Zhuo Liang (a.k.a. "Diver Player") for his technical masterpiece, "Black Water Hunter."
Shot in the renowned waters of Anilao, Philippines, this image captures a tiny, 5mm hydroid in motion. In this article, Zhuo Liang explains how he utilized the vivo X100 Ultra and the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max to track, focus, and light this microscopic subject in the pitch black.
The Encounter: Drifting in the Dark
The shot was taken on October 1, 2025, in Anilao, a destination famous for its rich macro and blackwater biodiversity. It was Zhuo's second night dive of the trip.
"Anilao's blackwater is incredibly rich," Zhuo shares. "I was drifting at a depth of about 15 meters when I spotted this tiny hydroid, only about 5mm in size, swimming in the water column."
The creature was actively hunting, extending its tentacles to capture microorganisms. Despite its small size, Zhuo noticed its slow, rhythmic movements.
"It was moving slowly, opening its tentacles to feed. Using my focus light, I could see its transparent tentacles and body structure clearly. I waited patiently for it to face the camera, revealing its full form, before I took the shot."
The Challenge: Tracking Micro Subjects
Shooting a 5mm transparent subject that is moving in a 3D space (drifting water) is notoriously difficult. The depth of field in macro photography is razor-thin, meaning even a millimeter of movement can throw the image out of focus.
"The biggest challenge in blackwater is controlling your breathing and neutral buoyancy," Zhuo explains. "Because the subject is so small, the phone's autofocus can easily 'hunt' (search back and forth) or focus on the background. You have to move the phone physically to follow the subject."
The "Follow Focus" Technique
Zhuo didn't rely solely on autofocus. Instead, he used a technique common among pros: Neutral Buoyancy Tracking.
"I had to swim slowly to match the subject's drift. I pre-set my focus distance and then physically moved the phone back and forth—millimeters at a time—until the subject appeared sharp on the screen. It requires perfect coordination between your eyes, and your hands."
Lighting the Invisible
To photograph a transparent creature against a black background, lighting is everything. Standard wide strobes would light up all the particles in the water (backscatter), ruining the shot. Zhuo used a Snoot Light (a focused beam) to isolate the subject.
- Light Source: DIVEVOLK Snoot Light
- Position: Top-down lighting (directly above the subject)
- Distance: Approximately 50cm away
- Intensity: Minimum power
Pro Tip: "I used top lighting to clearly outline the structure of the hydroid," says Zhuo. "I kept the light at a distance (50cm) and on low power because getting too close or too bright would instantly overexpose a white, transparent subject."
Camera Settings & Gear Setup
Zhuo shot in Professional (Manual) Mode and RAW format to maximize image quality for post-processing.
Settings (vivo X100 Ultra)
- Mode: Manual / RAW
- Shutter Speed: 1/80s (Slow enough to let light in, fast enough for slow-moving subjects)
- ISO: 400 (Clean, low-noise image)
- White Balance: Auto
- Focus: Manual Focus (locked close)
The DIVEVOLK Advantage
Zhuo used the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum Housing with a dual-handle tray. His favorite feature for this shoot was the Bluetooth Shutter.
"The Bluetooth shutter grip was the most helpful tool. It allowed me to trigger the shutter instantly without shaking the phone, which is crucial when you are trying to capture a specific split-second moment in macro."
About the Author
Zhuo Liang has been an underwater photographer for over a decade. While he is experienced with large mirrorless setups, he has recently embraced the convenience and power of mobile photography.
"Mobile phones have become incredibly powerful. I now frequently use my phone for macro shots. It's the perfect choice for beginners getting into underwater photography, or for pros looking for a capable backup rig."
Portfolio: The Beauty of Anilao
Enjoy more of Zhuo Liang's macro and blackwater work captured during his trip to the Philippines.
