Underwater Photography

Underwater Digital Photography Courses

Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and the rise of digital photography has made it easier and more fun than ever. We look forward to teaching you how to improve your photos and allowing you to amaze your friends and family.

Learn from a professional world underwater photographer

Our Underwater Photography courses are run by Barry Neal, a London based professional underwater photographer who has travelled the world putting his skills to good use. He has extensive experience of taking underwater photos and has travelled the world doing so. Our underwater photography course provides a thorough foundation in underwater photography. He has been a professional photographer for over 10 years and has visited destinations such as Azores, Bali, Java, Komodo, Nusa Lembongan, Bohol Philippines and Thailand. He’ll take a look at your current knowledge and fit the course around you and you taking great underwater images.

This course provides a thorough foundation in underwater photography

Our standard course is comprised of 2 modules. Module 1 focuses on the importance of stability in the water, the challenges of taking photographs underwater and how with some simple techniques you can improve your underwater images. In Module 2 we will introduce artificial lighting to the camera setup and explore the concepts behind basic lighting techniques. The complete Underwater Photography course includes a complimentary Adobe Lightroom session which takes place at Ocean Leisure Cameras in Central London where you will review and retouch your images.

Our standard course is comprised of 2 modules. Module 1 focuses on the importance of stability in the water, the challenges of taking photographs underwater and how with some simple techniques you can improve your underwater images. In Module 2 we will introduce artificial lighting to the camera setup and explore the concepts behind basic lighting techniques. The complete Underwater Photography course includes a complimentary Adobe Lightroom session which takes place at Ocean Leisure Cameras in Central London where you will review and retouch your images.

1:1 sessions are also available giving you the freedom to progress through the learning at your own pace and focus on what matters the most to you.

Spotlight sessions are or those that already have a firm grasp of the basics but want to focus on improving a specific set of techniques or just want to try out some new kit with a bit of hands on advice.

To enroll you will need to be a PADI Open Water Diver (or hold an equivalent certification from another training organisation).  For more information about learning to Scuba Dive please visit our page: Learn to Dive.

If you would like to take a more in depth look at Photo-retouching in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop or gain a greater understanding of exposure and composition please visit Barry Neal Photography for course details.

For any enquires about course content including customising a one to one session please email us.

Module 1 – Introduction to Underwater Photography in Ambient Light

This Introduction to Underwater Photography begins with a theory session where we look at the problems associated with shooting underwater and how we can overcome them. We will discuss which shooting modes should be used in different situations, take an in depth look at which equipment is right for you and how you should set it up.

Although the pool session does begin with a buoyancy exercise it is highly recommended that you consider the Peak Performance Buoyancy course first as this is the most important skill in any underwater camera operation.

Underwater you will practice composing shots in Ambient light whilst maintaining Neutral Buoyancy and ensuring you are a steady platform for your camera. You will also discover for yourself how wet lenses can drastically improve your underwater photography.

In your complimentary Re-touching session you will upload your images to Adobe Lightroom, learn how to use the develop module and apply colour correction to your underwater photographs.

Module 2 – Shooting Underwater with Artificial Light

We begin by examining the benefits of artificial lighting to understand its strengths and limitations. We will also discuss the differences between strobes and constant light sources and the pros and cons of each along with the different mounting options for your light source.

Throughout the session we will explore different shooting modes and cover the basic strobe positions including how to create the classic black background macro shot using only artificial lighting.

In the re-touching session you will learn how to complete simple local adjustments to remove backscatter and distracting backgrounds.

Spotlight Water Workshops

This is intended for individuals already familiar with the fundamentals of photography who are confident in the water but would like a 1:1 session to work on a specific subject or skillset.

Choose what is important to you, it could be a specific wide angle or macro technique, improving your strobe positioning or getting to grips with a new piece of kit. After a theory session in Ocean Leisure cameras where you will discover any relevant equipment for your technique we will head to the Soho Pool for the practical session.

Prices

1 Module: ½ Day or 1 Tuesday Evening£195
2 Modules -1 Day or 2 Tuesday Evenings £299
Spotlight Session: ½ Day or 1 Tuesday Evening£245
Full Day or 2 Tuesday Evenings £345

Prices include use of school camera (if you don’t have your own).

To book please call 0800 699 0243

Underwater photography is one of the most popular diving specialties, and the rise of digital underwater photography has made it easier and more fun than ever. We look forward to teaching you how to take decent photos and allowing you to amaze your friends and family.

Already thinking of your next steps? Take a look at our awesome course packages, or join us on our group holidays, both overseas and in the UK!