Meet Our Underwater Photography Club: BSoUP
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be part of an underwater photography club? In this brand-new series, we’ll be diving into clubs from around the world, meeting the members, hearing their stories, and finding out what makes each one unique.
To kick things off, we’re starting close to home with The British Society of Underwater Photographers, a club many of us will already know, or perhaps even be members of. I’ve personally been a member for over 15 years and have loved being part of the community. Along the way, I’ve met some fantastic people and picked up plenty of valuable photographic tips and skills.
The British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP)
“Despite our grandiose title, The British Society of Underwater Photography is simply a club for underwater photographers,” says Alex Mustard, the Society’s President. “Anyone can join “BSoUP” (to rhyme with pea-soup) – as all our members affectionately call it. And despite our British focus, we now have members from around the world. So whether you’re a seasoned shooter with a high-end camera rig or a newbie just dipping your toes and perhaps your phone into underwater photography, BSoUP offers a welcoming community of like-minded snappers, expert advice, and plenty of opportunities for you to learn to take even better underwater photos.”
“BSoUP’s mission is to inspire, inform and help you connect with other enthusiasts,” continues Mustard. The Society does this through monthly meetings, which take place online (7.30 to 10pm every third Tuesday of the month). Each meeting consists of two presentations from leading names in the field and a competition, with a wide variety of themes through the year. The contests aren’t just about seeing who has the best shots, but they also allow members to chart their progress and receive valuable constructive feedback from the experienced judges. The meetings are open to members only and are also recorded so that they can be re-watched on demand. At the beginning of the meetings, before the formal program starts, BSoUP holds a separate Beginners Corner as well as a general chat, where members can ask questions and make announcements about trips, gear that they are selling and anything that is relevant.
Well-known photographer and former BSoUP Chairman, Paul Colley, explains how he’s benefitted from being in the Society. “I’ve been able to meet some of the best underwater photographers in the world. It’s an amazing gateway into a network that is constantly growing and evolving. It’s not restricted to the UK either. I like the strengths and variety brought by our international members. I’m constantly challenged and inspired by seeing what other people are doing. Not only through the competitions, but in the talks about such a wide variety of underwater photography locations and subjects. I also really value hearing about the different techniques and approaches that others bring to problems that are common to many of us. And increasingly, it’s a chance to give something back after many years of learning from others. I find that very rewarding.”
Although the monthly meetings have moved online, BSoUP makes an effort to have a number of face to face gatherings through the year. Nur Tucker, BSoUP’s current Chairman explains, “Over the last decade BSoUP has transformed from a primarily London and the Southeast club into a global community. Yet we know the irreplaceable value of meeting in person. That’s why we’ve made a concerted effort to bring our members together through a variety of in-person events. In May last year, I personally organised a social “splash-in” trip to Lundy Island, where we enjoyed dives followed by beer, curry, and plenty of laughs.”
“Our Martin Edge Lecture Series, launched three years ago to honour Martin’s exceptional contributions to BSoUP, continues to grow,” continues Tucker. “Last year’s event in October, hosted at Imperial College London, was a great success, drawing 75 attendees. Nick More delivered an outstanding talk on macro photography. For our year-end event, we returned to the elegant surroundings of the Mountbatten Room at the Royal Automobile Club in December. Scuba magazine editor, Simon Rogerson captivated a capacity audience of 130 with his talk ‘Sharks: The Misunderstood Species.’ The Society has also provided access to other fantastic talks through the Royal Automobile Club’s Sub Aqua Group, featuring speakers such as Jack Perks (freshwater fish and river photography), Kat Zhou (blackwater photography), and Jo Ruxton MBE (ocean plastic).”
BSoUP members also receive the Society’s superb magazine ‘In Focus’ two or three times a year. The magazine is packed with members’ articles on photography gear, destinations and is fully illustrated with images. The Society also produces a high quality bi-annual coffee table book for all members that lavishly showcases BSoUP’s best photos. BSoUP also maintains a regularly updated website, with an extensive members area, which contains judges’ feedback from the monthly competitions, an archive of articles on underwater photography, access to recordings of the meetings going back 6 years and previous issues In Focus. The Society also has a very popular Facebook group, which is open to non-members, and is a great place to get a feel for what the BSoUP offers, ask questions and share images.
BSoUP committee member Valerie Reid shares how she benefits from these resources. “Being a member of BSoUP is a great way to feel connected and engaged in a very active and talented community. In addition to the meetings there is an absolute treasure trove of beautiful and inspiring images to be found on the Society’s website. The digital In Focus magazine contains feature articles and an overview of all the monthly competition winners, and the archive goes back to 2005! The cherry on the cake of being a BSoUP member is the large format coffee table book which has high quality printing of the top shots from all the monthly competitions from last two year. It is so inspiring to view such amazing images in print form.”
BSoUP is almost 60 years old and was founded in 1967 by Peter Scoones and Colin Doeg. It is one of the oldest underwater photography clubs in the world. Back then, underwater photography was extremely niche and technically challenging on every level. Most housings had to be constructed at home, lenses weren’t suited to underwater shooting and functioning electronic flash, actually pioneered by the Society, was still in its infancy. Technology has been transformed down the years and the Society has constantly moved with the times. Despite the huge advancements in gear, the change from film to digital, BSoUP’s core mission remains the same. The Society continues inspiring and educating underwater photographers, helping them improve their skills and make valuable friendships with those who share their passion.
So, if you’ve ever been mesmerized by the vibrant colours of a coral reef, the atmospheric play of light through billowing seaweeds, the eerie beauty of a shipwreck, or the graceful movement of a ray gliding through the water, you’ll understand the desire to capture and share the wonders of the underwater world. Underwater photographers, though, remain a rare-breed, so the Society performs a very valuable role in helping to bring them together so that they can exchange knowledge and ideas. BSoUP is run entirely by volunteers and is not-for-profit, making membership very affordable: currently £35 per year, or just £10 for students.
“BSoUP is a club of like-minded individuals united in their love for the ocean and the art of capturing the underwater world,” says Mustard. “Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, meet fellow camera-carrying divers, or simply be inspired by breathtaking underwater imagery, BSoUP would love to welcome you.”
Website: https://bsoup.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15647538540
Are you part of an underwater photography club? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and tell us all about it!
Main Image: Nur Tucker
FOCUS ON – UNDERWATER EXCELLENCE 2023
Lemon goby in a beer bottle
Double exposure
Nikon D500, Nikkor105mm lens
INON Z240, Weefine snoot torch INON narrow beam red torch
1/125sec, f/18, ISO 400
Lemon goby in a beer bottle, Anilao, Philippines
