Photo / Video News & Reviews
My first ever underwater photography workshop – the survival guide
The first post from our latest blogger, diving and underwater photography enthusiast Miranda-Clare. Welcome to Scubaverse! Follow her on Instagram @divingphotos or visit her website www.mirandaclare.com.
I have just walked through my door after completing my very first underwater photography workshop. Surrounded by bags, my mind full of incredible memories and a camera full of images to process, I can hardly believe it’s already over.
Diving in Lembeh for the first time, I’ve now seen critters and corals like I’ve never seen before. Despite reflecting the whole flight home, I still can’t pinpoint my favourite moment. Was it seeing mandarin fish mating for the first time? Was it photographing the coconut octopus timidly peeking out from under the shells he had assembled for a home? Or was it the flamboyant cuttlefish and it’s rippling shades of yellow and purple? Can I say all three are my favourite on top of everything else?
My first workshop experience was exciting, frustrating, tiring and satisfying all at once. If you’re about to attend or planning to attend your first ever workshop, I wanted to share my experience with you. Particularly, I wanted to share my successes and frustrations in case you found the experience intimidating and overwhelming. You’re not alone!
So… let’s begin. What should you do in advance to make yourself workshop ready?
After I confirmed which workshop I wanted to attend, I was immediately advised to start planning my flights and to carefully consider the airline I chose. Why is this important? Not all carriers have the same baggage allowance. Consider what you’re taking and find an airline which will accommodate your baggage with minimal cost. Do you plan to travel with your own dive gear? How much does your camera weigh? Will you need warm or heavy clothes? Although this is a decision that is usually made months before your workshop, it can save you big money when you go to check in.
Once you’re a few weeks out, it’s important to consider what to take. Packing can be a nightmare but my advice to you if it’s your first workshop is to keep it simple. Ask your workshop leader for a copy of the agenda and take the bare minimum you need to successfully complete planned activities.
It can be tempting to take all your toys and goodies with you but unless the learning environment requires these additional items, they will probably sit in your suitcase and weigh you down. I packed a lot of optional extras this trip, thinking I’d get them out when we had a ‘free dive’. When it came down to it, all I wanted was to master the new techniques I was learning and focus on shooting in a new way. After all, I came here to try something new, not shoot how I’ve always done in the past.
Having said that, if you have back-up items bring them. Spare strobes, o-rings, chargers, cables, batteries, etc. You can never predict an accidental breakage, flood or mysterious performance issue with equipment. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to utilise a backup if required.
To minimise breakage or damage to your equipment, invest in a good quality camera bag and take as much of your equipment as carry-on as possible. I would strongly advise that you never check-in expensive or delicate equipment. You don’t want theft or breakage cutting your trip short before you’ve even stepped foot in the water.
Okay, now the heavy lifting is out of the way, let’s move onto the workshop itself. Let’s talk about comfort and confidence!
Now you’ve finally arrived at your workshop you will no doubt be excited to jump in the water and start shooting! At the same time, you will be starting to meet the other photographers who have joined the trip. Maybe you’ve found yourself surrounded by other first time workshoppers, or perhaps you’ve found that there are some experienced and accomplished photographers who have joined the group.
For me personally, I had a lot of experienced photographers on my trip who had incredible portfolios. At first, I found this incredibly intimidating. Am I good enough to be here? Will I look silly when it comes to sharing images with the group? I put so much pressure on myself to get great images right away.
The first two days of the trip, I couldn’t quite get into my rhythm. I made a lot of silly mistakes and wasn’t quite getting the shots I wanted. I remember thinking to myself “I know I can do better than this”, “what’s happening?”, “what will other people think?”. Then something on day three clicked and I had an epiphany that I wanted to share with anyone who may feel the same way on their first workshop.
You’re there to learn. You’re there to try something new and push the boundaries of your comfort zone. Part of growing is making mistakes, learning from them and pushing through your frustration. I realised when you’re trying a new technique, it’s almost inevitable to take a step backward to take three steps forward… and that’s okay. The more you practice and get valuable feedback on your work, the more you will find yourself growing. Ultimately, it’s very satisfying at the end of the week looking at your images to realise how far you’ve come.
I learned to embrace the difference of skills, abilities and taste in my group and get feedback on my images. You know what? It really wasn’t so bad. In fact, it was really positive. I learned so many tips and tricks from my group just by taking the plunge and sharing the photos I loved and those that I already knew I wanted to improve.
I totally appreciate how difficult this can be, trust me, especially when you’ve got some really gifted and experienced members in your group. Just remember that everyone starts somewhere and the group that you’re with are there for the same purpose. Everyone wants to grow and improve. This is a collaborative, group learning environment and how often are you in a position where you receive this kind of valuable, constructive feedback in everyday life.
Wrapping up this post and choosing which images to include, I realise just how much I am taking away from my first photo workshop. I am of course carefully scrutinizing images, wishing I’d done this or that with each one. However, more importantly, I’m remembering how much I enjoyed capturing each image and how each one represents a new way of photographing each subject. I can’t help but think about the new friends I’ve made and the laughs we had above and below the water. These memories, above all else, are the ones that will stay with me as I head back into reality and prepare for my next diving adventure.
Miranda-Clare attended the Lembeh photo workshop at Dabirahe with Suzan Meldonian.
All photos by Miranda-Clare Iddon – www.mirandaclare.com
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
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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:
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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.”
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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.
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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:
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- 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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