News
Join an Underwater Photography Modelling Workshop at Roots this May
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a very special Underwater Photography modelling workshop hosted by one of the UK’s leading underwater photographer/journalists, Stuart Philpott. The workshop, which takes place at Roots Red Sea, El Quseir, Egypt from 23-30 May 2018 will also feature four Miss Scuba UK underwater models.
Over the years Stuart, whose photos have graced over 75 front covers, has become highly skilled at taking picture compositions featuring underwater models, either in the foreground, as the main subject for a front cover portrait, or placed somewhere in the frame to add perspective for a wide angle scenic composition.
Using his experience, Stuart has designed a 5-day workshop that completely focuses on the art of using models in underwater photography. He has compiled a series of presentations that will give photographers a unique insight into how to take underwater photos using models in a variety of different composures and settings. Stuart will discuss how to set up the best compositions, the pitfalls he has encountered and useful tips he has learnt throughout the years. This will be accompanied by daily practical sessions at local shore diving sites, day boat diving and inflatable excursions.
Femininity is a key feature when selling and promoting magazines, so four top Miss Scuba UK underwater models will accompany the photographers during the week-long course. Please note this is not a glamour shoot. The idea is to use the models to compliment and enhance underwater compositions. The plan is to practice new skills and pick up ideas from the group, as well as being prempted by Stuart. There will be daily image reviews with plenty of constructive critique and friendly banter.
The schedule includes a freshwater swimming pool session using bubble curtains, different lighting effects, different colour kit set ups etc. There will also be a wreck photography day and a trip to the famous Anemone city for some creative marine life/model compositions. Throughout the week, models will be using scuba, snorkelling gear, scooters, a variety of kit configurations, as well as different swimsuits and wetsuits. Initially photographers will work and dive as pairs to refine their skills before spending some quality time with the Miss Scuba UK models.
To get the best results, participating photographers should be equipped with their own camera, strobes or some form of external lighting, wide angle lenses and a laptop computer to download images and do some basic picture editing. Cameras can be compacts, housed mirrorless or DSLR’s. Anybody wishing to attend must provide a brief summary of their photography experience, including the camera equipment that they will be using.
Stuart and Roots Red Sea have created a special package for the workshop which is priced at £1125.00 per person (based on shared accommodation). This includes:
- 7 Night’s accommodation at Roots in Deluxe Chalet
- Soft All Inclusive
- Return Airport Transfers
- Unlimited Unguided Diving on House Reef
- 2 Dives by inflatable boat
- 2 Dives by hard boat
- Stuart Philpott’s expertise and working with divers including sessions with the Miss Scuba UK models.
Stuart Philpott Profile:
Stuart began diving in the late 1980’s and became an instructor for PADI, BSAC, SSI and TDI agencies before turning his talents to underwater photography. In the early 2000’s he moved to Taba Heights in Egypt and set up a dedicated video and photography centre, diving four times a day taking 1,000’s of digital images for customers participating in discover scubas, training courses or just recreational diving. He then managed a photo centre at Hout Bay in South Africa and got to explore the entire eastern coastline line from Cape Town to Sodwana Bay. Several years later he moved to Silhouette Island in the Seychelles and worked as a guide/photographer at the 5-star resort. In a nutshell, Stuart has been travelling the world diving and taking pictures for the past 30 years. To date he has written and had published more than 350 articles plus two guide books and produced 75 front covers.
Stuart returned to the UK fulltime in 2011 and opened two small photography centres selling camera equipment and running regular underwater photo classes for groups and individuals based at Swanage and Portland, as well as overseas workshops to Egypt, Turkey, the US and the Bahamas. These custom-made workshops have been designed for all levels from beginner using compacts right through to semi pro’s using more complex mirrorless and DSLR’s.
Enquiries and bookings for the Roots workshop should be sent to: info@pharaohdiveclub.com.
For more information please click here.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
-
News2 months agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
News3 months agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Gear News3 months agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News3 months agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News3 months agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Coral Triangle Cameos
-
Blogs2 months agoDive the Egyptian Red Sea this Autumn with Regaldive
-
News3 months ago2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition Announced