First conceived in 2003 by the team at Scuba Diver Australasia Digital Downloads are workshop and shoot out competitions organized for divers who desire to improve their skill in underwater digital photography. Michael AW is pleased to announce that he has now refined the concept to take the event to a new level. Providing the workshop with modular course structure, participants will be able to achieve certification and acquire skills that are beyond just taking a technically correct photograph. The emphasis is to help aspiring photographers to compose and ‘paint’ a picture with a camera, using both natural and artificially lights. Catering for both Novice and Advanced shooters (Prosumer and DSLR), there are two course syllabuses to choose from: Absolute Essentials and Advanced Essentials.

Some of the principal modules are: Photographic Etiquette & Conservation issues, Exposure Techniques, Beyond Basic Techniques, Macro / Wide Angle Techniques, Elements to Successful Composition, How to Shoot for Competition, How to shoot with Models, How to get published, and advanced lighting Techniques to Post Processing – Photoshop & Printing Techniques.

Digital Download includes daily lesson modules on the techniques of successful Underwater Photography, from the basics of lighting, to advanced composition and essential elements of post editing using Photoshop and various tested software to create multi-media presentations. Though the program schedule allows for maximum shooting time, the lesson modules, formal and informal critique sessions ensure participants with essential techniques to acquire publishable images.

The Digital Studio – the Seraya and Tulamben area are home to the world’s richest reef system. During Sea Life Festival 1998, Dr Robert Myer   counted more than 500 fish species between the world renowned Liberty wreck and Kubu drop-off. The wreck and drop-off offer dynamic seascapes for wide angle opportunities – massive wreck structure, barrel sponges, sea fans, soft corals, and schooling jacks. Just off the door step of Seraya resort, the macro life at Seraya Secrets and adjacent reefs are arguably among the best three locations in the world. The amazing array of critters frequently encountered are boxer crabs, frogfishes, harlequin shrimps, blue ring octopus, pygmy sea horses, tiger shrimps, zebra crabs, schooling jacks & barracudas, mimic octopus, nudibranch overload – just about anything is possible! Sites are researched thoroughly to ensure dives are conducted at the optimum time.

The Download Instructors: this is your chance to learn from the pros with proven track records

Michael Aw: author Essential Guide to Digital Underwater Photography, 2 times winner BBC Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer, 3 times winner Antibes World Festival of Underwater Pictures, 3 times winner Nikon International Photographic competition

Mathieu Meur: author Essential Guide to Digital Underwater Photography, author of PADI Digital Underwater Photographer distinctive specialty, jury member - CMAS World Championship of Underwater Photography,

To find out more, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or download an application form.