{"id":17445,"date":"2021-06-20T16:47:34","date_gmt":"2021-06-20T16:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwphoto.onpressidium.com\/book\/nudibranchs\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T06:57:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T06:57:31","slug":"nudibranchs","status":"publish","type":"book","link":"https:\/\/www.uwphotographyguide.com\/book\/underwater-photography-guide\/marine-life\/nudibranchs\/","title":{"rendered":"Nudibranchs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nudibranchs are one of the most sought after macro subjects<\/a> in underwater photography. Their brilliant colors and various shapes create impressive images<\/a> that attract viewers. They move slowly and often stay still which allows the photographer time to capture incredible detail and compose the perfect shot. <\/p>\n

\"Tambja<\/p>\n

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JUMP TO:<\/h3>\n


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What is a Nudibranch?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Dive Locations to Find Sea Slugs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Lens Selection <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Tips for Photographing Nudibranchs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Be sure to read all of our Nudibranch Photo Tutorials<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n

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How to Find Nudibranchs<\/a>
Essential Tips for Nudibranch Photography<\/a>
A Guide To Underwater Macro Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Oxynoe<\/p>\n

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How to Photograph Nudibranchs<\/h2>\n

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Several angles create visual interest but getting the rhinophores in focus is key. Rhinophores are the two rod-shaped “antennae” sticking up from the front of the animal. Sometimes it\u2019s hard to distinguish the front end from the back but the rhinophores are always a tell tale sign. Take a look at the chart below to learn the anatomy of a nudibranch.<\/a><\/p>\n

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It is important to shoot from a low angle, either from the front or the side, but not from above. Images taken from above the animal are great ID shots but the images turn out a bit flat. Create a multidimensional feel to the scene by showing the animal within its environment, kind of like a bug\u2019s eye view<\/a>. Getting low can be difficult, but it pays off especially if you can find a nudibranch that’s on a little hill. <\/span>I personally like a slightly off centered view of the front to include the rest of its body flowing away from the initial focal point. It not only adds depth to the image <\/a>but it includes the \u2018face\u2019 and also shows the rest of the animal as well. <\/p>\n

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Several nudibranch families can retract their gills, located towards the posterior of the animal. Wait until the gills are out as they add fascinating detail and identifying properties to the animal. Getting the gills and rhinophores in focus at the same time would be great, but due to the depth of field, often times the animal would need be composed horizontally across the frame which is not always ideal.<\/p>\n

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\"Caloria<\/p>\n

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What is the nudibranch doing? Your image will tell a story by capturing the animal\u2019s behavior. Pay careful attention to the background so your subject looks separated from the rest of the photo. If possible, contrasting colors will make it look like it is popping out of its surroundings. Most sea slugs are small, so by moving your camera angle by just a couple of inches to either side provides a completely different background. Remember to never touch or move the animal itself. Buoyancy control is of utmost importance with macro photography. <\/p>\n

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Fun Fact:<\/strong> Nudibranch means \u201cnaked gills\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n


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Get creative with the lighting. I like to include a bright well-lit background if the nudibranch is with its food source or if the surroundings are just generally colorful. Black backgrounds are incredible to showcase the animal\u2019s detail. Getting a particular angle with open water (negative space) behind the animal is necessary to create a black background<\/a>.  The Oxynoe jordani in the image above was feeding on Caulerpa taxifolia, a native to Hawaii algae that stands at a maximum of 4 inches from the sandy bottom. A very low, almost upwards angle was needed to achieve a black background using the open water behind it. Other compositions work well also<\/a>. Extra bonus points if you can get the animal with its eggs!<\/p>\n

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Editor’s Tip for Black Backgrounds<\/strong>: Find a subject with a lot of negative space behind it and shoot up. You’ll want to shoot with a high shutter speed and a small aperture (high f-stop) to help reduce the amount of ambient light. An underwater snoot<\/a> can make creating a black background much easier. <\/em><\/p>\n

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\"Hypselodoris<\/div>\n

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<\/a>Tips for Photographing Nudibranchs<\/h2>\n