Underwater Photography
AIM
To acquaint members, who should have a basic understanding of photographic processes and techniques, with the specific problems of underwater photography and how they can be overcome with special apparatus and techniques.
DURATION
Two days. See Note 1.
ENTRY GRADE
BSAC Sports Diver.
INSTRUCTORS
Chief Instructor to be an underwater photographer of proven ability, who is also a competent instructor. Other instructors to the satisfaction of the Chief Instructor. One instructor for every four students.
If photographic instructors are not also BSAC Club Instructors there should also be an Advanced Diver present to marshal diving activities.
FACILITIES
Suitable classroom for theory lessons. Access to suitable water for practical activities. A variety of underwater cameras, flashguns and accessories, ideally one outfit for each student. Darkroom facilities may be appropriate if available.
APPROVAL
Course Approval Procedures apply.
QUALIFICATION
Course Certification will be issued.
SYLLABUS
This course may be dedicated to one camera system such as the Nikonos or to a wide range of amphibious and housed cameras. Lesson contents and sequence may be varied to suit circumstances. The following programme is offered as an example and may be adapted as necessary.
Instructor briefing
Assemble, Introductions, Administration
1. Classroom - Special requirements of Underwater - (30 mins)
2. Classroom - Underwater Cameras - (30 mins)
3. Classroom - Illumination and Film - (30 mins)
4. Practical - 'Dry Run' practice - (1 hour)
On land use/practice with tutorial guidance.
The object is to get candidates used to preparing, handling and using the equipment, and to demonstrate appropriate composing, focusing, framing and illumination techniques.
Break
5. Practical - Underwater Photography - (3 hours)
Students go diving to take underwater photographs - Group A: close-up, Group B: wide angle
6. Classroom/ Darkroom - The Results - (2 hours)
DAY TWO
7. Practical - Underwater Photography - (3 hours)
Students go diving to take underwater photographs - Group A: wide angle, Group B: close-up
8. Classroom/ Darkroom - The Results - (2 hours)
9. Classroom - Open Forum
Instructor debrief
NOTES
To acquaint members, who should have a basic understanding of photographic processes and techniques, with the specific problems of underwater photography and how they can be overcome with special apparatus and techniques.
DURATION
Two days. See Note 1.
ENTRY GRADE
BSAC Sports Diver.
INSTRUCTORS
Chief Instructor to be an underwater photographer of proven ability, who is also a competent instructor. Other instructors to the satisfaction of the Chief Instructor. One instructor for every four students.
If photographic instructors are not also BSAC Club Instructors there should also be an Advanced Diver present to marshal diving activities.
FACILITIES
Suitable classroom for theory lessons. Access to suitable water for practical activities. A variety of underwater cameras, flashguns and accessories, ideally one outfit for each student. Darkroom facilities may be appropriate if available.
APPROVAL
Course Approval Procedures apply.
QUALIFICATION
Course Certification will be issued.
SYLLABUS
This course may be dedicated to one camera system such as the Nikonos or to a wide range of amphibious and housed cameras. Lesson contents and sequence may be varied to suit circumstances. The following programme is offered as an example and may be adapted as necessary.
Instructor briefing
Assemble, Introductions, Administration
1. Classroom - Special requirements of Underwater - (30 mins)
- Underwater Photography
- Problems of low visibility, low light levels, scattering etc.
- How special equipment and techniques are used to overcome them.
2. Classroom - Underwater Cameras - (30 mins)
- Amphibious or housed? Merits and limitations of each system.
- Review of what is available 'off the shelf'.
- Close up and wide angle; relevant accessories.
3. Classroom - Illumination and Film - (30 mins)
- Underwater flashguns/strobes
- Housed or amphibious
- Desirable features: variable power,
- TTL metering, aiming lights etc
- Film stock, film speed.
4. Practical - 'Dry Run' practice - (1 hour)
On land use/practice with tutorial guidance.
The object is to get candidates used to preparing, handling and using the equipment, and to demonstrate appropriate composing, focusing, framing and illumination techniques.
Break
5. Practical - Underwater Photography - (3 hours)
Students go diving to take underwater photographs - Group A: close-up, Group B: wide angle
6. Classroom/ Darkroom - The Results - (2 hours)
- Develop films
- View and discuss results with tutorial critique
DAY TWO
7. Practical - Underwater Photography - (3 hours)
Students go diving to take underwater photographs - Group A: wide angle, Group B: close-up
8. Classroom/ Darkroom - The Results - (2 hours)
- Develop films
- View and discuss results with tutorial critique
9. Classroom - Open Forum
- General discussion of subject course debriefing
- Issue Course Certification
- Disperse
Instructor debrief
NOTES
- The order in which the syllabus is listed represents the recommended sequence for the course. Theory instruction may be spread over a series of shorter (evening class) lessons if desired in which case all theory should be covered before practical experience is gained.
- Students are expected to bring full open water diving equipment with not less than 2000 l of air.
- Diving activities are to be correctly marshalled in accordance with BSAC recommended practices. Particular care should be taken to avoid multiple ascents within one dive. If necessary, restrict the depth of dives to 6m maximum.
(c) 09/02. The British Sub-Aqua Club, Telford's Quay, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 4FL
Page last modified: 15th Dec 2006 - 17:03:53