Digital Underwater Photographer

This course is designed to give you a good knowledge of the techniques of digital underwater photography and the option to practise taking photographs in the confines of a swimming pool and/or the open water whilst gaining PADI certification.

The techniques you will learn are the crucial basics for taking digital underwater photographs in the open water and producing results that you can be proud of. Areas covered include digital cameras and accessories; general digital photography and shooting underwater; maintenance of underwater camera equipment; composition; exposure; focusing and white balance of your photos.

You can use either your own camera system or rent one from New Horizons.

The modular nature of this course allows you to choose the elements which suit you best. To take good underwater photographs you need a solid understanding of the techniques involved and these are covered in a three hour classroom session. You may then put this into practise with one of the following two options:-

1. A pool session allowing you to practise techniques and leading to PADI Level One certification AND/OR
2. Two open water dives followed by a review of your results leading to the full PADI Underwater Photography speciality certification

Not only is this a great course, but as a PADI Specialty, it also counts towards your Master Scuba Diver rating.

Please Note: This course can also be completed during a New Horizons Trip, please ask for details.

PRE-REQUISITES:

• Minimum Age: 10 years
• Minimum Certification: Entry level certification Open Water diver or equivalent

Classroom sessions

One of these must be attended before any practical elements.

These are presented by instructors with a keen interest in underwater photography and experience in taking underwater photos both in the UK and abroad.

SCHEDULE:

From 2009, these dates will be arrange to suit. Please contact us for further details.

COSTS:

• £35 plus £25 for required materials (manual and white balance slate)

Pool Sessions / Level One PADI Certification

To help you practise the techniques that you have learnt in the classroom a session in the pool with model fish is always useful. You will be given specific tasks/techniques to practise and then be able to review your results with an instructor.

SCHEDULE:

Arranged to suit during one of our pool sessions at Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Lymm or Sandbach

COSTS:

• £29 plus £20 if certification is required
• £8 Scuba gear rental (if required)
• £10 camera system rental (if required)

Open Water Dives / PADI Full Speciality Certification

These two dives can be completed as well as or instead of the pool session and will allow you to try out scenic/diver and macro/close up photography and obtain your PADI Underwater Photography Speciality.

SCHEDULE:

Arranged to suit on one of our many trips to the sea in the UK or for convenience at Capernwray or Stoney Cove. Also consider completing these on one of our trips abroad.

COSTS:

• £69 (including certification)

Please note - Not included are dive site entry fees, camera system rental, scuba gear rental, air fills and boat diving/trip costs. If required camera system rental is £15 for 2 dives. SCUBA rental gear can also be provided by New Horizons.

ENROLMENT:

Please give us a call, send us an e-mail or drop by the shop for confirmation of availability then complete and return a booking form (available for download from our courses page) with your payment.