It is no surprise that 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. The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course gets you going quickly with today's modern digital equipment.
The fun part about this course is learning to capture images to share with your friends and family. It’s a great way to relive the adventures you’ve had.
Course Details
- The maximum number of students on each course is 4
- Each course is led by an Instructor, with an additional safety diver and surface support
- You will need to complete the knowledge reviews from the Digital Underwater Photography manual, bringing the completed knowledge review with you
- There is one pool session, conducted on an evening, and two open water training dives, conducted during one day.
- Cost of the course is £139.00 inclusive
Before Starting The Course
- You must be certified as an Open Water Diver or above
- You must be aged 10 years or older
- Please read and understand the medical questionnaire
- If you would like to use your own equipment then please check this against the minimum equipment required for this course.
Course overview
Within this course we are going to look at:
- How to choose the right underwater camera system for you
- The PADI SEA method for getting great shots quickly
- The three primary principles for good underwater photos
- Basic photography tips
- Strobe diagrams for a variety of effects
- Tips for eliminating backscatter
- An explanation of the various digital file formats
- How to bring back the colour in your images
Knowledge Development
Before starting the open water training you’ll need to complete the knowledge reviews from the Digital Underwater Photography manual (supplied).
Confined Water Training Dive – Swimming Pool
We use this session to familiarise yourself with handling the camera underwater. We look at how we can change the setting of the camera underwater, and also practice taking pictures. We’ll take shots of other divers and small objects that are placed on the bottom of the pool.
At the end of this session we’ll look at the pictures you have taken and see how well you’ve done!
Open Water Training
Training Dive One – Depth Range 4 to 10 mtrs
After assembling our equipment, and carrying out the pre dive safety check, we enter the water in a manner that protects the camera system. Once in the water we’ll check the operation of the camera controls and ensure there is no water ingress.
We then descend, and ramble around under the water, taking as many photos as you like. We’ll also practice setting the white balance manually. The aim is to take as many photos close up, far away and at different angles.
We’ll end our dive by exiting the water, and protecting our Camera system, and review the pictures once out of the water.
Training Dive Two – Depth Range 4 to 10 mtrs
Like dive one, we’ll get ourselves ready to enter the water, then after the pre dive safety check, enter and make a controlled descent to the bottom.
Within this dive we’re going to practice proper exposure, contrast and sharpness by using aperture, shutter, focus and flash.
We finish the dive with another neutrally buoyant ascent, from the bottom.
Course Fee Includes
- Digital Underwater Photography Manual, white balance slate and diploma
- Certification costs
- All equipment (including underwater camera if required)* and air fills
- Possibility of transport to and from the site (please contact us for details)
*If you are using your own equipment then please read and complete the Own Equipment Liability form
When Can I Start?
We run these courses to suit individual needs, so please contact us to discuss your requirements. The next course will be starting sooner than you think!
Other Relevant Courses
Two excellent courses to pair with underwater photography are the Enriched Air Nitrox Diving and the Dry Suit. The Enriched Air Diver course allows you to extend your time underwater so you have more time to capture images. In cooler water, a dry suit allows you to dive comfortably longer, and to make more dives.