Underwater photography course?

[chiara]

I would like to combine my first trip to the Caribean with an underwater photography course (not a specialty course, just plain info on how to better use my Reefmaster).

I have no idea where to start looking, any opinions?

 

[Dee]

Chiara...First, where are you going? Alot of the resorts have a resident photographer who would be happy to give you instruction. Make sure they really do dive and are photographers! Ideally you want to find one who knows the Reefmaster camera but since that's more or less considered a point-n-shoot camera, I doubt you'll find camera specific information. But the basics stay the same whether you're using PNS, digital, film or pro cameras.

In the meantime....Reefwreck just posted an excellent instructional site that I had forgotten about. Dave Read has a site that will take you from the beginning. He explains apertures and f/stops and hopw they work together. All the way through critiquing your work.

So I would start with....
1) the resort/hotel
2) the dive shop/operation you are using.

 

[chiara]

Isn't Dave Read a regular on Rodale's D2D?

I used to read it frequently before I discovered Scubaboard.

In fact I'd rather go the other way round, that is, choose the course and then build the holiday plans.

I know Reefmasters are point 'n shoot, but I have an external flash and macro lenses and some photos start to come out decently.

 

[Travisc]

Another thing I can suggest is get to know some of the local dive clubs and find out who shoots photography, I got into it because I work for one of the companys that commonly makes cameras, and couldn't turn down a purchase opportunity, and after learning the basics on my own I started diving with other photographer and my skill has just climbed from there. There is also a photo club in my area that is very useful too.

 

[Dee]

Chiara...Yes, Dave Read goes by drdread on Rodales board. I still visit there but I have to admit I only read what a few respected people have to say and look at the pictures! If you want to start with the class, there's Steven Frink in the Keys and Cathy Church in the Bahamas. I've heard that both have excellent photo courses. I can persoanlly vouch for Holly and Armando Alentado, both pro photographers, in Cozumel. If you're interested, I can give you their contact info.

Travis also has a good suggestion. After you have a good basic knowledge, diving with another photographer will teach you alot.

 

[scubabear]

I think Cathy Church is still running her u/w photo course out of Sunset House on Grand Cayman. Hard to beat either. Check web for details.

 

[scubabear]

I forgot to include site info. www.cathychurch.com