The leaf-like structure BiVO₄ electrode and MFe₂O₄/BiVO₄ (M =Ni, Co) composite photoelectrodes were prepared by electrochemical deposition, ensuing heating treatment and electrophoretic deposition technology. The characterizations of SEM, XRD and DRS indicated that the BiVO₄ derivatives mainly existed in small nanoparticles with monoclinic phase and exhibited stronger light absorption capability than that of pure BiVO4. Hereon, the respective photoelectrochemical (PEC) activities of BiVO₄ and its derived composites were systematically studied. The results suggested that the NiFe₂O₄/BiVO₄ and CoFe₂O₄/BiVO₄ not only showed higher photocurrent response values at 1.23 V vs. NHE than pure BiVO₄ electrode under visible light illumination, but also played a superior PEC hydrogen evolution performance, which was considered owing to their strong absorption to light, reduction combination of carriers and effective separation of electrons and holes.