Underwater Photography Course with Mike Ward

[littlemermaid]

After asking for recommendations on YD I undertook some training on Underwater Photography with Mike Ward today. I had no idea about the technical workings of a camera and had no real interest in photography until I started taking pictures underwater a couple of years ago. I have a digital compact (Fuji F10) with underwater housing and wanted to know how to get the best from it.

Mike and I met at Blue Lagoon at 10:00am and first of all went though the basic workings of a camera. We then went in for a dive so that I could try various settings with my camera (most of which I didn’t even know I had before, let alone had I used!) to see which worked well and which didn’t. We then reviewed the photographs I had taken and after finishing with the workings of the camera moved in to the composition of a shot and what works and does not. We then went in for a second dive to try and take some decent photographs and despite the worst vis I have ever seen in Blue Lagoon seemed to achieve the objective.

Overall the course was excellent. Mike gave me a lot of knowledge along with many handy tips and to take away with me and practice in the future. As for value for money I thought it was certainly the best I have ever had on a course and think Mike could have charged far in excess of what he did and he would still have provided value for money. The course was one to one and tailored specifically for what I wanted to achieve. It was clear that Mike had put a lot of research and preparation into delivering the course.

Many thanks Mike for all your assistance.

[Cussy]

Mike's a top bloke. Learnt a lot from his wisdom on Digigreen and YD. Glad you enjoyed it.
Rob

[endoman]

Originally Posted by littlemermaid

After asking for recommendations on YD I undertook some training on Underwater Photography with Mike Ward today. I had no idea about the technical workings of a camera and had no real interest in photography until I started taking pictures underwater a couple of years ago. I have a digital compact (Fuji F10) with underwater housing and wanted to know how to get the best from it.

Mike and I met at Blue Lagoon at 10:00am and first of all went though the basic workings of a camera. We then went in for a dive so that I could try various settings with my camera (most of which I didn’t even know I had before, let alone had I used!) to see which worked well and which didn’t. We then reviewed the photographs I had taken and after finishing with the workings of the camera moved in to the composition of a shot and what works and does not. We then went in for a second dive to try and take some decent photographs and despite the worst vis I have ever seen in Blue Lagoon seemed to achieve the objective.

Overall the course was excellent. Mike gave me a lot of knowledge along with many handy tips and to take away with me and practice in the future. As for value for money I thought it was certainly the best I have ever had on a course and think Mike could have charged far in excess of what he did and he would still have provided value for money. The course was one to one and tailored specifically for what I wanted to achieve. It was clear that Mike had put a lot of research and preparation into delivering the course.

Many thanks Mike for all your assistance.

Sounds good, could you post some of the results?

[dct]

I dived with someone else yesterday at Blue Lagoon whilst littlemermaid (my wife) undertook the course. Have to say:

• Thanks Mike
• It was the worse viz I have ever seen there
• The pictures taken make the viz look good!
• Kelly has learnt a lot, and certainly has come away with a lot of knowledge to apply in the future

Dan

[littlemermaid]

As Dan said the visibility yes terday was horrendous so although the results were really good considering the visibility I am not sure they are worth posting!

[madscuba]

Sounds cool how do get hold of mike?
i may be interested in the course,
Is it a padi course?

Thanks

[littlemermaid]

Dive With Mike - Home

No it most certainly isn't a PADI course. I specifically wanted a course taught by somebody with a genuine interest in photography and not simply to collect a qualification.

I am not saying there is anything wrong with the PADI course (provided you find the right instructor) for me however I specifically wanted somebody who regularly practices underwater photography to a professional level.

I had read some of Mike's articles in Diver and seen some of his work both of which were good and he was just what I was looking for.

[Mikeshark]

Where is the Blue Lagoon???

[dct]

A1 / M62 Junction

Here:

Blue Lagoon Diving & Leisure - Home Page

Dan

[Mikeshark]

Many thanks for that