Underwater Camera Operator & Underwater Filming Specialist
I’m Rich Stevenson, a UK-based underwater camera operator with over 20 years of underwater filming experience. I work on feature films, TV drama, broadcast commercials and natural history productions, from controlled pool environments to open-ocean locations worldwide.
Whether you need a specialist to lead the underwater unit or join an existing crew, I bring calm problem-solving and well-composed framing to every shoot.
Underwater camera operator for film, TV and commercial productions
I work across the full range of underwater production types, from controlled pool and tank shoots to complex open-water sequences that require specialist logistics. Whether the brief calls for camera operation, underwater videography or Underwater DOP work, I cover all underwater filming disciplines across features, drama, commercials, natural history and documentary.
Find out more about my background, approach and specialist team on the About page.
Extensive credits in film and TV underwater productions
My credits include feature films, scripted TV drama, documentary, branded content, broadcast commercials, natural history and music videos, with work appearing on productions for BBC, Sky, Netflix, National Geographic, ITV, Channel 5 and Amazon Studios.
View my full credits at imdb.me/richstevenson.
A career focused on underwater filming and water-based storytelling
My sole focus and interest has always been about water, especially our oceans, rivers and lakes – and this has developed into a passion committed to supporting TV and film productions working in the underwater environment.
Whether the brief calls for performance work, action, natural history or atmospheric visuals, I aim to bring calm problem-solving, creative framing, and reliable underwater coverage to every shoot.
Safe, efficient underwater production support
Safety and efficiency sit at the centre of how I work on every shoot. I coordinate closely with production departments, dive supervisors and on-set crews from the start of every project, making sure the underwater team, talent and topside crew share the same understanding of every sequence before anyone gets in the water. I give honest assessments of what’s achievable within a given brief, including environment, schedule and budget, and don’t take on work I can’t deliver safely.
Remote and challenging location expertise
I have been involved in deep and technical dive shoots since 2003, with experience filming under ice, inside flooded caves and deep within shipwrecks. As a marine videographer, I am equally at home in open ocean environments and coastal waters as in the controlled conditions of a studio tank or pool.
Professional underwater camera equipment for all major systems
I own and operate underwater housings and specialist grip for ARRI Alexa, RED, Sony and Panasonic. For productions with highly technical requirements, I also design and build bespoke specialist grip where standard setups won’t meet the brief.
A specialist underwater team when your shoot needs it
I work with a trusted group of industry professionals covering underwater camera operation, boat handling, dive supervision, marine coordination and TV presenter support. Everyone I work with has extensive experience alongside high-profile talent and broadcast crews.
Find out more about how I work and who I work with on the About page.
Underwater filming FAQs
Do you cover UK and abroad?
Yes, I’m UK-based covering Bath, Bristol, London and Manchester, and I work across the UK and internationally. Share your location, dates and a brief outline of the underwater requirements and I’ll advise on the most efficient approach and early logistics.
Do you work in London and across the UK?
Yes, I regularly work on productions across London and the UK, as well as overseas. If your project is London-based, I can support pool/studio shoots, tanks and open-water filming depending on the brief.
Do you work underwater tanks and stages?
Yes, I work in underwater tanks, studio stages and controlled pool environments as well as open water. These setups are ideal for repeatable performance, lighting control and clear comms, and I can support planning around camera rigs and safe working practice.
What does an underwater camera operator do?
An underwater camera operator captures planned shots below the surface for film, TV and commercial productions. The role combines creative camera operation with underwater logistics, communication and safety-focused execution.
Can you work as an Underwater Director of Photography?
Yes, I’m happy to undertake the role of Underwater Director of Photography when a project requires it. I’ll work closely with the director and main unit DP to maintain continuity of look while delivering safe, efficient underwater coverage.
Can you provide equipment/housings?
Yes, I own underwater housings and grip for major camera systems including ARRI, RED, Sony and Panasonic. For more complex sequences, I can also build and operate bespoke specialist grip solutions where standard setups don’t fit the brief.
What safety cover is required for underwater filming?
It depends on the environment, talent requirements and sequence complexity, but underwater filming typically requires appropriate water safety planning and competent dive support. Where required, I work alongside trusted external water safety contractors who can provide underwater dive equipment and services, qualified dive teams and surface support to ensure the shoot is properly resourced and run safely.
Where can I see your credits and previous work?
Credits and contact
Please also check out my credits at www.imdb.me/richstevenson
If you’d like to discuss an upcoming production, locations, or availability, get in touch and tell me what you’re filming, where, and your likely dates.
Based in Bath and available for underwater filming across the UK, including London, Bristol and Manchester, and internationally.
Tel: +44(0) 7876 256 353
Email: mail@richstevenson.co.uk
