You can get some great images using your camera underwater. Think about the following to ensure you don't miss that important shot:

Get an underwater housing - most cameras can be fitted with a specialised, waterproof underwater housing. These are available from specialised retailers or from online auction sites.

Think about an underwater camera - this is specifically designed to be moisture-proof and sustain the rigors of immersion in water

Having the sun overhead (that is around either side of midday) gives the best results underwater

The surface of the water will give more light - if you are underwater, try and angle your camera upwards

Conversely, the depths are darker and may give you exposure problems - deep water makes everything look murkier

Most things look closer in water especially if you are looking through goggles or a mask - get closer to your subject to compensate for this illusion

Experiment! - shoot into the sun for backlit silhouettes, look around for interesting subjects - include the human element in your fun shots

Come up to the surface and see what images would be like with the camera only partly immersed

Ensure your background is free from clutter - a tidy background will give your subject more "punch"

Look for powerful colors and shapes - these add more impact

Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com