News
NUPG hears the confessions of an ex-critter-fiddler, Alex Tattersall
The Northern Underwater Photography Group gathered en masse in March to hear from acclaimed underwater macro photographer, Alex Tattersall. The group meet at a curry house in South Manchester and it was great to catch up with such a lovely bunch of underwater photographers over some spicy food before the talk started in the function room upstairs.
Alex’s talk attracted a large crowd, as he is an award winning photographer, great speaker, is the Nauticam distributor in the UK and his talk subject was about a hot topic that we all care about. Alex’s talk focused on macro photography subjects, and how it seems that more and more competition winners seemed to have moved or manipulated their subjects. Alex confessed to having done this himself in the past, but he is now a reformed character and is championing the cause to stop underwater photographers from being tempted to cause distress and harm to marine life, just for a photograph. He also is calling for judges to stop awarding huge prizes to photographers shooting animals out of their natural environment.
The NUPG holds a competition each month for the members and those attending the meeting to enter. This months theme was “schooling” and was obviously a tricky subject for the members, as there were fewer entries than normal, but there were some great shots. Two of the images could not be separated and so joint winners were announced: Nick Robertson-Brown with a shot of dolphins hunting in a school of sardines on the sardine run in South Africa, and John Spencer with a shot of a lionfish hunting in the shallows in the Red Sea. Maggie Russell took the compact winner, with a shot of a school of sweetlips in Raja Ampat in Indonesia, which also came third in the overall competition.
Alex’s second half of his talk moved on to finding ways to create stunning underwater macro images, without having to manipulate the subject. He talked the group through using techniques such as depth of field and lighting to create images that stand out from the crowd, as well as gear available to make photos stand out, such as snoots and wet lenses. He showed off some of his outstanding macro images to the group and shared how he got those shots.
It was a great meeting, with plenty of great tips for macro photography from Alex, plenty of discussion about how we all abhor “critter-fiddling” and how we thought it could be tackled going forwards, as well as a great chance to meet up with others who share a love for underwater photography.
The next NUPG meeting will be on Monday 9th April at the Gurkha Grill from 8-10pm. Joseph Litt will be speaking about his new book Galapagos.
For more information about the Northern Underwater Photography Group visit their website by clicking here or their Facebook site by clicking here.
For more about Alex Tattersall, visit his website: Underwater Visions.
News
Dive Worldwide introduces a pair of snorkelling-only liveaboards for 2025
In response to a growing trend amongst its customers for snorkelling-specific itineraries, specialist operator Dive Worldwide is introducing two new snorkelling trips for 2025. The new liveaboard holidays, to the Coral Triangle and Maldives, offer the same exceptional marine encounters and adventurous spirit as a traditional diving holiday, but with greater accessibility for those that are unable to dive.
Commenting, Phil North, Dive Worldwide’s Brand Manager, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer these two fabulous adventures aimed solely at snorkelling enthusiasts. From iconic animals like whale sharks and manta rays to vibrant coral reefs, much of the magic in our oceans happens in the shallows, and these wonderful experiences are now as accessible to snorkellers as well as divers.”
Dive Worldwide has the largest programme in the UK of tailor-made and small group liveaboard and resort-based diving holidays. It features over 200 destinations worldwide, catering for beginners and experienced divers alike.
NEW SNORKELLING TRIPS FOR 2025
Coral Triangle Snorkelling Adventure
This small group cruise on Indonesia’s Coral Sea is aboard the new and environmentally-friendly Bugis, which sleeps just eight guests. Made from reclaimed teak and serving locally-sourced meals, the boat aims to have the lowest environmental impact as possible, with no single-use plastic on board, and run by a synthetic fuel made from plastic waste. The Bugis offers different itineraries throughout the year, timed for the best wildlife encounters. From May through to September, the focus is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo. Here, enjoy the kaleidoscopic beauty of shallow tropical reefs, swim with manta rays, and take on land expeditions to see Komodo dragons and Pink Beach. Between November and late March, the vessel is in Raja Ampat, the marine biodiversity capital which is also culturally rich on land. Highlights include colourful reefs bustling with hard and soft corals, and interaction with pelagic species.
Price: from £3,495pp based on 2 sharing, including 8 nights’ accommodation (1n Jakatra, 7n liveaboard), all meals, transfers and return flights from the UK. Departures from March 2025.
Maldives Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
These departures, exclusively for snorkellers, provide the ultimate marine life encounters with a focus on conservation and environmental awareness, all while sailing through the beautiful waters of the Maldives. The cruise’s dedicated itineraries focus on either manta rays or whale sharks, and are run in partnership with the Manta Trust and the Maldives Whale Shark Program. This allows snorkellers to encounter these magical pelagics on an intimate, immersive level, slipping all but silently into the waters next to them, and nimbly following them. Alongside the wonders of the water, there’s the chance to experience the local culture and participate in data collection in Citizen Science projects too.
Price: from £2,545pp based on 2 sharing, including 7 nights’ liveaboard, all meals, activities, guiding, transfers and return flights from the UK. Depart: 2 February, 2 March, 23 March 18 August, 4 October or 21 December 2025.
For further information visit Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com, 01962 302087).
News
Exclusive Shark Diving Adventure in the Maldives – Last Female Space Available!
Oyster Diving is offering one final opportunity for an unforgettable shark diving experience in the Maldives. From February 9-16, 2025, this exclusive trip, led by renowned marine biologist Dr. Elke Bojanowski, will take place aboard the luxurious Horizon III liveaboard. As a special offer, the last remaining female space is available with a £300 discount.
An Unparalleled Diving Experience
Diving enthusiasts will have the chance to explore some of the Maldives’ most spectacular dive sites while gaining insights into shark behavior and conservation from Dr. Bojanowski. Known for her expertise in shark research, Elke will guide divers through encounters with these magnificent creatures during the Maldives’ renowned ‘Shark Week.’
Luxury Aboard Horizon III
The Horizon III liveaboard is designed to provide the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure, featuring:
- 12 well-appointed cabins accommodating up to 22 divers
- A restaurant serving gourmet buffet meals
- A fully stocked bar
- A spa and sundecks for relaxation
- An open-air hot tub for post-dive unwinding
Top-Tier Dive Support
With a dedicated team of four experienced Divemasters, divers will benefit from an outstanding 1:6 ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and safety throughout the trip.
Limited Availability – Book Now!
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive alongside sharks under the mentorship of a leading marine biologist. With just one female space left, interested divers are encouraged to book quickly.
For more information and reservations, click here.
Oyster Diving
📧 info@oysterdiving.com
📞 +44 (0)1273 384971
🌍 www.oysterdiving.com
-
Gear Reviews3 weeks ago
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 4
-
News2 months ago
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 1
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 5
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 2
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
-
Blogs3 months ago
Scubaverse Christmas Gift Guide 2024: Day 3