Everything you need to create beautiful underwater images

Underwater Photography Dive Trips

Taking the guesswork out of your underwater photography journey!

Join us for an incredible underwater photography dive trip!

If you are an underwater photographer, chances are your dive trips are planned around underwater photography.

There are so many places to visit, but are they the right destinations for what you want to shoot – and are the operators photographer-friendly?

You spend a lot of money travelling and you need to be sure you’ll be visiting the right destination and using the right operator.

That’s where we come in! We offer group dive trips tailormade for underwater photographers – to the right locations, using the best operators.

We’ve done the research, chatted to our extensive international network of underwater photographers and have often already visited the destination to make sure it is the best option for you.

You might find space is limited on our trips, but that is to ensure that the resort can realistically handle our group, ensuring that everyone has a great time.

That being said, although our destinations are chosen with underwater photographers in mind, all divers are welcome to join us.

Why join one of our underwater photography dive trips?
  • Our hosts have been chosen to ensure you have the best photo opportunities at that specific destination.
  • We do our research in advance, oftentimes visiting the destinations by ourselves in advance, to ensure you have the best underwater photography experience and dive trip.
  • We select dive resorts and operators who have knowledgeable dive guides who practice ethical spotting.
  • You will be diving with fellow underwater photographers, which means you won’t be racing around the reef, but can take your time getting the shots.
  • We include informal workshops prior to and during the trips to help you with your underwater photography techniques. 
  • Our trips are relaxed and non-competitive, to ensure you have fun whilst getting the photos you’re after.

Upcoming Trips

MACRO MAGIC - Lembeh - 13 MAY TO 31 MAY 2025

10 nights & 24 boat dives

Join me on an extraordinary 10-night macro underwater photography workshop in Lembeh in May 2025!  

Immerse yourself in the mystical waters of Lembeh, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and embark on a journey to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world through macro photography. 

Whether you are a beginner looking to enhance your skills, or an experienced macro photographer seeking new inspiration, this workshop is designed to take your underwater macro photography to new depths. 

Key Learnings 

By the end of the trip, you will be able to: 

  • Understand Your Camera Settings: Learn the correct settings to create tack-sharp images. 
  • Compose Beautiful Shots: Create interesting and beautiful compositions. 
  • Use a Diopter: Fill the frame with your subject using a diopter. 
  • Control Lighting: Position your strobe(s) or video light for creative and even lighting. 
  • Create Black Backgrounds: Achieve stunning black backgrounds without a snoot. 
  • Master the Snoot: Properly use a snoot or snoot torch to light and isolate your subject. 
  • Capture Beautiful Bokeh: Create images with beautiful bokeh backgrounds. 
  • Creative Lighting Techniques: Use torches and accessories for creative underwater photos. 
  • Develop Your Style: Establish your own style of macro underwater photography. 
  • Edit with Lightroom: Bring your photos into Lightroom and use basic editing techniques. 

 

With this comprehensive workshop approach, you’ll gain a deep understanding of macro and critter photography, refine your techniques, and take your underwater images to new heights. Join us on this incredible journey of exploration and learning as we capture the beauty and intricacy of the underwater world together. 

The Workshop 

The focus of this workshop is to dive deep into the world of macro and critter photography. Daily workshops will cover different aspects of macro underwater photography, teaching you everything you need to know to make beautiful, tack-sharp, and creative images. 

Pre-Workshop Coaching 

Your workshop begins before you even leave home with a 30-minute one-on-one Zoom coaching/Q&A session. I want you to arrive feeling confident and ready to immerse yourself in your macro underwater photography adventure! 

Progressive Lessons 

Each day’s lessons build on what you have previously learned. Illustrated talks will provide you with valuable advice and fresh ideas to try out on your next dives. 

Image Review Sessions 

Daily image review sessions will help analyse the strengths of captured images and identify areas for improvement. Gain inspiration and suggestions from the work produced by other participants. This collaborative and supportive environment fosters growth and creativity. 

The Diving 

Lembeh Strait is celebrated globally for its “muck diving,” where the seemingly barren black volcanic sand reveals an astonishing variety of marine creatures. Expect to encounter fascinating subjects like nudibranchs, frogfish, coconut and mimic octopus, and various invertebrates. 

Dive Conditions 

Visibility ranges from 10 to 15 metres, with water temperatures between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius, allowing for comfortable diving in a 3mm wetsuit. 

Daily Boat Dives 

Three daily boat dives provide access to diverse sites, and optional extra night dives add a thrilling dimension to the underwater experience. 

Personalized Experience 

1 guide for every two photographers ensures dedicated attention and expertise. 

Throughout the trip, we will organize dives in small groups, allowing for ample time to practice your macro photography techniques. Capture stunning images of Lembeh’s weird and wonderful macro subjects with the guidance and support needed to elevate your skills. 

