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Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop 2024: Event Roundup
The 11th annual Capturing Critters in Lembeh Underwater Photography Workshop has just wrapped at Lembeh Resort in North Sulawesi, Indonesia! What an incredible workshop it was – following the usual format of not just one host Photo Pro but four! Lembeh Resort’s three visiting Photo Pros, Saeed Rashid, Alex Tattersall & Nicolas Remy (plus Lembeh Resort’s in house pro) did an incredible job of keeping participants inspired and striving for their best shots throughout the week.
As usual the Capturing Critters workshop was packed with daily presentations, one-on-one sessions with the pros, incredible dives and critters in the Lembeh Strait.
Photo: Michael Wanke
Lembeh Resort’s inhouse team, including our marine biologist and dive guides also spent time with participants, sharing their wealth of knowledge about the unique marine life and critter behaviour to be found in the Lembeh Strait. Dive Center Manager, Brigitte Gassner, delivered slick organization and coordination of a busy schedule, while the resort team ensured that guests were well looked after and enjoyed phenomenal dining in between dives and presentations.
Critter sightings this year were above and beyond with some of Lembeh’s most iconic critters putting on phenomenal behavioral displays for participants. Some of the most notable stars of the week included blue ring octopus, sargassum frogfish, pygmy seahorses, tiger shrimp, rhinopias, hairy frogfish, hairy octopus, mimic octopus, wunderpus, beautiful soft coral cowries and a host of different nudibranch species.
Photo: Jeffrey Sankoff
During presentations, participants learned from the pros about a number of topics from basic image composition, focus and lighting through to techniques to reduce backscatter and post dive editing in Lightroom.
Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2025
The Capturing Critters Workshop goes from strength to strength each year and the images produced in each annual workshop continue to portray why the Lembeh Strait is a world famous destination for muck divers and underwater photographers. In 2025 Lembeh Resort will be hosting three more world-class Photo Pros: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). The week-long workshop will once again be packed with incredible diving, Pro presentations, and one-on-one instruction and feedback.
Photo: Patrick Sheehan
The Capturing Critters 2025 workshop will be Lembeh Resort’s 12th annual workshop and takes place from January 11th – 17th 2025. Take a look at what’s in store and contact Lembeh Resort for more information or to make a reservation: reservations@LembehResort.com
A word from the Pros….
QUOTE FROM SAEED RASHID:
The workshop went really well. This is my second time hosting the capturing quitters event – I was here in 2020. I was amazed by how slickly this this really busy workshop is put together and yet again this year. We look at the schedule and it seems really busy but then everything just slots into place. As pros, we host two presentations a day, make three dives and everyone at the end of it has improved their pictures no end.
Lembeh Resort is the most perfect resort to host this type of event. It has enough room not only to accommodate all the all the guests but there is also a vast camera room and fantastic AV facilities for the pro presentations. Lembeh Resort is the ideal place to host the Capturing Critters Workshop.
I really think the participants got a lot out of this. Not only did they have constant access to the three imported pros, that’s myself, Nicholas and Alex, but they also had the in house photo pro here with a fantastic Backscatter Authorised Photo Centre where they had the ability to hire kit ,to try out kit and just get really hands on with not only the diving, but all of the equipment combined with all of our expert knowledge.
Read more about Saeed and view his portfolio here: https://www.focusvisuals.com/
Photo: Saeed Rashid
QUOTE FROM NICOLAS REMY:
During the workshop we had quite a big group with different skill sets. Some participants were beginners and there were some very experienced photographers, but I think everyone got something out of it. Feedback from participants was that having three different photographers, Saeed, Alex and myself, teaching and sharing the way we do things really helped them and it was interesting observing the different ways of working underwater. I have seen the participant photographers steadily improve during the week, meaning that their photos got better and better. I’ve seen a number of their photos that I wish I would have taken myself!
Lembeh Resort is always a great place for hosting this sort of workshop because we have dive guides who have an exposure to photography – most of them are photographers themselves, so they know how to help us find subjects that are well positioned. There’s also a Backscatter Authorised Photo Centre with equipment to rent and I’ve seen quite a few participants taking advantage of this and renting snoots and accessories. The Photo Center does a great job in supporting everyone’s creativity and ability to try new techniques.
Read more about Nicolas and view his portfolio here: https://www.nicolaslenaremy.com/
Photo: Nicolas Remy
QUOTE FROM ALEX TATTERSALL:
The workshop has been brilliant. We’ve had so much fun, so many amazing images and it couldn’t have gone better. Lembeh Resort is ideal for this kind of workshop – it’s a very warm place to be. The schedule was very well put together and we had enough time in the water and enough time in between dives to spend time with the participants. We’ve had amazing experiences with the dive guides who found all the critters you could ever ask for.
One of the other things that I think is very special about this workshop is the fact that there were three of us (pros) teaching me all sides of underwater photography and the complementary angles and approaches that all of us have to underwater photography and each of the participants were able to benefit from different things. We had various different levels from very beginners up to very accomplished photographers. And every I would say that every single one of them took away an awful lot of learning and experience.
It was great to see how participants also benefit from looking at how other people photograph particular subjects and how that inspires them to go down and try that kind of technique. I would say that these are just some of the key things which make this a very special experience for everyone involved, including us.
