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Join an Underwater Photography Modelling Workshop at Roots this May

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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.

Marine Life & Conservation

Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction

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After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.

People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:

https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction

It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.

The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.

One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.

Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:

https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24

Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.

Find out more here:

https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31

 Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”

Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction


Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden

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Gear News

Introducing the RS Series Drysuit from DYNAMICNORD

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drysuit

Cozy and warm in cold water.

It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.

The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.

drysuit drysuit

The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.

drysuit

Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.

Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.

The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.

drysuit

Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.

The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.

Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy

Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS

Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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