If you haven’t tried underwater photography yet and want to learn the basics, then this is the course for you.
The BSAC Underwater Photography course gives you the opportunity to try your hand with a digital camera underwater.
The course teaches the basics of underwater photography to a qualified diver with little previous experience. You are advised to bring your own camera, if you have one, although cameras will be available for use on the course.
To enrol on the Underwater Photography course you must have already successfully completed a BSAC Sport Diver course (or have equivalent certification from another recognised training agency) and be very familiar with your diving equipment.
Because of the task loading introduced when using a camera, and the necessary close proximity to marine life when taking photographs, you should be able to control your buoyancy to remain within one metre of any depth.
The course will teach you the basics of using a digital camera underwater, including considering optical issues specific to underwater photography, the fundamental features of cameras and underwater housings, tips on shooting technique and practical tips for taking photographs underwater.
Five theory sessions prepare you for one or two three-hour underwater sessions, followed by a dry practical session to download your images and introduce you to photo-editing software. Course instructors will be on hand throughout to advise you. Computers, memory-card readers and editing software will be provided for students’ use.
Having completed this course you will understand the basics of underwater photography using digital cameras, have had a chance to put theory into practice underwater and have learned how to download and curate your photographs.
You could do this course at a regional event or local club. Not all clubs run Underwater Photography courses, so please check if you are interested.
Alternatively, book your place on a scheduled Underwater Photography course online now.
Not a BSAC member? You can do this course by joining BSAC directly or joining via a local club. Find a club.
Students will be given a pack of supporting learning materials. You will also need dive kit suitable for local conditions. Underwater cameras can be provided, and if you have a digital camera but don’t yet have a housing it would be useful to have your camera to hand during the classroom sessions.
Your next steps – developing your skills
After completing the Underwater Photography course, you will be ready to take a camera on your dives, and practise your newfound skills.
You could expand your diving interests further by doing another SDC. Imagine understanding more about wreck diving, learning how to drive a dive boat or going diving under ice. Check out the Skill Development Courses (SDCs) you can get involved in.
Or you could progress your diver grade training.
Thinking about becoming an instructor, or wanting to improve your instructing skills? The BSAC Instructor Training Scheme has a course for you.
You could sign up for BSAC’s Instructor Foundation Course (IFC) to become an Assistant Diving Instructor, or develop your existing skills as an Open Water Instructor, or above, to become an Underwater Photography SDC Instructor.
Not yet a BSAC member?
You can do this course by joining BSAC directly or joining your local club.
If you need a hand send your postcode to training@bsac.com and we'll help you find the right scuba club for you. Or if you fancy a chat call us 0151 350 6226 (Mon - Fri, 9 - 5:30).
