Rich Stevenson – Underwater Camera Operator
I’m an experienced and creative underwater camera operator living in Bath, United Kingdom, available to travel anywhere in the world to work on all aspects of underwater film production for the media industry.
My main objective is to capture exciting and unique images to make your production creative, efficient, and most importantly safe during underwater filming.
Underwater camera operator for film, TV and commercial productions
As an underwater camera operator for TV and film productions, I can document extensive experience across a wide range of underwater shoots, from controlled pool environments to complex open-water logistics.
I’m also happy to work in the role of Underwater Director of Photography and Underwater Photographer should your project require me to undertake this role.
Extensive credits in film and TV underwater productions
My underwater production experience includes:
- Features
- TV drama / scripted TV
- Documentary / Factual TV
- Branded online content
- Broadcast TV commercials
- Natural History
- Music videos
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
Underwater filming is a team effort on all shoots. I work with other industry professionals and departments to ensure the best service possible for your production.
My aim is to make TV and film production on or under the water efficient and as safe as possible. This affords maximum production value for cast and crew without over complicating the planned project.
Remote and challenging location expertise
A particular passion and skill of mine is working in remote and challenging locations. I have been involved with deep and technical dive shoots since 2003 and can document extensive experience filming under ice, inside flooded caves, and deep inside shipwrecks.
My original career as a deep-water exploration diver, combined with my knowledge and skills to film in these environments, allows me to operate comfortably in challenging locations where planning, safety and execution must be seamless.
Professional underwater camera equipment for all major systems
Equipment wise, I am fortunate enough to own underwater housings and grip for the most popular camera systems such as:
- ARRI
- Red
- Sony
- Panasonic
I have also built and operated bespoke specialised grip for complicated underwater sequencing, helping productions achieve reliable underwater shots even when requirements are highly technical.
A specialist underwater team when your shoot needs it
Underwater filming is a team effort, and the crew I work with have personal skills which include underwater camera operation, boat handling, TV presenter training, marine coordination and dive supervision.
Everyone in my team will have worked extensively with high profile actors, artists and TV presenters, supporting smooth on-set communication and safe underwater working practices.
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?
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, Bristol, London and Manchester, working Worldwide.
Tel: +44(0) 7876 256 353
Email: mail@richstevenson.co.uk
