U/W Photography Training

[sharky60]

One book that is a MUST have for underwater photographers is "Jim Church's-Essential Guide to Composition"...most pro photographers swear by it. At least the one's I've talked to.

Look on the "Underwater Photography" section of this board and find Alcina's "Everything Photo" stickey near the top of the posts. There is enough info there to make your brain explode! She is one of my favorite underwater photographers, and is very good about giving out help.

If you would like a hands on lesson while on Coz. Contact Armando Alentado at Island Photo Video Center, Cozumel's ONLY underwater imaging center also on Facebook under "Island Photo Video Center"

He is currently off island and is scheduled to be back on Sept. 10. but you should be able to contact him by e-mail through the website at any time.

If you want to learn about underwater photography, this is the guy to learn from. He's a life-long professional photographer that has been published in every Scuba magazine known to man, and has done both still and video work for National Geographic...and that's just his underwater work!

He has also lived and worked on Cozumel for many many years and is very familiar with the reefs, floura and fauna of the surrounding waters.

I rented from Armando and his wife Holly for several years, and bought my first underwater setup from them. They have been great friends and mentors ever since.

I second Don's note about "good computer editing skills help"....Photoshop is a wonderful thing!!

If you can't afford the "big guns" ($700 is a lot of money), there are several less expensive photo editing softwares that do a very good job as well, including Photoshop's Elements & Lightroom that are very popular, (and some free, I think Piccasso is one?) Find one you like and learn how to use it.

 

[JenLoves2Dive]

Yes, Jim Church's book is full of good tips.

As far as island Photos and Video is concerned, unfortunately they no longer have a storefront location. He has barely come into working with digital photography although I am sure he would give great advice with lessons in composition and exposure but I would not rely on him for advice on what camera setup to use (digital point and shoot and DSLR) and advice on your own personal digital setup.

When you are ready you should consult underwater photography pros such as Reef Photo (based in FL) and Backscatter (based in CA).

Again, not meant to dis him at all, as I have heard wonderful things about him, but he certainly needs to come into the digital age and get up to speed.

 

[sharky60]

Not to cause an agrument here, but you are mislead about Armando's digital abilities. Sure, like a lot of long time photographers that still have access to film, he may still prefer shooting film over digital for his own photo work, it's not a skill you would want to go by the wayside if at all possible. However, he has definately kept up to speed with the digital world.

Armando has been selling, servicing and renting digital equipment since at LEAST 2003. I started renting film cameras from them around 2000 and started renting digital from them in 2003.

I purchased my first underwater digital setup from them in 2005, and recieved a private lesson on using and setting up of the camera from them.

He and is wife Holly have taught me most of what I know in digital underwater photography, as far as the basics go. See my galleries and see if they have given any poor advice. All my underwater photos online are digital. All but this year were shot with cameras either rented by or purchased from and using the set-ups given to me by Island Photo.

True they do not have a strorefront anymore, that is mostly because when El Cid bought La Ceiba several years ago, they did not renew I.P.'s lease because the hotel wanted to turn that part of the hotel into a gym with the new renovations.

He is still very much in business, taking some time off right now as I mentioned in my original post. Scheduled at this time to be back around Sept. 10th.

Working out of his home there on the island, he will come to your hotel to provide what ever service you require.

 

[JenLoves2Dive]

Sorry, I didn't mean to make it seem like he doesn't know anything about digital, but with so many camera setups out there, unless he is a dealer it would be impossible to stay up to speed on various camera setups and lens, etc. I am sure he would be a great coach for someone just starting out in underwater photography. Maybe the next time I am down, I can get in contact with him. I am always eager to learn more.

I would advise people that if you are going to buy a camera setup you should go with one of the aforementioned camera shops in my previous posts. High end equipment like cameras and computers, etc. have to go through customs in Mexico. It is very expensive to bring it in and that's obviously why you don't see a high end camera shop on the island.

But getting back to the post, I would highly recommend participating in a workshop like Bonnie's. You learn so much and get a chance to experiment with various equipment (cameras, lens, strobes, filters, etc.). There's a lot to learn such as composition and photo editing, etc., and you get a full week of experience, great diving and camaraderie. Sharkey, you should come down for the workshop. It's a LOT of fun! Just ask Jim Lyle. He's participated in many!

 

[sharky60]

... Sharkey, you should come down for the workshop. It's a LOT of fun! Just ask Jim Lyle. He's participated in many!

Yes, I would love to do a workshop with her sometime. She does great work and one could gain a lot from her knowlege.

Hopefully one year they will offer one in the Spring when I usually visit the island.

 

[pjhansman]

Thanks for the words of advice folks.....would've replied sooner but I was in Bristol all week watching cars turn left.

I own a Nikon D70 for surface photos and a G11 / Ikelite housing and DS51 for underwater fun. I'm reasonably comfortable with the "basics" of photography, and have both Photoshop and Lightroom on my computer. I'm not equipment challenged, but underwater I certainly feel "talent challenged".

I've spent a lot of time reading the very helpful advice by many on Scubaboard, and it is helping.....but I was looking for other options....something more "hands on" seemed like a good thought. It's the engineer in me I guess.

I will order Martin Edge's book. The reviews definately look promising.