A-1 Intro to Underwater Photography

This class is designed for someone who has never taken a picture underwater.

Who teaches the course?

Holly Alentado is a world renowned underwater photographer and one of our industries best loved and known underwater photo, video and digital imaging teachers. She is prominently published in numerous diving magazines, an u/w model, and along with her husband Armando, is co-owner of Island Photo-Video Center of Cozumel - one of the top u/w imaging centers in the world. Her goal is simple, "to addict as many people as possible to the magic of underwater imaging!" Her passion, enthusiasm, experience and knowledge are sure to enlighten those with little or no photo experience as well as those with vast u/w photo experience. You'll surely want to take advantage of her wealth of knowledge and information and delight in her quick whit and charming personality.

What will I learn?

Option 1 - Classroom Only
In the classroom, you will learn about: The advantages & disadvantages of digital imaging, digital media cards, condensation in your housing, shutter delay, mode dial & scenes, "tweaking" your camera settings, exposure adjustment, manual apertures and shutter speeds, strobe intensity & zoom, exposure compensation, composition and much more.

Option 2 - Classroom and pool session
After you finish the classroom session you'll head to our indoor pool to practice your new-found knowledge. Divemaster Kris Manion has re-created incredible ocean "zones" to provide some of the situations and experiences that you are likely to encounter in an ocean environment. These "zones" are life-like and strategically placed in our swimming pool which not only allows you to take a picture but practice your buoyancy and photographer placement skills so you can avoid negative impact on the reef. They include: Sea Bommies, Kelp Forest, Pillar Coral, Schooling Fish and other incredible creatures.

Once you've completed the pool session you'll head back to the classroom and show off your images. This is where Holly steps in and provides suggestions and constructive ideas that will ultimately help you get those "perfect" images.

What will I need?

It goes without saying that you should have a desire to learn, patience to repeat the tasks and motivation to get better and better. You will also need to bring your own camera. Sorry, we do not have any cameras available to rent. We will provide you with a scuba cylinder and weights but you will need to supply your own BCD and Regulator system. Should you need these items please make advanced arrangements to rent them. You will also need to bring your diver certification card. If it's been longer than two years since your last dive, we recommend taking our Scuba Revew Course prior to the Photography course.

How long are the sessions?

Option 1 - 2 hours
Option 2 - 4 hours
Note: the length of the sessions vary due to class size, number of questions asked, etc.

How do I enroll?

Just call us at 303-789-2450 and we can sign you up.

What is the program fee?

Option 1 - Classroom only: $70
Option 2 - Classroom and Pool: $145 <-- Sign up online!

What does the fee include?

Option 1 - Classroom instruction and outline
Option 2 - Tanks and Weights. Does not include: Camera, BCD, Regulator, Gauges, Mask, Fins, Snorkel and Exposure Suit. These items can be rented.

 
Please note: if you wish to sign up for the classroom session only, please call (303) 789-2450 to enroll.
 

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