Photo / Video News & Reviews
Red Sea Diving Safari Video Competition Results
In addition to being Scubaverse.com’s Conservation and Underwater Videography editor, I am also the video workshop leader at Red Sea Diving Safari, and I help to judge their in house bi-annual video competition where each video must be shot at one of the three RSDS diving villages. The prize is a free stay at one of the villages and a free copy of my book ‘A Guide to Underwater Wildlife Video & Editing’.
Full Competition Rules, Instructions and Guidelines can been seen here.
Here are the results from the latest competition, including the winner’s video, taken from Red Sea Diving Safari’s website:
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We would like to thank everyone who entered our video competition for the July-December 2015 period. It wasn’t an easy decision but our videography workshop leader Jeff Goodman has carefully judged the entries and made his decision!
Huge congratulations to Andre Voje for his video ‘Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village’ which has won him a free stay at the RSDS village of his choice!
Here’s Andre’s winning video:
Jeff has been kind enough to take the time to comment on each individual video, so we decided to share his full feedback with you:
RSDS video competition results Jan 2016 by Jeff Goodman (conservation and video editor at www.scubaverse.com)
RESULTS
The standard of the videos was very high indeed. Each film had its own merits and shortcomings of which are explained for each entry. If you have time please watch the other entrants’ videos and look at my comments. Most videos seem to be made with GoPro and it just shows what can be done with a simple fixed lens, auto exposure camera. After quite a bit of deliberation I thought the overall best video was Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village by Andrej Voje. It was well shot and edited. The music choice was perfect for setting the tone of the video. All the images were steady, well exposed, sharp and well framed.
DETAILED FEEDBACK
Beautiful Red Sea by Marcel Kraus
Good opening with well paced relaxing music and images. Nicely framed shots which are sharp and well exposed. Great shark shot, couldn’t really have been better. Bet you were smiling at the time. I liked the way you then came to a colourful shot of the Clown fish which contrasted well. The night dive then gave a good change of pace, but next time ask your dive buddy not to use the bright torch as it gave a very over exposed hot spot.
Lots of lovely animals and the dugong ending was just perfect. Well done.
Diving Marsa Shagra by Jurgen Minnibo
Good opening and ending with divers. Music worked well and helped the pace of the film. Have a think about investing in some sort of underwater light, just to add a bit of colour to those otherwise bland shots when the sun goes in. Nicely edited.
Diving Egypt 2015 by Peter Johnson
Love the ‘Tiny Hermit Production’ header. Very classy. It grabbed my attention right from the start. Beautiful stylistic images then followed to set up the days beginning and the start of diving. All accompanied by well chosen music. Then for awhile it started to go downhill. The first underwater shot really could just be taken out as it did little for the sequence and was disappointing after the great opening.
I realise the sharks at Elphinstone can be very dramatic, but unless you are lucky and get good full frame shots then think twice about putting them up at the head of your underwater section. You want to wow your audience as soon as you get underwater and the shark stuff just didn’t do it for me. The reef images later in the film were nice and the turtles as always are great to see.
You obviously have a good eye for framing and have edited the material well, but my one overall criticism is that the entire video is too long, especially as there is no change of pace. The 14.5 minutes started to drag and could easily be cut down to 5 or 6 minutes. Try a re-edit and be ruthless. As they often say, ‘less is more’.
Diving from Dawn to Dusk by Sharon Brown
I liked the opening although the first shot was a bit short. I did like the concept of the video and the way you have shown glimpses of the reef before divers get to it was inspirational. The music is a good bright pace and compliments the images well. A good selection of daytime wildlife on the reef all well shot and composed. Then the following night sequence was just charming and made me wish I was diving instead of sitting in the office.
Just Longimaus at Elphinstone 2015 by Paul Vouwen
Liked the graphics opening and then straight into good shark images. Excellent. Quite novel to say ‘keep watching as the best shots are at the end’. Maybe the BBC should do the same. Anyway, I did keep watching and just as I was getting a bit bored by the repetitive shots and music, up came your second message which made me smile. The next series of images were so much better and woke me up again. If you ever think of a re-edit may I suggest you get rid of around a minutes worth of ‘nothing happening’ shots and keep the viewer enthralled right through. For the next step in your video making have a think about adding some narration which can be both informative as well as personal.
Amazing Underwater World in Marsa Shagra Village by Andrej Voje
I silently shudder when I see video times of more that 3-4 minutes but in this instance the 6.5 minutes went by effortlessly and kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
Very strong and captivating opening. Excellent shark images followed by beautiful shoals and reef fish. Then just as I was getting tired of the powerful music you changed it and the mood of the film was delightfully softened with exceptional turtle material. How exciting to see the turtle clearing away the sand in a mid shot followed by a sharp and well composed close up. After that the video just got better and better with wonderful wildlife and well crafted shots. The only thing that spoilt the flow of the film was the night time shot of the squid. It was beautiful in it’s own right but didn’t fit within the sequence. The dolphin at the end was just perfect. Well done.
Marsa Alam by Jasmien Vanderkerckhove
Even though the individual shots themselves are not overwhelmingly special, there is a very nice feel to this video that keeps the viewer watching. The choice of warm yet lively music combined with the constantly moving camera blend together well. The bright pace of editing also goes a long way into making the images alive and immediate. Excellent film and a real joy to watch.
Fish Everywhere by Ahmed Helal
The fast action effect with cameras like to GoPro are certainly very popular and you have used the effect extremely well for the introduction of this video. I then particularly liked the transition into slomo. Well done. Your picture transitions or mixes are particularly well chosen and match the music very well. Love the two octopus. How lucky was that! Well filmed though. Then came the boat speeding past the shark. Great stuff. I liked the novel way you ended the video with the moving photo portraits. Very nice.
Marsa Shagra 2015 by Philippe Trojani
Still photo images can often work well in a moving video production and you proved this to be so with your opening sequence. This was then followed by a selection of beautiful underwater wildlife.Good camerawork with clear sharp and well framed images. The music choice was fine but if you can, have a think sometime about adding basic narration which can help bring an image to life with interesting facts or even personal feelings from yourself.
You can watch all the entries here.
The competition is now open for the next 6 months so don’t forget to submit your latest Red Sea video for a chance to win!
See more here.
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To find out more about Red Sea Diving Safari, visit www.redsea-divingsafari.com.
Blogs
Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba
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.
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.
Blogs
The Benefits of Underwater Photography Workshops
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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