The Resort 

We will be staying and diving with Dive Into Lembeh, a tranquil and picturesque dive resort perfectly situated for an unparalleled underwater photography experience. This serene retreat offers convenient access to world-famous house reef dive sites, “Hairball” and “Aw Shucks,” available daily between 08:00 and 18:00. 

Dive Centre 

Features a spacious camera room and dedicated camera rinse tanks, ensuring your equipment is always ready for the next dive. 

Guest Facilities 

There’s a gear locker room with rinse tanks and showers, and the dive guides are trained in camera handling and finding amazing critters for you to photograph in Lembeh’s unique underwater environment. 

Dining 

All meals are served in the open-air restaurant and bar, with experienced chefs preparing a delightful selection of local and international dishes. 

Accommodation 

Choose from two types of accommodation, offered on a first-booked, first-confirmed basis: 

Seaview Bungalows 

These stand-alone bungalows boast their own private Japanese-style onsen (hot tub) on the balcony. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms equipped with TV, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, minibar, safe, and an ensuite, semi-open western-style bathroom with a walk-in shower. Drinking water is provided in the form of a five-gallon hot and cold-water dispenser, with tea and coffee facilities available for your use. 

Longhouse Rooms

Most suitable for single travellers, these rooms provide a more affordable option. These three rooms under one roof do not have a TV or hot tub but still offer air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. Drinking water is provided in the form of a five-gallon hot and cold-water dispenser, with tea and coffee facilities available for your use. 

Whether you are an aspiring underwater macro photographer or a seasoned enthusiast, this 10-night workshop in Lembeh promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning macro photography opportunities and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for capturing the intricate beauty of the underwater world. 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your macro underwater photography skills and create a remarkable portfolio of Lembeh’s mesmerizing macro life. 

Reserve your place now and embark on a journey that will forever transform the way you capture the minute wonders beneath the waves.

PRICE: 

  • Seaview Bungalows, double occupancy:  US$ 2 820 (per person) 
  • Seaview Bungalows, single occupancy: US$ 3 495 (per person) 
  • Longhouse Rooms, single occupancy only: US$ 2 820 (per person) 

 

Included: 

  • Return airport transfers between Manado airport and resort 
  • 10 nights’ full board accommodation in air-conditioned rooms (please note that single occupancy accommodation is very limited) 
  • All meals (starting with dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day) 
  • Complimentary tea, local coffee, water, snacks 
  • 24 x day boat dives including dive guides, cylinders, weights and weight belt 
  • Access to house reef to self-dive between 08:00 and 18:00 
  • WiFi 
  • 30-minute, one-on-one Zoom session with Kate prior to departure 
  • Free daily underwater photography lectures and image reviews 

 

Excluded: 

  • International and local flights 
  • Personal travel insurance (obtained when you buy your flight with your credit card) 
  • Gratuities and tips for dive guides and staff 
  • Gear rental 
  • Night dives US$ 50 (mandarin dive by speedboat is US$55) ** 
  • Extra day dives US$45 ** 
  • Nitrox32 US$20 per day unlimited use ** 
  • Please note: any unused dives are non-refundable and non-transferrable 
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, massages, land excursions 

 

How to Book: 

  • Please email me us on kate@ underwaterphotocompany.com for more details and to book your spot. 
  • I will then send you a booking form and waiver to complete, after which we will issue you with an invoice for your deposit. 
  • Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of your payment. 
  • A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the full trip price needs to be paid to secure your spot, with a further 30% paid in November 2024 and the balance being paid in March 2025. 

Macro Magic & Wide wonders - Lembeh - 2 June - 13 June 2025

11 nights & 27 boat dives

Join us on an exciting 11-night underwater photography workshop in Lembeh, North Sulawesi, Indonesia! Immerse yourself in the mystical waters of Lembeh and embark on a journey to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world through both your macro and wide-angle lenses.

Why Lembeh?

Lembeh Strait is celebrated globally for its “muck diving,” where the seemingly barren black volcanic sand reveals an astonishing variety of marine creatures. There are also several beautiful coral reefs which provide excellent wide angle and close focus wide angle opportunities. Photographers can expect to encounter countless species of nudibranchs, frogfish, cephalopods like the enigmatic mimic octopus, and a plethora of invertebrates. With over 60 dive sites to choose from, each dive promises new discoveries and the potential to capture rare and unusual critters.

Elevate Your Photography Skills

This workshop is designed to take your creative macro and wide-angle underwater photography to new depths. It is ideal for photographers who have previously joined my Macro Underwater Photography Workshop and slightly more advanced macro photographers who are comfortable with their setups and are looking to learn new skills.

