PADI Underwater Photography course? Is it worth it?

[wakejumpr3]

Hi there,
I am new to photography, & was wondering if the PADI underwater photography course is worth my while, or if I should look into something else. I have a DC 800 w/ a strobe & would like to get more than 1 good shot per 5000 I take

Thanks.

Aaron

 

[fisheater]

As with other courses, it all depends upon the instructor. Talk to him/her before enrolling to find out what's involved and what you should expect to get out of it.

Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Brewski]

I think if your getting 4999 garbage shots than I'd say yes you should benefit from the course.

 

[Katamuki]

Waste to time. Go to Wetpixel.com and spend some quality time reading from people who actually make a living from taking UW photos. If your going to use a point and shoot its all academic anyway. If your moving into the SLR world then once you understand just a few basic points about f-stop/shutter speed/strobes/lens selection then what remains is to practice. Take some of your kids hotwheels, jacks and small stuffed toys and practice with those. Again, go to wetpixel and spend some time reading because the posters there are generally very good with great information.

 

[Allison Finch]

Yeah, but you don't get a cute little plastic ego card if you learn from real photographers on wetpixel!!

 

[DevonDiver]

As Katamuki said...it is best to learn from people who are passionate about underwater photography...

HOWEVER.... taking great shots underwater is NOT something you can perfect quickly through online learning...it is a practical art...and easiest learnt through observation and direct feedback from an expert.

Whilst any PADI instructor can qualify to teach this course - it is best to seek out an instructor who is passionate and educated in-depth on this subject.

There are many instructors who enjoy underwater photography as their personal hobby - and do it on a daily basis. Before you book a course, chat in detail with the instructor, ask to see their portfolio....if you like their results - then it may be a good bet to train with them.

Also, many professional underwater photographers (not instructors) run diving photography and processing workshops. You wont get a plastic card with these courses, but the technical content and feedback should be great nonetheless. Again, research the course provider first..... Of course, these courses are often far more expensive than the standard PADI specialty course...but you get what you pay for....

OF COURSE...the same is true of any PADI Specialist course.... if your instructor is an avid wreck or technical diver...then they will have more to offer if they teach those (relatively basic wreck or deep diver...) specialty courses. If they are a qualified Dive Medic, then there Rescue Courses will have added benefit. If they are a service technician, then their equipment courses will be more interesting and informative.

With any course....look behind the credentials and investigate the interests and experience of the instructor concerned.....

 

[herman]

Yeah, but you don't get a cute little plastic ego card if you learn from real photographers on wetpixel!!

Now now, you might just get someone who can teach you a thing or 2....well maybe not you....


The digital class is one of the few PADI classes that the instructor can vary quite a bit. It really does depend on the instructor a lot, a good one can teach you a lot. Finding a local buddy who is fairly good who will help you out is a great way to learn.

 

[Roguewarrior2]

Check out Underwater Photography and Scuba Diving in the world of Cayman's Cathy Church

She is the best IMHO.

 

[diver 85]

I would think a waste of time.......Experiment is the best teacher.......

 

[diver 85]

Check out Underwater Photography and Scuba Diving in the world of Cayman's Cathy Church

She is the best IMHO.

We ran across her in the late 80's or early 90's @ Sunset House on Grand Cayman---wife bought a few of her prints then too.........

Saw where she's a poster here...Cathy, you still doing OK??..