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.
Blogs
Magical Socorro: a Dream Diving Adventure
By Mark Murphy
Socorro, January 2025 with Oyster Diving
Picture this: giant manta rays gliding effortlessly, playful dolphins pirouetting around you, and a majestic whale shark stealing the spotlight. That’s exactly what awaited me and 14 fellow divers from Oyster Diving on our unforgettable journey to Socorro. It was a dream six years in the making, sparked by a recommendation from a seasoned diver I met in the Galapagos. His words echoed in my head: “If anywhere rivals the magic of the Galapagos, it’s Socorro.” And he was absolutely right.
The Socorro Journey Begins
Our adventure started with a flight from London to Cabo San Lucas via Dallas, where we allowed ourselves a couple of days to unwind, adjust to the time zone, and soak up the vibrant energy of this coastal paradise. Cabo San Lucas is a gem, boasting a stunning marina teeming with curious sea lions, buzzing bars, and an array of restaurants. Hidden within the rustic backstreets were Tarantino-esque bars where locals served ice-cold brews, tangy margaritas, and tacos so good they felt otherworldly. For those craving sand and sea, the expansive beaches offered a sun-soaked escape, fringed with lively eateries.
One highlight was a whale-watching tour that brought us face-to-face with humpback whales and their calves. For just $70, we experienced the raw beauty of these gentle giants as they surfaced to breathe in the crisp ocean air. It was worth every penny.
All Aboard the Belle Amie
Later, we met our fellow divers and the crew of the Belle Amie at SeeCreatures. After safety briefings, we boarded this exceptional liveaboard operated by Nautilus Liveaboards. The Belle Amie, a steel-hulled beauty designed for stability and comfort, promised luxury at sea. Spacious cabins, boutique-style suites, and a sun deck perfect for mingling made it feel like a floating resort. The crew’s professionalism, warmth, and tireless dedication set the tone for an extraordinary experience. From safety drills to nightly captain’s briefings, they ensured we were in the best hands.
Diving into the Magic of Socorro
The Socorro Islands, a cluster of four volcanic outposts 250 miles off Baja’s coast, are a diver’s paradise. After a 24-hour sail, we reached our first stop: San Benedicto Island. Here, we plunged into a world where reality felt like a dream. Giant oceanic manta rays, with wingspans up to 5 meters, danced gracefully around us. They made eye contact—an experience so profound it’s hard to put into words. Dolphins joined the spectacle, spinning and leaping as if performing just for us. They weren’t shy, either, getting close enough to make every camera click count.
Sharks were ever-present, from sleek silvertips, silkies to white tips and Galapagos sharks. It was an underwater theatre of wonder.
Next, we arrived at Socorro Island, where the magic reached new heights. Mantas, dolphins, turtles, and schools of curious pufferfish filled every dive. On one memorable descent, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins, only to see a 4-meter tiger shark gliding through the group. Two more tiger sharks lingered in the distance, their curiosity palpable as they observed these strange bubble-blowing creatures.
Our third destination, Roca Partida, wasn’t an island but a towering rock pinnacle that plunged into the depths. The visibility was spectacular, revealing caverns filled with resting white-tip sharks and silvertips patrolling the waters. The pièce de résistance? A 5-meter whale shark that graced us with its presence, lingering long enough for every diver to capture a memory and fill their SD cards.
The Final Farewell
As we sailed the 25-hour journey back, the camaraderie among divers flourished. Photos and videos were shared, and the crew edited them into a heartwarming memento. The trip wasn’t just unforgettable—it was life-changing, rivalling even the Galapagos.
Tips for Future Socorro Adventurers
- Plan for a Layover: Spending a couple of days in Cabo before the trip helped us recover from the long journey and prepare for the diving ahead. It also cushions against potential flight delays.
- Stay Warm: In January, water temperatures hover around 23-24°C. A 5mm wetsuit suffices for most, but if you feel the cold, opt for a semi-dry suit.
- Pack Smart: Bring plenty of SD card space for your camera, but don’t forget to savour the underwater world with your own eyes.
- Stay Protected: High SPF sunscreen and hydration are a must, along with a cozy hoodie for breezy evenings.
