News
NUPG Splash-In Results Announced
The freshwater quarry at Capernwray, Lancashire, UK was the venue for the 2017 Northern Underwater Photography Group (NUPG) Splash-In. On the day they welcomed the 11 people who had registered to take part in the event. The divers were from different clubs and agencies including BSAC, PADI and SSI.
Yo-Han Cha, NUPG Chairman, Elaine White, Caroline and Nick Robertson-Brown had a very busy day giving advice on how to take a better underwater photograph with the various cameras and video recorders brought along as well as advice on post processing images using various software. The cameras included Go Pros, Compacts, Micro 4/3rds and DSLRs.
The day remained dry and fairly warm so everyone was able to get underwater and get lots of practice. Following the dives everyone got together where all the images were judged and the result was very close, with only one vote separating the top three photos.
A massive congratulations to Richard Burke for his winning shot of a diver with torch reflected in the “Apeks” Van wing mirror, a clever and original shot. The camera he used was a Sony RX100 Mark II. He was awarded his prize by Nick Robertson-Brown of Frogfish Photography who had sponsored the trophy.
Joint runners-up were Glynn Phillips for his macro shot of mussels with a fine eye to detail and the shallow focus giving a nice “Bokeh Effect” with the mussels in the background. His camera was an Olympus EPL5 whilst the other runner up Matthew Boa was using a Nikon D7000 with a Tokina 11-16mm lens for his wide angle black and white shot of a diver and wreck.
At the end of the day everyone was very pleased that a lot of advice had been given about underwater photography and photo editing and everyone there had had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The NUPG would like to thank all those that turned up on the day as well as those that assisted with the preparation and running of the competition and for those members of the club that turned up on the day to give their support and as well as to all the entrants. The NUPG look forward to seeing you again at one of their monthly meetings or at another future event. For more information about the underwater photography club visit www.nupg.org.uk.
The next meeting of the NUPG on the 9th October will host guest speaker, Kirsty Andrews, recent winner of the wide angle category in The 2017 British & Irish Underwater Photography Championship. She will be giving a presentation entitled “Southern Comfort – A Tour of some South West Diving Photography Highlights”.
So please put this date in your diary. If you would like to join members of the NUPG for a curry beforehand try to arrive between 6.15pm and 6.45pm as the restaurant can get quite busy.
The competition theme is: Unedited (Completely unedited image not even whole image adjustment!)
Full details for competition entries can be found here.
Details of where we meet can be found here.
Everyone is welcome!
Blogs
BTM Travel: Your Gateway to Unforgettable Dive Adventures
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: marcel@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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