Photo / Video News & Reviews
Photographing Responsibly: A Beginner’s Guide
Next time you’re diving with an experienced underwater photographer, take a moment to really look at how they conduct themselves and their placement in the water. Notice anything in particular? You might notice how they hover over the reef, sand or muck without disturbing a single grain, rock or soul. You might also notice how effortlessly they glide through the water and how still they perch when stalking their subject. To many new photographers, this might seem totally impossible but all it takes is a few simple tricks and some practice.
If you’re in the water and photographing the coral scapes or wildlife, chances are it’s because you find the behaviours intriguing or see a beauty in the environment that you want to capture and share. If you’re a new or less experienced photographer, you may also be experiencing some of the challenges around maintaining buoyancy and managing your equipment, all while trying to approach and photograph a subject.
It’s imperative as divers that we protect and maintain these marine environments, leaving them as if we were never there. The ocean is the largest ecosystem and supports the largest volume and variety of life on earth. Not to mention that oceans contribute a large volume of the air we breathe, the food we eat and reduce the impact of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Pretty impressive, right?
In this blog I want to share with you four key lessons I have learnt that have improved the way I dive, the quality of the photographs I produce, and the way I’ve learnt to minimise my impact on the dive sites I visit.
1: Be selective with your gear
Every photographer suffers from the fear of missing out. It’s always the way, you set up your macro lens and see a great wide angle scene. You set up for wide angle and find a rare and beautiful nudibranch. It can be tempting to take down every diopter you own, your snoot, a mirror… the works.
In reality, this can be really distracting and ultimately get in your way. If you’re fussing with gear constantly, you will find it harder to get into a rhythm with your shots and also run the risk of losing pieces of expensive equipment if you’re constantly screwing, unscrewing, clipping and unclipping. Less is definitely more!
I was shooting cryptic teardrop crabs with my fluorescent kit last year. My strobes, focus light, mask and lens all had special filters to capture the beautiful phenomenon. While shooting the crabs, I found a clown crab. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to capture him using the fluoro gear. By the time I removed the filters and fussed with my mask, he was long gone. Not to mention, I had four pieces of expensive equipment sitting on the sand next to me, in the dark, that I had to reassemble onto my camera. You can easily see how this could have ended badly.
It’s much easier, especially when you’re newer to underwater photography, to focus on one style of shot and stick with it. Make a plan using the technique you’d like to master and focus your energy on getting shots you’re really proud of. One great shot is always more satisfying than dozens of ‘I wish I’d done’ shots. Look at the masters, you’ll notice that they keep things simple and focus on one thing at a time. Coincidence? I think not!
Most importantly and to the spirit of this piece, if you’re constantly distracted with your gear, you may not be paying as much attention as you should to your buoyancy and placement in the water. Before you know it, you’ve got a fin or a hand somewhere it doesn’t belong. Constantly evaluating where your body is, in relation to the reef or muck, is critically important to protecting yourself from stings and bites as well as protecting the critters and corals around us.
Really, limiting yourself to a few essentials produces the best outcome for you as a photographer and allows you the mental space to become more aware of your surroundings.
2: Make sure you’ve got your buoyancy just right
When you buy your first underwater camera, it can be tempting to jump right in and get shooting. Unfortunately for the majority of us, mastering buoyancy can be a real challenge and doesn’t come right away.
To get the most out of your photography, having control of your breathing and limbs is essential to get the best shots. Correct buoyancy improves the way you approach a subject and reduces motion blur you introduce through the movement of your body from constant kicking and erratic breathing. Not to mention that if you can control your breath and body movements your air will last longer, allowing you more bottom time for shooting.
Mastering your buoyancy, most importantly, allows you to hover over the reef, sand or muck you are trying to photograph with minimal impact on the environment. Plus, you will be a better dive buddy (no one likes the person who kicks sand!).
My advice is to have your buoyancy mastered and under control before you consider getting in the water with a camera. Get the basics right before you try and add another level of complexity to your underwater experience.
While you’re mastering your buoyancy, use your time without distraction wisely. Observe specific behaviours you may find interesting to shoot in the future, try and understand the reef scape and the places your favourite critters love to hide out. After all, knowing where to look and recognising interesting behaviours can ultimately deliver some incredible shots.
3: Check and check again
When you’ve found a subject you want to photograph, stop and take a moment to evaluate where it is and what’s around it. It might be tempting to start shooting immediately, however taking an extra moment before you get stuck in will make a big difference to your comfort underwater and ensuring that you are leaving no sign of your presence behind.
Is your subject on the sand? It might be tempting to see a sandy bottom near a subject and assume you’ve got the all clear. Take a quick moment to think about what could be really well camouflaged or even buried in the sand. Depending on where you’re diving, eels, scorpion or stone fish could be lurking just below the surface. Do a visual inspection of the area, look for tell-tale holes and mounds of sand which could indicate the presence of a living soul. Avoid these areas to ensure you’re not disrupting any wildlife or running the risk of stings and injury to yourself. If you believe the area is clear, use a metal diving stick and gently run it over the sand as a final measure.
Is your subject on the reef? This could be a trickier environment to navigate. Chances are you’re surrounded by soft or hard corals with a diverse range of marine life around you. If your only option is to hover above the subject, relying entirely on your buoyancy, check around you for any current and nearby coral or rocky structures. You don’t want current pushing you into these while you’re trying to shoot. Look up consistently between shots and adjust your position in the water frequently to ensure that you’re maintaining a safe distance between yourself, your subject and the reef.
If you’re lucky and there is some sand or bare rock near you, you can take advantage of these to anchor yourself. Again, visually inspect the area. If it looks clear, you can take two fingers and gently place them on the rock or sand in order to stabilize yourself and get the shot. If you are relying on a rock, really take the time to make sure there are no little critters living in the cracks and crevices.
My final advice is to talk to your dive guide or shop about any nasties you need to keep an eye out for or any critters that may be buried and lurking underneath the sand. It’s important to really understand the wildlife you are diving with to avoid any negative encounters.
4: Evaluate the risk
Really think about where your subject is located and evaluate whether you can realistically take the photograph without causing damage. You know and understand your own skills and abilities better than anyone else so be honest with yourself.
If you find a really beautiful nudibranch that you know is quite common… but sticking up in the air, surrounded by a large patch of soft corals, under an outcrop with strong current, really think to yourself if the shot is worth it. It may be better to wait for a subject that’s nicely facing you, out in the open or in a less densely populated area. You’ll get a better shot and mother nature will thank you for your consideration. No matter how great a shot can be, remember, safety first.
I hope you’ve found these tips useful. These are all lessons I’ve learned myself as I’ve started my journey with underwater photography. It isn’t always easy to do the right thing but in the long-term it’s worth thinking about the impact we have, as divers and photographers, on the environment.
Check out more of Miranda-Clare’s photos on Instagram @divingphotos or visit her website www.mirandaclare.com.
Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces
NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.
Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.
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:
“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.
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.”
About NovoScuba
Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.
With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!
Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.
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.
Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload
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:
- Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
- Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
- 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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