Oyster Diving is fully ATOL and TTA bonded, offering bespoke diving holidays worldwide. Whether it’s shark diving in the Red Sea, tiger sharks in the Maldives, or the vibrant reefs of the Philippines, our team is ready to craft your next adventure. Interested in Socorro or another bucket-list destination? Email us at holidays@oysterdiving.com for a no-obligation quote.
Dive into your next adventure with Oyster Diving. Your underwater dreams await!
Contact Oyster Diving Holidays now to book your next Socorro Dive Adventure:
T: 0800 699 0243 E: holidays@oysterdiving.com
Blogs
13th Annual Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest Winners Announced
The World’s Premier Underwater Photography Competition Announces Stunning Winners for 2024
The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition, widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement for underwater photographers, has revealed its winners for 2024. With record-breaking participation from over 90 countries, the competition set a new standard for creativity and technical excellence. From mesmerizing macro shots of marine birth to dramatic wide-angle scenes of cenotes and reefscapes, the winning photographs highlight the beauty, fragility, and diversity of underwater ecosystems while inspiring global conservation efforts.
Winning photos can be seen at the Underwater Photography Guide at https://www.uwphotographyguide.com/ocean-art-contest-winners-2024
Best In Show
The coveted Best in Show ranking was awarded to Eduardo Labat for his breathtaking image, “Dancing White Tips,” (see main image) taken at Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, Mexico. Labat’s photograph captured a synchronous ballet of white-tip reef sharks in black & white.
Category Highlights
This year’s winners excelled across 14 categories, two highlights included:
- Black & White: This category was highly competitive this year, celebrating the dramatic interplay of light and shadow in underwater photography:
- Conservation: This category featured the dramatic plight of Floridian springs as well as an image of a shark captured in a ghost net. This image symbolized the devastating impact of abandoned fishing gear and underscores the competition’s ongoing support for Ghost Diving, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing marine debris.
Behind the Lens
Every winning photograph tells a story of perseverance and connection to the ocean. These are just a small selection of the incredible stories and experiences told throughout the competiiton:
- Born from Mouth: Yoichi Sato recounts an incredible moment with a male Cardinalfish releases a swarm of freshly hatched babies from its mouth.
- Hunting: Kyungshin Kim’s recounts a captivating moment of squid cannibalism while floating in the open ocean at night.
- Fevered: Brittany Ilardi’s dramatic image of mobula rays off Baja California reflects the unique choreography of this species.
Organizers and Sponsors Speak
“This year’s Ocean Art competition was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Nirupam Nigam, organizer of the contest and President of Bluewater Photo & Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. “The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography. These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the ocean’s beauty. It’s an honor to see the competition grow in scope and impact every year.”
This year’s judging panel included world-renowned experts in underwater photography including Tony Wu, Marty Snyderman, and Mark Strickland. A special thanks goes to Canon and Marelux Ambassador Ipah Uid Lynn, who joined as a new judge to bring fresh perspectives to the Underwater Digital Art and Underwater Fashion categories. Ipah is an inspiring woman who has pushed the bounds of underwater photography in a male-dominated field. Marelux also played a key role in supporting the competition by sponsoring the top prizes for underwater camera gear.
Over $60,000 in Prizes
The Ocean Art Underwater Photography Competition has always been known for having a massive endowment – this year over $60,000 in prizes! Ocean Art prizes are provided by some of the world’s top scuba diving resorts, liveaboard dive yachts, and underwater photo gear manufacturers. Grand prizes include a 7-night dive package at Anthony’s Key Resort in Roatan, Honduras; an 8-day dive trip to the Galapagos aboard the Aqua Liveaboard; a 10-night liveaboard dive trip aboard the MV Oceania in Papua New Guinea; a 7-night liveaboard dive trip aboard the Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands; a 14-night dive trip to Ambon, Indonesia with Spice Island Divers; an 8-day/7-night dive package (12 dives) for two at Meridian Adventure Dive Resort in Raja Ampat, Indonesia; a 10-day/9- night dive trip aboard the Liveaboard Mermaid I or Mermaid II in Raja Ampat or Komodo; a 7-night dive cruise aboard Coralia in Indonesia; a 4-night dive trip for two divers (4 dives each) at Atmosphere Resort & Spa in the Philippines; a 5-day/4-night stay with 7 dives for two people at Akaya Bali & All 4 Diving; a 6-night dive package at Aiyanar Dive Resort in Anilao, Philippines; a 7-night dive package with El Galleon/Asia Divers in Puerto Galera, Philippines; a buy-one-get-one-free 10-dive package with Sea Saba; two Marelux Apollo III Strobes with Lumilink; two Marelux Apollo S Strobes with Lumilink; a Marelux SOFT Lite Snoot with Dock; Marelux Auto Pumps; Marelux Flexibouys; an Ikelite DS-230 Strobe with a modeling light; a $300 gift certificate with Ultralight Camera Solutions; and a variety of gift certificates from Bluewater Photo and Bluewater Travel.
