Is it advisable to hold your breath while taking photos underwater to prevent camera jiggling?

Holding your breath while taking photos underwater is not advisable due to the risks associated with breath-holding, particularly underwater. When a diver holds their breath, they increase the risk of lung overexpansion injuries if they ascend while still holding their breath. In addition, this practice can lead to a delay in responding to potential emergencies or changes in the underwater environment, as it may limit a diver’s ability to use their breathing to adjust buoyancy or to control their descent and ascent rates.

Proper techniques for minimizing camera movement include using appropriate buoyancy control to stabilize oneself, maintaining steady breathing patterns, and utilizing equipment like stabilizers or tripods designed for underwater photography. These methods are much safer and allow for clearer, less jittery images without compromising diver safety.

Therefore, the notion that holding one's breath to prevent camera jiggling is advisable is incorrect; it's always best to breathe normally while taking photos underwater.