News
NUPG October 2018 Monthly Meeting Report
A very busy scene greeted me this month as I settled down for a pre-talk curry and chat, we welcomed some new people as well as Martyn Guess and his wife Sue to the NUPG.
Martyn has been diving for over 30 years and taking underwater images for over 25 years. He has been very successful in National and International competitions and regularly makes presentations to camera and photography clubs as well as BSOUP. He also leads overseas trips for Scuba Travel having recently returned from teaching underwater photography in Anilao in the Philippines, Bali and the Azores. He writes regularly for Scuba Diver Magazine where his advice on photography appears both in the UK and the Asia Pacific region.
After the social chatter we settled down to listen to his presentation entitled “Hints and Tips on how to take better underwater images”.
He started by highlighting the group of component parts that he personally thinks need to be addressed to make a dynamic image that stands apart from the many underwater photos that are found everywhere these days. He went on to explore these areas in more detail.
Unsurprisingly composition is a key point and one often overlooked, he developed the discussion emphasising the importance of the “rule of thirds” and diagonal lines as well as the importance of eye contact with the subject and the angle of the shot. It is often difficult to remember to try and get low and angle up but it can make a huge difference to a photo if you are able to do this. He also explained the importance of thinking about and using a portrait rather than a landscape aspect for certain types of photograph. When taking shots of pelagics and other large underwater animals try to get close.
The next component was to remember to photograph something interesting going on rather than just fish portrait shots. He illustrated this with an example of a moray eel. There are loads of great photos of this subject but try and get one that is being cleaned by a shrimp and then see if you can catch the detail of this.
He dwelt on the importance of trying to get a striking picture and the use of bright colours, sun balls and natural light. Martyn then went on to describe the importance of trying to catch what he termed “The Peak of The Action”. He illustrated the talk with many fantastic striking images.
Knowing your subject and understanding their behaviour was illustrated and if you are witnessing some great behaviour such as a lionfish actively hunting then fill your boots and try to take lots of photos experimenting with different lighting and camera settings.
Another key component is exposure and reminded us all of remembering the simple rules and the exposure triangle. He gave us examples of his use of Aperture, Speed and ISO settings and his personal starting points for macro and wide angle photography. He also gave insights on how he adjusts his LCD display for reviewing his shots and the importance of understanding and reviewing the histograms of a shot whilst underwater so you can then make adjustments. He described why he likes “back button” focus.
His final part of the presentation went on to deal with that most important component lighting and strobe types and placement as well as other ways of lighting a subject. Once more there were some fine examples and he developed the presentation detailing the use of cross and back lighting to separate and hide messy backgrounds and bring in that all important 3D effect. He talked about back lighting with a torch as well as strobes and the use of snoots and finished his talk with some other strobe options along with the use of filters.
Another great talk that finished in a busy question and answer session and a well-deserved round of applause. I think everyone from the beginners to the experts in underwater photography at the meeting learnt something.
Open Winner: John Spencer
This month’s image competition theme was “Colonies” and there were some great images to judge. Overall winner was John Spencer with a beautiful shot of brittle stars on kelp taken in Loch Fyne Scotland, the diagonal and black background elements being particularly strong in this shot. Glynn Phillips was placed 2nd with a lovely shot of plumose anemones and kelp taken in Eyemouth, UK and showing the rule of thirds. There was a 3 way tie for third price with Nick Robertson Brown and his wide angle photo of a tug boat covered in various soft and hard corals taken in the Caribbean using a remote strobe, Maggie Russell and her macro shot of a plate forming coral in Indonesia and Elaine White with her macro shot of cup corals from a reef in the Azores. The compact category was won by Marcia Melton and her shot of dead mens fingers and brittle stars in St. Abbs, UK again showing a great use of the black background. Congratulations once again to all.
Compact Winner: Marcia Melton
Following the results a quick resume of all the images was undertaken with some discussions on what and what did not work as well as suggestions to improvements that could have been made.
Our next meeting will be on Monday November 12th when we look forward to welcoming Nick More. The competition theme is “Rust”. For more information on the NUPG, or you are interested in joining us, then please feel free to come to one of our monthly meetings which are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.
For more information about the NUPG visit their website by clicking here.
3rd AUGUST 2024 – 1 or 2 WEEK PROGRAMMES
Daily water programme with Snorkelling & Scuba Diving.
Beginners or qualified, something for all.
Leave the kids with the Splash Team for days of Excitement, Fun & Adventure!
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
There are various options for accommodation with options for 2, 3, 4 or 5 guests.
Eco Huts provide accommodation for families of up to 4. The best option to enhance the adventure and closest to camping with basic facilities. For August we will provide central air cooling for all the Eco Huts.
Deluxe Chalets are only suitable for 2 guests. Fully air conditioned rooms with private bathroom and other facilities.
Boutique Rooms are available for families of up to 5.
Individual bespoke rooms fully air conditioned with private bathroom and other facilities.
Eco Huts: £675 per adult / £425 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Deluxe Chalet: £830 per adult / £505 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
Boutique Room: £925 per adult / £550 per child / Under 8 FREE of charge
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
This is a truly unique opportunity to have a Family Desert Adventure totally away from it all! You will be based at the remote Roots Red Sea on the coast of the Egyptian Eastern Desert, 140km south of Hurghada city.
