I have been teaching Digital Underwater Photography since 2012 and love showing people how they too can take fantastic underwater photos. In this PADI certification course you will learn:
- How to choose the right underwater camera system for you.
- The PADI SEA (Shoot, Examine, Adjust) method for getting great shots quickly.
- Principles for good composition of underwater images.
- Practical techniques to take great photos with your digital camera.
The course consists of some theory which we will go over first, or alternatively you can take online through PADI’s option (if you’d prefer to get the theory out of the way before your vacation). The web-based system guides you through the principles of great underwater photography, with a bonus section on underwater imaging (including video). You study at your own pace through an easy-to-use, interactive program. You also have access to an online version of the Digital Underwater Photographer Manual.
I teach the in-water portion of the course primarily in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s a short 4 hour flight from New York and when planning ahead good airfares are usually available. I don’t teach in New York as aside from the water being too cold for me the poor visibility is not conducive for photography.
I generally require a minimum of 2 students for the course and all equipment is provided including a dive computer, however I strongly recommend purchasing your own camera prior to the course so you can learn the specifics of your own camera. The course includes 2 dives for training, and an additional 2 dives to practice the next day. I can also organize other dives, snorkeling trips with turtles or whale sharks, ATV rides in the jungle as well as many other exciting activities the Riviera Maya has to offer.
If you have friends or family who would like to join you who aren’t certified divers or who have never been diving before I can teach them the basic skills of scuba diving and take them on 2 shallow dives to experience scuba diving on what is called a Discover Dive Course. Whilst it IS NOT a certification it allows you to experience diving and ascertain whether or not you want to proceed with certification.
I am a certified by PADI as a Divemaster and Specialty Instructor (Digital Underwater Photography)
PADI Instructor #288219