Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Lisa Collins
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown talk to underwater photographers from around the world that they admire. In this blog: Lisa Collins…
I am a self-taught underwater photographer who has been diving for 22 years and taking photographs for 18 of those. I started off with a little Sea & Sea film camera to show my young daughters how beautiful it was under the ocean. Over time, and with lots of practice, I found I had a talent for both underwater photography and writing about my diving adventures, finally becoming a professional underwater photojournalist 7 years ago, which I felt was a great achievement and something I am very proud of.
Most of my early diving was done in the UK, where I live, but now I am lucky to travel the world to dive and take underwater photographs. I am inspired by different cultures, oceans and marine life you find nowhere else on the planet. Every dive I do makes me happy. There are never any ‘bad’ dives. I love it when I see a fish I have never seen before.
I am really happiest when I am diving in a turquoise clear ocean, with healthy reefs and marine life population. My favourite dive destinations are the Turks & Caicos Islands, Indonesia and Hawaii.
My life changed 6 years ago, after divorce, when I formed INON UK with my underwater photography mentor, Steve Warren. He sold me my first underwater camera, and every other one since, but also provided me with the support and encouragement to progress my photography and writing. We also designed two underwater photography courses. I get great pleasure out of passing on my knowledge whilst teaching our Level One Underwater Photography and Level Two Advanced Lighting courses.
N&C: How did your underwater photography start?
LC: As you can see from above, it was the urge to show my daughters the beautiful underwater world that inspired my to take up underwater photography.
N&C: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
LC: I loved my Nikon D70 camera and love my current Canon EOS 6D in an INON X-2 housing. I have used INON for many years – I purchased my Z-240’s 16 years ago. I believe in the quality of their products, which is why I was happy to form a company to distribute them in the UK. I have now fallen in love with their Z-330 strobes, and am waiting for the time INON release snoots to go with the new strobe. Snoots are another favourite piece of equipment. I also love my compact Canon S95 and S120’s cameras and INON wet lenses, for the sheer ability of being able to take a range of different subjects from fisheye to supermacro, on one dive.
N&C: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
LC: My advice for new underwater photographers is to take a course to get the most out of your photography, and to stop you getting into bad habits. A short course will help new photographers tremendously. We spend a lot of money on dive trips, and want to capture the best images possible to remember those dives. Learning the basics of underwater photography can help provide you with memorable images rather than disappointing ones. Above all else, practice is the key to good underwater photography.
N&C: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
LC: My daughters, Megan and Camilla, inspired me to first start taking photographs and to continue showing them how beautiful the underwater world is. Mateusz, my partner and dive buddy is also an inspiration to me as he is also my model, and shares in my joy of images taken straight after dives.
One of my greatest inspirations has been my friend and business partner, Steve Warren, who introduced me to underwater photography and great underwater photographers, giving support and technical advice, whilst being incredibly encouraging of my work.
Above all, I am inspired by the incredible reefs and marine life I am lucky to dive with all over the world.
N&C: What image are you most proud of and why?
LC: The images I am most proud of are my very first competition winner on film, back in 2000 – an image taken in a swim through with a small window, off of Grand Cayman, which gave me the confidence to pursue my underwater photography career, and images I have taken of my two (now grown-up) daughters, whilst diving with me. It is a kind of full circle that I started to take photos to show them the underwater world when they were very small, inspiring them both to become divers at age 10 and 12, and for them to still want to dive with me now when they are in their mid to late 20’s.
N&C: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
LC: I get asked my favourite dive destination a lot. This isn’t as easy a question as it looks. I love so many dive destinations for the experiences I have, not just because of the place. If I was pushed, I would say anywhere in Indonesia for the beauty and variety of the dive sites, especially for underwater photography. Hawaii would be another choice for the amazing amount of endemic species and varied diving that can be had. The Turks and Caicos would also be a favourite, for the pure stunning beauty of the islands, the amazing visibility and beautiful turquoise sea.
N&C: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
LC: This is actually a subject I am very passionate about and have written articles about previously. When we dive and take underwater photographs, we are quests in the marine habitat. We should respect that habit as if we were visiting friends. We would never dream to move furniture in a friend’s house just because we think it would be more visually appealing. The same should be said of the underwater marine habitat. Marine life is very delicate and mostly live where they live to protect themselves from predators. Touching them or moving them away from where they are, leaves them at great danger of being hurt or exposed prey.
We, as underwater photographers, are ambassadors of the ocean and should protect it in every way possible. By moving subjects to get a better image, is not doing this. Manipulating subjects, such as stressing them so they display a certain behaviour – i.e. frogfish yawning is a threat display which can be caused by stressing the animal – is not acceptable. We should observe and if an animal seems stressed, move away from them and find another subject. We should NOT move marine life or manipulate them.
N&C: What do you look for when you are making your images?
LC: When I take my images, I look for chance encounters which I can capture to the best of my ability in a natural environment – i.e. without manipulation or movement of the subject. I like taking macro, super-macro and wide angled images equally as much. For wide angled, I like to shoot vertically and try to shoot the sun or an illusion of the sun, even if it is a cloudy day. Close focus wide angle would probably be my favourite technique if absolutely pressed to choose.
For macro and super-macro, I look for subjects in a good position and with high contrast, and, preferably water behind them, to make them stand out. When I am writing articles and taking underwater photographs specifically for that article, I look for interesting images which show a wide range of the dive site. If I know the site is good for wide angle and macro, I will use my Canon 6D for wide angle shots, and also take a small compact camera – either Canon S95, S120 or Olympus TG5 – set up with one INON S-2000 strobe, attached to my BCD, to take macro shots.