Red Sea Splash main focus is Snorkelling & Scuba Diving but that’s not all, we provide a rounded week of activities in support.
Pool& Field Games – Arts & Crafts
Marine Biology Workshops
Cultural Activities – Orienteering Adventures
Roots Red Sea have established strong links with the local communities of Hamerwain & El Quseir affording our guests to have a true taste of the local culture, SPLASH CAMP embraces this opportunity and bring in the local children to join in the fun with our adventure seekers.
During the day, families are welcome to take part in all activities together or the kids can be left with the SPLASH CAMP team while the parents enjoy the facilities or go diving themselves!
At the end of the day, its family time while the SPLASH CAMP team take a break. For those with the energy, there are family evening activities planned a few evenings.
Open Air Movie Night – Desert Star Gazing Walk & Talk
El Quseir Evening City Tour
The second week is very special, we head off on the Big Blue for a liveaboard safari around Fury Shoals.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
U-8 Splash Club
Sadly we can’t offer Scuba Diving to the Splash Club but we can have lots of fun Snorkelling & Free Diving!
Splash Club includes:
Certified Snorkel Course – Marine ID Games – Intro to Free Diving
Arts & Craft Sessions – Adventure trails – Cultural Playtime – Pool Games
U-12 Explorer Club
In addition to an exciting snorkelling and Free Diving Programme in the Splash Club we can take you under the water on SCUBA to a whole new world of fun and wonder. If you are under 10 your first breath under water will be as a Bubblemaker and continue with daily Seal Team Missions. From 10 we will complete a Discover Scuba Diving experience in the amazing Red Sea. Alternatively we offer a full junior certification programme to become an international qualified Scuba Diver.
U-16 Adventurer Club
For qualified Scuba Divers regardless of age it’s the Adventurer Club and exploration of the local reefs and marine life. There will be 2 dives every day with the Open Ocean marine field station team who will introduce you to Red Sea marine life and workshops on marine research. Alternatively there are opportunities to continue your scuba diving certifications with our instructional team.
Parents are welcome to join the club activities and join the courses.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Big Blue might seem like the new kid on the block, but the team behind the highly acclaimed liveaboard is far from that. They have been running Red Sea safaris since the late 1980’s and were in fact part of the early pioneers who ventured out to the unknown on vessels that in today’s world, really shouldn’t have left the harbour! It’s that experience and the years of operating the award-winning Roots Red Sea resort which truly set Big Blue apart from the crowd!
Large lounge area, spacious sun deck and terrace deck.
Airy restaurant with five tables with up to six chairs per table, serving a varied and delicious menu with special dietary requirements catered for.
The spacious cabins have side by side beds and a large walk in wet bathroom.
Ample dive deck for divers & snorkelers.
Safety is everyone’s priority, whether you are relaxing on board, swimming, snorkelling or diving.
On board Big Blue is fitted with smoke alarms, emergency lighting and a fire alarm system. The lower corridor has a full-size door fire exit at the bow and open stairs to the stern. There are evacuation plans in each room along with life jackets, glass breaker tool and a fire extinguisher.
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
Red Sea Splash at Fury Shoals is a very rare opportunity to get involved with marine biology expedition for children and adults. Open Ocean biologists are on board to provide fascinating and entertaining facts about the marine life you will see. The team will provide workshops on marine life identification and survey methods both of which, should you wish, you will have the chance to put into practice during your safari.
The week is open to snorkelers, scuba divers and non divers too!
Fury shoals is perfect for first time mariners as it offers plenty of protection from the weather.
We board at Port Ghaleb on Saturday evening and prepare to set sail early on Sunday morning.
Heading south, our first day will be diving the reefs of Abu Dabbab before sailing overnight to reach our ultimate destination the Fury Shoals.
Here we will spend four days swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving amazing reefs. This includes guaranteed DOLPHIN encounters at Sataya Reef! After the last dive we haul anchor and head back to Abu Dabbab for our final two dives before disembarking our boat BIG BLUE.
Camp Extension Cost*
Adult £650 per adult
Under 16 £350 per child
BOOK NOW: INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM / TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
FURTHER INFORMATION – INFO@PHARAOHDIVECLUB.COM
TEL: +44 7598 329059 or +20 100 6822000
If you’re passionate about the underwater world, listen up! We’ve got an incredible opportunity for you to experience the vibrant reefs and majestic marine life of Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Pure Dive Resort isn’t just another dive centre; it’s a team of experts dedicated to providing world-class scuba diving and freediving adventures around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali.
info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or completely new to the sport, Pure Dive Resort has something for you:
For certified Divers: Discover stunning dive sites, encounter manta rays, seasonal mola-mola (sunfish), and a dazzling array of marine life.
For beginners: Embark on your scuba journey with beginner programs like Try Scuba and Basic Diver, Open Water and Advanced certifications.
Freedivers: Explore the depths on a single breath with guided freediving experiences and courses.
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As a valued Scubaverse follower, you get an exclusive 10% discount on any Dive & Stay or Learn & Stay package booked at Pure Dive Resort for 2024. Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore breath-taking reefs, and create unforgettable memories in this diver’s paradise.
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info@purediveresort.com / +62 811 3999852 / www.purediveresort.com
Ready to make a splash?
See you in Nusa Penida!
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