Enjoy beautiful Cornish diving while learning key techniques for underwater photography in this two-day workshop. The course, open to all experience levels especially beginner to intermediate, will cover how to capture and edit compelling underwater images. It will include techniques and theory for creating stunning photographs including macro, super macro, wide angle, and more creative approaches. Sessions will include approaches to lighting (natural, strobes, continuous lights), key diving skills (e.g. buoyancy control), and how to edit and process images after capture. We will also cover simple techniques for video capture and editing. The course is designed for a small group experience with no more than six participants on any one workshop.

The workshop will comprise two full days and include four scuba dives with cameras at our local dive site in Falmouth: a beautiful location featuring a variety of marine life perfect for photography, from kelp and seaweed seascapes to spider crabs, small sharks, cuttlefish, anemones, sea slugs and more besides. Dives will be relatively shallow (10m or less). Each day will start with an introduction to key concepts, and sessions will also include time in the dive centre pool to practice techniques, provide feedback, review and discuss images, techniques and theory.  

DiveUK is based in Falmouth, Cornwall, just a five-minute drive from the stunning Cornish coastline and some of the best diving the county has to offer. With access to rich kelp forests, diverse marine life, and sheltered local sites, DiveUK is perfectly positioned for both training and exploration in one of the UK’s most respected diving regions.

The dive centre features an on-site heated pool and dedicated classroom, making it an ideal environment for underwater photography workshops. The pool is used for buoyancy control and camera practice, while the classroom provides a relaxed space for lessons, image reviews, and detailed debriefs. With access to high-quality training equipment and a team of experienced, professional instructors, DiveUK provides the expertise, facilities, and support to help you get the most out of your diving and photography experience.

Martin Stevens is an award-winning underwater photographer, with images awarded multiple times in competitions such as Underwater Photographer of the Year, British Wildlife Photography Awards, and various others. He has been exploring the local Cornwall and Falmouth environment and taking photos here for more than 10 years.


A selection of Martin’s underwater photography can be viewed on his website using the link below.

https://www.wildlifevision.com 

Workshop Dates

Workshop 1: Saturday & Sunday 13-14 June

Workshop 2: Saturday & Sunday 4-5 July

Cost: £600 per person, including dive kit rental

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my own camera?

Ideally each participant would have their own camera and some familiarity with it. However, we will have a small number of camera set ups to borrow, but this is on a first come first serve basis and we are happy to welcome beginners on the course. 

Do I need underwater strobe flashes?

No, especially not for wide angle and some cameras cannot use these. Ideally, for macro you would have either a strobe flash or a video light. However, we will have a small number of these that participants can borrow.

Do I need to bring a computer and photo editing software?

Ideally yes, since we will spend some time editing photos in the workshop and covering various techniques. Editing software on a tablet is fine, and even on a smartphone is better than nothing. However, it should be possible to borrow a computer and editing software if none of the above is possible.

Can I use an action camera, smartphone or compact device? 

Yes, definitely! This workshop is open to all levels and equipment and we have experience in using each of those for photography, as well as mirrorless and dslr. Smaller devices are capable of great images when used well. There will also be the chance to try out other camera set ups.

What happens in bad weather?

Falmouth Bay is a sheltered area and, during the summer months, conditions are often excellent for diving. However, as with all sea diving, conditions are weather-dependent and on occasion it may not be possible to dive in the bay.

Should this happen, we have access to an inland quarry as an alternative dive site, allowing the workshop to continue safely and productively. That said, our priority is always to dive in the sea whenever conditions allow, and we will do everything we can to make the most of Cornwall’s incredible coastline

Where should I book accommodation? 

Falmouth is a bustling town with many options from rentals to bed and breakfasts to large hotels. The dive centre is close to the main part of town. However, Falmouth is a popular destination so we highly recommend booking early.