By the end of the trip, you will be able to:

  • Enhance your existing macro underwater photography skillset with techniques like blue water backgrounds, slow motion blur, high key photography, and backlighting.
  • Advance your snooting and shallow depth of field macro underwater photography skills.
  • Effectively light and compose your wide-angle and close-focus wide-angle photos, mastering settings for well-balanced, perfectly exposed shots.
  • Prevent backscatter and optimize strobe positioning for different subjects and styles.
  • Select the best subjects and compose images to get the most out of your macro and wide-angle dives.
  • Be more deliberate in your underwater photography and learn how to tell a story through your images.


The Workshop Experience

Your workshop begins even before you leave home with a 30-minute one-on-one Zoom coaching/Q&A session with me. I want you to be as prepared as possible so that you arrive feeling confident and ready to immerse yourself in your macro underwater photography adventure!

Throughout the workshop, I will present daily sessions that build progressively, offering valuable advice and fresh ideas for you to try out on your dives. Daily image review sessions provide an invaluable chance to see the incredible work produced by others and gain inspiration and suggestions for your own images. This collaborative and supportive environment fosters growth and creativity.

Dive into Adventure

Three daily boat dives will provide us access to diverse sites, and the option of night dives adds a thrilling dimension to the underwater experience. With the convenience of returning to the resort after each dive, you can review and adjust your camera gear, ensuring you are always ready to capture the next incredible shot.

To ensure a personalised experience, there will be one guide for every two photographers. These dedicated guides will use their expertise to seek out the most sought-after and wonderful macro life that Lembeh is known for.

Stay in Luxury at Dive Into Lembeh

We will be staying and diving with Dive Into Lembeh, a tranquil and picturesque dive resort perfectly situated to offer an unparalleled underwater photography experience. This serene retreat is renowned for its beautiful surroundings and convenient access to the world-famous house reef dive sites, “Hairball” and “Aw Shucks,” accessible daily between 08:00 and 18:00.

The fully equipped dive centre at Dive Into Lembeh is a haven for underwater photographers. It features a spacious camera room and dedicated camera rinse tanks, ensuring your equipment is always ready for the next dive. The guest dive gear locker room is equipped with gear rinse tanks and showers for your convenience. All dive guides are expertly trained in camera handling and specialise in navigating Lembeh’s unique underwater environment, ensuring you have the best possible experience capturing the extraordinary marine life.

Accommodation Options

Seaview Bungalows

These stand-alone bungalows boast their own private Japanese-style onsen (hot tub) on the balcony, perfect for unwinding after a day of diving. Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms equipped with TV, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, minibar, safe, and an ensuite, semi-open western-style bathroom with a walk-in shower. Drinking water is conveniently provided in the form of a five-gallon hot and cold-water dispenser, with tea and coffee facilities available for your use.

Longhouse Rooms

Reserved for single travellers, these rooms provide a more affordable option without a TV or hot tub. They still have air conditioning, minibar, safe, and an ensuite bathroom with shower.

Summary

Whether you are an aspiring underwater macro photographer or a seasoned enthusiast, this 11-night workshop in Lembeh promises an unforgettable experience filled with stunning macro and wide-angle underwater photography opportunities, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to elevate your macro, close focus wide angle and wide-angle underwater photography skills and create a remarkable portfolio of Lembeh’s mesmerising macro life. Reserve your place now and embark on a journey that will forever transform the way you capture the minute and not-so-minute wonders beneath the waves.

PRICE:

  • Seaview Bungalows, double occupancy:  US$ 3 125 (per person sharing)
  • Seaview Bungalows, single occupancy: US$ 3 880 (per person)
  • Longhouse Rooms, single occupancy only: US$ 3 125 (per person)


Included:

  • Return airport transfers between Manado airport and resort
  • 11 nights’ full board accommodation in air-conditioned rooms (please note that single occupancy accommodation is very limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis)
  • All meals (starting with dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day)
  • Complimentary tea, local coffee, water, snacks
  • 27 x day boat dives including dive guides, cylinders, weights and weight belt
  • Access to house reef to self-dive between 08:00 and 18:00
  • WiFi
  • 30-minute, one-on-one Zoom session with Kate prior to departure
  • Free daily underwater photography lectures and image reviews


Excluded:

  • International and local flights
  • Personal travel insurance (obtained when you buy your flight with your credit card)
  • Gratuities and tips for dive guides and staff
  • Gear rental
  • Night dives US$ 50 (mandarin dive by speedboat is US$55) **
  • Extra day dives US$45 **
  • Nitrox32 US$20 per day unlimited use **
  • Please note: any unused dives are non-refundable and non-transferrable
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, massages, land excursions


How to Book:

  • Please email me on kate@UnderwaterPhotoCompany.com for more details and to book your spot.
  • We will then send you a booking form and waiver to complete, along with an invoice for your deposit.
  • Bookings can only be confirmed upon receipt of your payment.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the full trip price needs to be paid to secure your spot, with a further 30% paid in November 2024 and the balance being paid in March 2025