Read more about Alex and view his portfolio here: https://www.uwvisions.com/
Photo: Alex Tattersall
The DEMA Show offers many opportunities for dive leaders and dive center owners to organize and plan their coming year’s activities by taking advantage of unprecedented deals from the industry. Based on the popularity and success from the DEMA Show 2023, Professional Scuba Schools will once again offer an instructor crossovers at its booth #6180 during DEMA Show 2024.
There will be two available sessions each day, one starting at 10:30AM and 3:30PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the Show. There is no charge for the crossover, but a $75 registration fee will apply that covers instructor dues through December 31, 2025!
Crossover candidates must provide proof of active teaching status with an RSTC recognized agency and verification of a current (within last 12 months) physical. Those who do not have proof can still attend the crossover, but additional requirement and delays in completing the crossover may apply. In addition to attending the booth session, crossover candidates must complete all e-Learning requirements before certifications will be issued.
Take advantage of this offer, and start your instructor crossover at DEMA Show 2024, by simply completing the required pre-registration at https://www.pssworldwide.org/en/registrazionexOver.aspx?lang=en and selecting your DEMA Show Booth Crossover day and time. A Professional Scuba Schools Course Director will then contact you to explain the next steps. You can also register at the PSS DEMA Show booth #6180 but space is limited each day, so you are strongly encouraged to register today! Last year all slots were filled via pre-registration, so don’t delay.
To find out more about joining the PSS Evolution email pssnorthamerica@pssmail.org or call 813-344-2868.
Dive Leaders and Dive Center owners who are attending the DEMA Show 2024 should make sure to stop by the PSS Worldwide booth #6180 to learn more about the benefits of PSS affiliation!
Nestled deep within the jungle of Quintana Roo, Mexico, lies Cenote El Pit, a hidden natural wonder that captivates adventurers, especially those with a love for diving. Known for its striking depth, crystalline waters, and surreal geological formations, Cenote El Pit is more than just a hole in the ground—it’s a portal to an otherworldly underwater realm.
Located within the famous Sac Actun cave system, just a short drive from Tulum, El Pit offers a thrilling experience for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its towering walls, pristine water clarity, and mesmerizing light effects make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Yucatan Peninsula’s cenote-rich landscape.
What makes Cenote El Pit unique?
Cenote El Pit is one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, plunging over 120 meters (393 feet) into the earth. Unlike other cenotes which are open and wide, El Pit has a more cavernous vertical drop that gives the impression of plunging straight into the earth’s core.
Located just a short distance from Tulum, this cenote is surrounded by dense jungle providing a sense of adventure even before you enter the water. Below the surface, crystal-clear water allows the light beams to pierce through letting you see the unique underwater formations.
Why you should dive Cenote El Pit?
For those passionate about diving, Cenote El Pit is one of the most exciting and visually captivating cenotes in Mexico. Here’s why:
1. Incredible Depth and Visibility: The water visibility is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, allowing divers to see deep into the cenote’s vertical shaft. The clarity provides an almost dreamlike sensation as you descend into the depths surrounded by shades of blue and green.
2. Spectacular Light Shows: A very famous feature of Cenote El Pits is the way the sunlight penetrates the cenote. During the middle of the day, when the sun is directly overhead, its rays cut through the water creating a natural laser-show effect. Divers can witness these light beams illuminating the underwater formations and halocline layers.
3. Halocline Phenomenon: El Pit is famous for its halocline. This is where freshwater meets saltwater at a certain depth, creating a blurry shimmering effect in the water. When passing through the halocline, the water becomes clouded, almost like swimming through a layer of fog, only to clear up again as you ascend or descend beyond it.
4. Hydrogen Sulfide Cloud: At around 30 meters, divers encounter a thick, eerie layer of hydrogen sulfide that forms a milky cloud at the bottom of the cenote. This cloud is formed by the natural decomposition of organic matter and creates a mystical, fog-like layer. As you descend into this cloud, it feels like you’re diving into another world, with the forest of dead branches and tree roots adding an extra touch of otherworldliness.
5. Stalactites and Stalagmites: The walls of Cenote El Pit are adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, ancient formations that hint at the cenote’s history when it was once a dry cave. These formations, created over thousands of years, offer a glimpse into the geological past and add an element of exploration as divers navigate through the cavern’s intricate landscape.
6. Peaceful and Pristine Environment: Unlike some of the more popular cenotes that can become crowded with swimmers and tourists, Cenote El Pit retains a more secluded and tranquil ambiance. Its remote location and the challenge of access—often only via dirt roads—mean it’s mostly visited by dedicated divers. This makes for a serene and immersive experience, where you can truly appreciate the silence of the underwater world.
Practical Considerations for Diving in Cenote El Pit
Cenote El Pit is suitable for both intermediate and advanced divers. For those interested in cave diving, additional certification is required. Following local regulations, we recommend that divers first explore a more accessible cenote before diving in El Pit. This ensures both safety and an optimal experience for our guests.
You can dive at El Pit all year round! Pro Dive International provides guided diving tours with experienced instructors.
Contact Pro Dive International now to book your dive or request more information!
Cenote El Pit stands out as one of the most unique and stunning cenotes in Mexico, especially for divers seeking an extraordinary experience. Its combination of crystal-clear water, incredible depth, natural light displays, and geological formations creates a magical and mystical environment unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking to explore the mysterious halocline layers or marvel at the sheer beauty of the underwater cathedral of light, diving in Cenote El Pit is guaranteed to be an unforgettable adventure.
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