Exhibition and Global Recognition
Winning images will be showcased in over 250 global media outlets, including prestigious print, online, and TV publications. These images continue to inspire audiences, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation and the incredible artistry of underwater photography.
Complete list of winners:
Best in Show
“Dancing White Tips” by Eduardo Labat
Wide Angle
1st Place: Hwanhee Kim
2nd Place: Julian Gunther
3rd Place: Todd Aki
4th Place: Mehmet A. Gungen
5th Place: Julian Gunther
Honorable Mention: Eduardo Acevedo
Honorable Mention: McKenzie Spalding
Macro
1st Place: Adam Martin
2nd Place: Imogen Manins
3rd Place: Claudio Zori
4th Place: Jeongin Kim
Honorable Mention: Dr. Tom Shlesinger
Honorable Mention: Suliman Alatiqi
Marine Life Behavior
1st Place: Yoichi Sato
2nd Place: Reiko Takahashi
3rd Place: Kirsty Andrews
4th Place: Suliman Alatiqi
5th Place: Keigo Kawamura
Honorable Mention: Ines Goovaerts
Honorable Mention: Shuo-Wei Chang
Portrait
1st Place: Stefano Cerbai
2nd Place: Eduardo Acevedo
3rd Place: Martin Broen
4th Place: Ariel Gliboff
5th Place: Ilaria Mariagiulia Rizzuto
Honorable Mention: Olivier Clement
Honorable Mention: Földi László
Coldwater
1st Place: James Emery
2nd Place: Kat Zhou
3rd Place: Jeongin Kim
Honorable Mention: Massimo Zannini
Honorable Mention: Jill Crosby
Nudibranch
1st Place: Borut Furlan
2nd Place: Jenny Stock
3rd Place: David Pleuvret
4th Place: Ken Keong Chong
Honorable Mention: Mark Chang
Blackwater
1st Place: Kyungshin Kim
2nd Place: Kat Zhou
3rd Place: Yoichi Sato
4th Place: Steven Kovacs
Honorable Mention: Enrico Somogyi
Honorable Mention: Bo Pardau
Underwater Conservation
1st Place: Kimber Greenwood
2nd Place: Tom Vierus
3rd Place: Dawn McDonald
Honorable Mention: Olivier Clement
Underwater Digital Art
1st Place: Unkoo Kim
2nd Place: Jenny Stock
3rd Place: Lorenzo Terraneo
Black & White
1st Place: Eduardo Labat
2nd Place: Sylvie Ayer
3rd Place: Borut Furlan
Honorable Mention: Brittany Ilardi
Honorable Mention: Xaime Beiro
Underwater Fashion
1st Place: Lucie Drlikova
2nd Place: Anna Aita
3rd Place: Claudia Weber-Gebert
Compact Wide Angle
1st Place: Marco Lausdei
2nd Place: Enrico Somogyi
3rd Place: Marco Lausdei
Honorable Mention: Jack Berthomier
Honorable Mention: Nancy Berg
Compact Macro
1st Place: Naomi Springett
2nd Place: Enrico Somogyi
3rd Place: Jayson Apostol
Honorable Mention: Kathrin Landgraf- Kluge
Compact Behavior
1st Place: Naomi Springett
2nd Place: Nemer Chua
3rd Place: Wendy Biscette
Honorable Mention: Grzegorz Krysiak
The Underwater Photography Guide is the #1 destination for all things underwater photography. Featuring highly-regarded tutorials, technique tips, in-depth gear reviews, amazing international workshops and breaking u/w photo news, UWPG is here to help divers around the world achieve their photo and video goals. For more information, please visit http://www.uwphotographyguide.com
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