News
S.U.P.E.R. Part 11: Vivid-Pix Picture-Fix Software
In our ongoing series S.U.P.E.R. (Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Equipment Reviews), Nick and Caroline Robertson Brown from Frogfish Photography review new underwater photography equipment, general diving equipment, and some older favourites too.
For the eleventh instalment of S.U.P.E.R., Nick and Caroline take a look at the Vivid-Pix Picture-Fix Software.
Vivid-Pix have created a very simple piece of software to use that has been designed especially for underwater images. If you want a simple, “one-click” solution to improve your images, then this might be for you. You can even edit multiple images at once, so if you have a series of very green or blue, washed out looking images, you can process them all in a couple of minutes.
Once you have selected your image(s) to edit, the software gives you a grid of 9 different images so that you can select which one you like best. The software adjusts colour, brightness, contrast and sharpness. Once you have selected your preferred option, both the original and the edited version of the image are opened up in the software. You can then make further adjustments, such as rotating, cropping, converting to black and white, and tweaking the colours, brightness and contrast. Most of the controls are done using sliders that allow you to move back and forth on each setting until you are happy. You can compare your corrections to the original (in the left hand panel) and see if you like your work.
Once you are satisfied with the image you have, simply select the button marked Save Vivid-Pix and the image will be saved into the same folder with a different name, so that you still have your original file too.
This software is not aimed at the serious underwater photographer, but at divers who like to take photos on their dives and want a quick and easy way to improve their underwater images. It can only process jpg files, and does not offer a huge array of editing tools that more expensive and complicated software on the market do. But it is simple and fun to use.
The website has video tutorials to talk you through how to use the software, and you will pick it up in minutes as it really is intuitive to use. The price is $49.99 (approx. £35) and you can see if you like before buying the software by using a 30 day trial option.
Be sure to give it a try (and you can even win a copy of the software in the Scubaverse monthly photo contest).
For more information visit www.vivid-pix.com.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline and Frogfish Photography, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
News
Stay Longer for Less at Temple Point, Kenya with Dive Worldwide
Dive Worldwide has recently introduced Kenya to its portfolio of dive destinations, making it a new must-visit for divers. The company has chosen Temple Point Resort, located in Watamu, a small town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean Coast. The resort embodies the spirit of Kenya, with thatched roof buildings and bright white interiors, complemented with local art. The Creek Deluxe rooms enjoy a creek view and sunset vistas, whilst Boutique Garden rooms offer peace nestled in lush greenery.
An abundance of activities such as golf, stand up paddleboarding and kite surfing await those looking for action; while those in search of rejuvenation may partake in a range of yoga classes, or indulge in the spa. Spend evenings dining poolside dining or lazing in hammocks suspended over the creek; there is no detail missed at Temple Point.
The waters surrounding Temple Point Resort are bustling with life, however, there is also an opportunity to explore on dry land. Tsavo National Park is close enough for a day safari, allowing guests to double up on the wildlife experiences Kenya has to offer, from elephants to whale sharks.
Suggested Dive Itinerary: Dive and Discover Kenya
Embark on an adventure to one of Africa’s finest marine parks, Watamu, the first of its kind in the continent. Created in 1968, Watamu offers excellent diving and snorkelling for those of all experience levels. Lively coral reefs and the surrounding waters are home to over 1,000 species of fish, devil rays, mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles.
DEAL: Stay 12 nights for the price of 10 at Temple Point Resort
Price: Dive and Discover Kenya now costs £2295pp, saving £150 per person. Including international flights from the UK, 12 nights’ B&B (for the price of 10), transfers, 5 days, 10 dive pack, tanks and weights. Based on travel in September ONLY. https://www.diveworldwide.com/trip-ideas/dive-discover-kenya#details
For more information visit: diveworldwide.com or call 01962 302 087
News
Dive Worldwide Announces Bite-Back as its Charity of the Year
Over the next 12 months, specialist scuba holiday company Dive Worldwide will be supporting Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation with donations collected from client bookings to any one of its stunning dive destinations around the world. The independently-owned operator expects to raise £3000 for the UK charity.
Manager at Dive Worldwide, Phil North, said: “We’re especially excited to work with Bite-Back and support its intelligent, creative and results-driven campaigns to end the UK trade in shark products and prompt a change in attitudes to the ocean’s most maligned inhabitant.”
Bite-Back is running campaigns to hold the media to account on the way it reports shark news along with a brand new nationwide education programme. Last year the charity was credited for spearheading a UK ban on the import and export of shark fins.
Campaign director at Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’re enormously grateful to Dive Worldwide for choosing to support Bite-Back. The company’s commitment to conservation helps set it apart from other tour operators and we’re certain its clients admire and respect that policy. For us, the affiliation is huge and helps us look to the future with confidence we can deliver against key conservation programmes.”
To launch the fundraising initiative, Phil North presented Graham Buckingham with a cheque for £1,000.
Visit Dive Worldwide to discover its diverse range of international scuba adventures and visit Bite-Back to learn more about the charity’s campaigns.
MORE INFORMATION
Call Graham Buckingham on 07810 454 266 or email graham@bite-back.com
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