Photo / Video News & Reviews
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Christian Llewellyn
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown talk to underwater photographers from around the world that they admire.
This week’s interview is with Christian Llewellyn.
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My Name is Christian Llewellyn. I am 43 years old and was born in Harrow, North West London. My passion in life is creation. I enjoy being able to share my life through using various mediums with others. My background revolves media and art, specialising mostly in corporate communications, film, television and photography. Social media has given us all a platform to share our Scuba lives. Thanks to social media, people are able to read my articles, see my photography, watch my films, join my photography groups and enter my underwater photography competitions.
I became a Scuba instructor in 2004 in Cyprus, and left there in 2009 as a dive centre manager and an IDC staff Instructor. After this point I was able to concentrate on the type of diving I preferred, which is visual. Videography is where I really came from but photography seems to be the more important for me as time passes.
I run a successful underwater photography group called Wrecks Of The World, which I have been building slowly over the last two years into a viable business venture. At the moment we hold monthly photo competitions, sell dive t-shirts and with the help of nearly 5000 members we inform each other on wreck news, destinations, eco-awareness, artificial reefs, history, equipment and friendship. At the end of 2016 our group climaxed with our second yearly photograph competition final with over 60 competitors, hundreds of photographs, a half hour live results feed with hundreds of people watching and even a special report on wrecks of the world and our winner on television.
From April we will be open for business with plans for a new website, wreck directory, T-shirts and dive wear, wreck itinerary escorted trips, and a splash photo competition event held in Malta at the end of the season.
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N/C: How did your underwater photography start?
CL: I first learnt photography from my Grandfather. He worked at Kodak for a time, and for him photography was one of his passions. Learning the fundamentals with an old 35mm and a wonderful Mamiya c33 medium format camera I started various photography, art and media courses at college.
Now the underwater section comes from teaching myself how to snorkel at a very early age, fondly remembering watching Jacque Cousteau in the 70’s, learning how to free-dive, and finally in the 90’s scuba.
When I used to free-dive I only had disposable uw cameras, which had limited success and only at shallow depths. Then scuba brought me my first SeaLife 35mm with macro attachments, then various digital compact cameras until I upgraded to the mirrorless rig I have today.
N/C: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
CL: I used to love the retro look of my reef-master camera with the square crosshair viewfinder, and the bulbous yellow housing, as it felt so 007. These days my favourite equipment is lighting. I have slowly built a collection of continual light sources, which can give me more control on experimental shots. As I sometimes find with all the logistics of underwater photography. It is somewhat easier to see the shot lit before a strobe goes of, as then you can use them to fill the gaps where needed.
N/C: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
CL: My advice for anyone new to underwater photography would be the fundamentals:
- Never task load – always be familiar with all your diving and photography equipment before you enter the water.
- Positioning – Practice your buoyancy, always get close and try to take photos looking up.
- Lighting – natural lighting will only get you so far. So think about investing in strobes or continual light sources.
- Education – Learn about marine life. Learning the habitats and behaviours of marine life makes it surprisingly easier to capture images.
- Skills – Lastly try an escorted photo dive trip. You will find them truly inspiring, pick up loads of tips, skills and friends.
N/C: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
CL: I would have to say photo guru Paul Duxy Duxfield has been my biggest inspiration for progressing my underwater photography. From the shop floor to the bottom of the sea, his calming no frills approach at improving your diving and photography are a true investment in your time. Every trip, meeting, lecture or dive is always a respectful pleasure, for all the patience and photography knowledge he shares with you.
N/C: What are your boundaries on post-editing image manipulation?
CL: The aesthetic line between taking a photograph and creating a piece of art is never an easy subject matter for discussion. I think it truly comes down to you. What you are prepared to do to an image to give yourself a sense of satisfaction is your choice. Living and working in the media world, I realise how courageous it is to even show your work or yet have someone’s opinion obliterate any pride you had in it. So I would truly leave it up to what truly makes the individual happy with their photograph.
However if you are talking about image manipulation for competition entries, or magazine articles, then I follow the standard white balance, colour correctness, sharpness, backscatter, lens scratch procedures set out by the rules of the competition jury or the magazine editor.
Plus an experienced underwater eye can always see if an image has been over-manipulated, so for photography I would sway with less is more. However if I was creating art then the gloves are off and my editing palette is open.
N/C: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
CL: My favourite dive location is Shaab Abu Nuhas Reef in Egypt. I love wrecks and this site has four accessible recreational level wrecks including the Kimon M, Giannis D, Carnatic and Chrisoula K (& for the technical diver there is one more wreck at this location named the Sea star, which lays at a depth of 90m).
Shaab Abu Nuhas has everything you want for photography – wide angles big shots, marine life, coral, macro, history, easy penetration, great natural light, etc. The only negative about the site is it can get busy; so my advice is always taking it slow at the beginning. If you see everyone head inside then find another shot. Be methodical and have contingency plans for your images to receive a better-hit rate.
N/C: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
CL: I grew up with watching Jacque Cousteau on the TV and at the cinema. At this time we knew so little of the underwater world, and the people making these films were celebrated as explorers. Continuing through the years it was seen as OK to handle morays or feed fish for your customers, even feed sharks, make killer whales captive, teach dolphins tricks, kill sharks and whales for nothing…. and then you have people who move a species (without knowing what effect this could have) just so they can win a competition or more likely not even get the shot anyway. I think you might know which way I’m going with this….
N/C: What do you look for when you are making your images?
CL: Diving for me is more second nature than walking through a crowed city street. What I mean is for me, the many years I have had teaching and diving, scuba does not constrict me in anyway. So in the water it is all about the photography. In essence it provides me with endless possibilities to get the shot I want, as you are not limited to gravity. For me it’s all about the combination of the angle complementing the subject matter and balancing the light with the colours and textures. All of which can be enhanced or reduced or even manipulated with all the photographic tools at my disposal underwater.
N/C: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
CL: My motivation comes from my love of creating things using many different types of mediums, and sharing them with people. Underwater I am motivated to capture the illusive perfect shot, to strive forward and take a photograph, which connects to my audience and makes them think. Something that provokes emotion, documents nature, informs and maybe the best is to know that you have inspired someone to pick up a dome port, straddle it to a housing, think out of the box, shoot from the hip, relax and enjoy every process of underwater photography.
N/C: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
CL: For people that know me they probably picture me heading for Chuuk Lagoon which for some is really the mecca of wrecks. However for me what I would most like to photograph are the marine iguanas of the Galapagos.
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For more from Christian, click on the following links:
Website: x-posureunderwater.com
Twitter: twitter.com/Chllewellyn
Facebook Photography Groups:
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.
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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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