N&C: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
LC: My motivation to take underwater photographs is firstly to bring to life the underwater world for both divers and non-divers, spreading the beauty through my published images and articles. Secondly, I am motivated through the teaching of underwater photography. No two dives are ever the same, even the same dive site on the same day, and no two images are the same. There is always something new to see, something new to learn, and I love to pass this on to my students.
N&C: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
LC: There is one thing I would love to photograph and that is whales underwater. I have seen them many times from boats, and have heard them very loudly underwater when diving in Hawaii, but never been close enough in the water to photograph them. This is a dream of mine that, one day, I hope will come true.
Find out more about Lisa Collins by clicking here.
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking
Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
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Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.
NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.
A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission
NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.
NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.
Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration
NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.
Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.
NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.
Quality Training at a Great Price
NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity
At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.
Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success
NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
Crossover Made Easy
For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.
Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership
NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.
Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement
NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.
Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth
At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.
Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.
Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution
Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.
For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.
Are you just getting started out in underwater photography or are you a seasoned shooter who wants to take their images to the next level? Whatever you experience or ability, here’s an overview of underwater photography workshops.
What is an Underwater Photography Workshop?
The first thing to note is that this is not ‘school’! There are no compulsory classes and at workshops you are free to pick and choose what you take part in, or otherwise.
A huge part of learning and developing your skills is through experimentation, trial and error, responding to feedback, and honing your technique. Underwater photography workshops provide you with the perfect platform for practice and improvement.
There is no better alternative to hands on experience in an environment that is 100% dedicated to your development. Reading informative articles and watching videos on YouTube can never replace the value of one on one time with your camera rig, underwater!
Underwater photography workshops are generally structured around core components, namely: presentations, underwater practice, feedback and critique sessions, troubleshooting/one-on-one sessions, and technical support.
Other components of a workshop include dining, relaxing, and time for socializing too!
What Topics do Underwater Photography Workshops Cover?
Depending on the pro, the type of workshop and regional diving highlights, a wide range of topics may be covered from composition and lighting through to shooting techniques and editing.
Benefits of an Underwater Photography Workshop
- Improve Your underwater photography
- Learn from professionals
- Learn from other participants
- Expand your photography knowledge and understanding
- Try put new techniques
- Learn how to maximize your camera rig
- Phenomenal travel opportunities
- Memorable experience and new friendships
Underwater Photography Workshops in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
When it comes to underwater photography workshops that focus on shooting macro, muck diving, and unusual marine species, there can be no better destination on the planet than the Lembeh Strait.
The Critter Capital of the World, a Muck Diving Mecca, and the Twilight Zone are just a few of the names that have been given to this stretch of water over the years due to its high density, and diversity, of rare and unusual marine life.
Some of Lembeh’s most iconic species include the hairy frogfish, Pontohi pygmy seahorse, the Lembeh sea dragon, Mandarin fish, Bobbit worms, Rhinopias scorpionfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, tiger and harlequin shrimps, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin crabs, and where do we start with octopus? Here’s just a few… wunderpus, mimic, blue ring, hairy, long arm, starry night, and coconut… and the list goes on!
Dive conditions in the Lembeh Strait can be extremely favourable for underwater photographers. There is little to no current making both moving around and remaining stationary a breeze. The comfortably warm water temperatures reduce the cold that can also set in when not on the move.
Lembeh Resort and Underwater Photography Workshops
Lembeh Resort not only offers luxury accommodation in the Lembeh Strait but it is also offers a complete suite of facilities for underwater photographers and enthusiasts. Here is a ‘snapshot’ of the camera and imaging services that are on offer at Lembeh Resort – inside and outside of underwater photography workshops:
Photography Facilities
Lembeh Resort offers a suite of facilities for underwater photographers, including:
- The only Backscatter Authorized Photo Center in Asia
- Photo Center offering camera, housing, lights and accessory rentals and purchases, onsite repairs, onsite 3D printing of small components, professional support and assistance, full workshop support
- Full time onsite Photo Pro
- Full time onsite Marine Biologists
- Marine biology and underwater photography trained Dive Guides
- Spacious camera room with individual work spaces, lights, and power points
- Varied diving options including single dives in the Lembeh Strait, two or three tank dive trips, day trips to Bangka, east coast Lembeh trips, blackwater, bonfire, night, and Mandarin fish dives.
Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2025
The renowned Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop is back in January 2025 for the 12th year running!! This unique workshop is hosted by not one but three worldclass photo professionals. The 2025 workshop features: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop promises to be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.
2025 Workshop Schedule and Dates:
- Pre-Workshop: January 8th ––10th (time to relax and unwind after traveling and enjoy some of Lembeh’s famous dive sites.)
- Workshop: January 11th – 17th (Capturing Critters in Lembeh 12th Annual Workshop)
- Workshop Extension: January 18th – 19th (Additional Day Workshop Extension)
- Post-Workshop: January 20th – 21st (Stay additional nights and enjoy extra diving days or some time to relax and explore more of North Sulawesi)
Find Out More:
Meet the pros and find out more about the Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025 underwater photography workshop, including prices and workshop inclusions, here:
If you are ready to book your place on the January 2025 Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop – contact Lembeh Resort at: reservations@LembehResort.com.
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