is the PADI course worth the money?

[Deitsch]

Rather than taking a PADI course, I'd recommend taking a workshop with any of the pros. Reef Photo, Blue Water Photo, Alex Mustard, Stephen Frink, etc. Most of the workshops require that you have a good understanding of your camera equipment topside since the focus of the workshop is not on how to use your camera but how to get the best images underwater.