You must be a certified diver with good diving skills to attend this workshop.
The coral reefs are very fragile, so we want to be assured that you have your buoyancy under control before you decide to dive with a camera. If you are comfortable with your buoyancy but haven't dived in a while and would like a refresher, a course in buoyancy control will be available through the dive shop on Saturday and/or Sunday before the workshop begins. There is an extra fee for this refresher course. It is highly recommended if you're not comfortable with your buoyancy while carrying a camera.
Don't be a whiner! This is a FUN group of peole who make the best of every adventure when traveling. Positive, fun-loving people are the best candidates. Many of them come back every year. Those who are whiners or chronic complainers are seldom invited back. This keeps the group fun for everybody.
Preparing for the workshop
Here are some additional suggestions that will help you get the most out of this course. We invite all levels of underwater photographer to this workshop.
1. Know how to use your camera. You should have a basic understanding of the following:
- what your camera can and can't do
- what ISO is and how it affects your images
- camera shooting modes applicable for your camera (Auto, Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual)
- shutter speeds and apertures
- camera file formats (RAW, Basic, Normal, etc.). Different manufacturers give them different names.
- the different camera menus (familiarize yourself with important ones)
- navigation of the menu structure
- familiarize yourself with the camera manual and online instructions
If you do not understand how to use your camera above the water we recommend you look into classes locally or online before attending this workshop. You should know how to make the adjustments needed to change modes, file formats, etc.
2. Know how to use your camera inside your housing. Every camera/housing combination is different. Especially if you have a new camera make sure you've run it through its paces. Put your camera into your housing, attach the strobes, and get it in the water before you come to Cozumel. If you can't get in the water, practice on land. Call the people that sold you the system to get any issues resolved before you make the trip.
2. Bring all your parts, pieces, cables, and cards with you, expecially the camera user manual. If you don't have it, Google it to get an electronic version online.
3. Know how to use your laptop and get comfortable with the application you use to process images. You should already know how to move images from your camera or media card to your laptop.
4. Make sure you have downloaded the software necessary to process your images or video. Make sure you can open the RAW file your camera shoots in what ever application you use. This is critically important! If you don't know how, take a basic computer class for photographers.
The more preparation you do before you come, the more you'll get out of the classes. If you have a question about something...GOOGLE! You'll find lots of help online just by asking a question. YouTube.com is also very helpful.
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