UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Guided by an expert underwater photographer, this course ensures you master the vital skills needed for seamless integration of SCUBA diving and underwater photography. Let the depths become your canvas as you navigate the essential techniques with confidence.
Join us for an immersive, month-long underwater photography course designed to launch or advance your career in marine photography. With a strong focus on ocean conservation and ethical visual media, this hands-on course blends expert instruction with field-based training, preparing you to work across broadcast, NGO, corporate, and digital platforms.
Based in the coastal town of Scottburgh, on South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal South Coast – renowned for its marine biodiversity and proximity to the world renowned Aliwal Shoal – you’ll receive practical training in underwater camera work, lighting, framing, and post-production using photography techniques. The course includes an 18-dive package with Scuba Xcursions, starting with 2 rock pool sessions for gear orientation and skills development, followed by open-water dives exploring coral reefs and encountering marine life such as sand tiger sharks, turtles, rays, and dolphins.
To take part, participants will need a PADI Open Water certification (or equivalent). If you’re not yet certified, we can help arrange a course ahead of the programme (at an additional cost). All dives are conducted by qualified dive professionals and follow strict safety protocols to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience underwater.
The course also includes essential business training tailored for freelancers and marine creatives – covering branding, networking, income generation, and creating a simple business plan. Instruction is personal, interactive, and hands-on, with professionals guiding you step-by-step through every stage of the process. By the end of the course, you’ll have produced your own underwater portfolio piece, ready for pitching, submission, or showcasing your unique voice as a visual storyteller.
This intensive underwater photography course combines expert mentorship with hands-on experience. The syllabus includes guided expeditions focused on marine wildlife, freediving training to improve underwater control and breath-hold ability, and comprehensive instruction in digital workflow, editing, and post-processing – supporting the full creative process from capture to presentation.
Over the month-long course, participants will join 18 underwater expeditions to photograph a variety of marine life, from wide-angle reef scenes to detailed macro subjects. An additional 2 freediving expeditions include baited shark snorkelling sessions, designed to enhance breath-hold performance and underwater collaboration in dynamic, real-world conditions.
What to Expect:
- Marine wildlife encounters within vibrant reefs, including blacktip sharks, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and more (enquire for the full list)
- Learn how to use underwater camera systems: setup, housing assembly, and maintenance
- Work with people underwater, focusing on movement, communication, and creative direction
- Wide-angle and macro techniques, with attention to subject choice, composition, and execution
- Lighting skills, from ambient light use to strobe and creative lighting setups
- Post-production for stills, with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop workshops tailored to underwater content
- Portfolio development to produce a professional, market-ready body of work, with guidance to building a sustainable career
The course is based at the Blue Wilderness Shark Center in Scottburgh, a laid-back surf town located an hour south of Durban. Participants will need to fly into King Shaka International Airport, where a team member will meet you and provide transport to the accommodation.
Accommodation is in comfortable, self-catering, dorm-style housing located on-site at the Center – just minutes from the beach – creating an immersive and convenient learning environment. The residential house features shared living areas, workspaces, kitchen, bathroom, and garden spaces, with shops and restaurants nearby. Private rooms are available on request for an additional fee.
What's Included:
– 28 Day Programme
– Practical & Theoretical Training
– 18 Dive Package with 2 Rock Pool Sessions
– Accommodation with Internet
– Underwater DSLR Photographic Kits with Strobes
– Full SCUBA & Wetsuit Kits
– Airport Transfers
Please note: group bookings may qualify for special pricing. Contact us for details.
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