Are you a certified photographer?

[kithands]

Being a professional photographer for twenty years before I took up diving, I vowed to become a good safe diver before I took any camera underwater. I managed to resist the temptation for two years, and eventually started with a small disposable. I totaly agree with John's comments, having been fortunate to dive in some wonderful places Sudan, Truk, Stoney Cove, not being a safe diver before trying to dive these locations with masses of camera gear is a accident waiting to happen.

As regards tuition in underwater photography diving saftey is parramount, but photographic quality is subjective. We all have to start somewhere. Haveing been fortunate or unfortunate to judge photographic competitions around the world, there is a wide gulf between the very best and those that enjoy recording their dives on film or digital. Training agencies are unwilling to make courses longer than a few pool sessions and a couple of O/W dives, so trying to encourage good photography over a long period becomes difficult out side of a club environment, and then you need someone to take the time and effort.

Saying this there is no substitute for getting wet and taking as as many images as you can and sharing the results with other like minded divers. Constructive advice in photography is one of the best training methods.

Safe diving.

Chris


Underwater Photography and Scuba Diving Photos with Chris Hands at DIVE2DEEP.COM

[MustangSally]

Originally Posted by Buoyant Babe

I bought a camera to go to Tenerife last year and have used it since when I went back to 'reefie in May.

I've spent the last year getting used to my twins, the new set up and the weighting, so I haven't bothered taking my camera in with me on UK dives as I reckoned I had enough to be thinking about

I usually dive with a video camera but everyone wont have to suffer as I can't be arsed to find out how to write the smaller file on the computer to put it on Youtube. I find it really funny at times when you turn up with a video. Everyone immediately assumes that you're going to burn a DVD (at my own expense) and give them the vid of the dive. Hmmmmmm. They get all upset when I tell them I just sit down with my mum and gran and show them what I've been up to. I may send a copy to my little brother who is at Uni in England but I don't really want to bother with big mailing lists.

Sal