Red Sea Workshop June/July 06

I am just back from the Red Sea where I was running my week long Digital Techniques Workshop on the rather nice liveaboard MY Typhoon.

Since at least 10 of the gang on board are Wetpixel regulars, I thought it would be a good idea to start a discussion topic for people to post links to galleries and pictures from the week.

The northern Red Sea really rocks at this time of year and much of the time is trying to find places that aren't packed with fish so you can get clean shots.

This isn't a great shot, but I snapped it to show just how much life there is.

I actually had two weeks out there. One shooting for myself for several projects, and then the week running the workshop. This was a great way round to do it as it meant that after the first week I knew the guides, the boat and the sites really well and also had my shots in the bag so I could help the gang get the pix that they wanted.

During the first week, working with Peter Rowlands I put the finishing touches on a new filter, the AUTO-MAGIC, that is designed to produce great colours on point and shoot compacts in AUTO-WB and in AUTO-Exposure. I'll tell you all about that in a month or so, when it is ready...

We also had a nice visit from Andi Voeltz of Digideep and PADI's digital underwater photography speciality course fame. Who came over after spotting us underwater.

Anyway, I really enjoyed running the workshop and I think everyone else had a good time too. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks you will see a selection of the shots we produced.

Alex

For those who have never been to the northern Red Sea in late June/early July, you must! There is so much great subject matter to enjoy.

First there are wrecks, which are far more easily accessible than in the rougher winter months:

Then there are the reefs, OK these are pretty much like this all year, but the colours are always amazing:

June/July is the main fish spawning season. This means like spawning schools gather at sites like Ras Mohammed (like snappers and unicornfish). While the barracuda are there all year:

And on dusk dives there is loads of action. This photo shows spawning Anthias (the male is behind the female), which are bloody hard to shoot, with a school of fusiliers behind them feasting on their eggs.

Dusk dives are also the best time to shoot lionfish:

And finally the warm water really means you can clock up the minutes down there to expeirment and get unusual shots. This image shows a reflection, photographed from underwater.

Alex

Wow... that first UW pic really says it all......

Damn, thats some fish life!!! Magic Filter?

As always,

great shots.

I like specially last photo.

Beautifull and innovative

Yeah, Mike, that's the Magic filter (the original version) doing its stuff again.

The Red Sea is particularly suitable for filter photography. It is by far the easiest way to shoot the wrecks and schools and with guarenteed sun and clear water nearly every dive is suitable for filter shots.

Alex

Hi Alex,

Once again some superb pic's. You know when their good when you have to stop yourself running to the travel agents

I'm going to have to stop looking at the trip photo's my bank balance is going to plummet (even further)..

Dive safe

DeanB

Hi,

Just rolled back into town.

Very nice photos Alex, thanks for sharing these so soon. I especially like your spawning anthias shot as I know how hard these are to get.

Hope to see more photos soon from your other participants.

Cheers

James

Hi Alex,

To be honest I for one have not had any time to look at the pictures that were taken during our week in the Red Sea.

Here are three - pretty much at random.

Available light shot with the Magic filter on the Carnatic.

Sorry for this one, its from the machine shop on the ChrisoulaK

No real pictorial value but I was think of putting the drill up for sale on EBAY and obviously needed an image for that.

There was a lathe too - would make quite a fine set - bit of WD40 and polish.....

Collection could be an issue....

As you mentioned the shoals on Shark and Yolanda were mind blowing.

Aside from any of my pictures I have to say thanks to both Alex Mustard and Peter Rowlands for their attention and help during the week. You both worked hard that week.

It was a real education, though a bit sobering sitting with Alex as he went through his days pictures hitting the delete button an those that did not quite make the grade while I was thinking - hell, I'd hang that on my wall anytime !

Paul C

So when can we get to do it all again Alex ?

Here, Here!

I must fully agree with Paul that it was a very, very, very educating experience. Thank you Alex and Peter for arranging this.

I have about 10G of pictures waiting to be processed, but here are a few I like.

timo

The good Doctor at the Carnatic. 15mm and available light with some Magic.

Imitation is the finest form of.... 15mm with flash

I was suffering a lot of flash issues, so this one with 60mm, natural light, no magic.

AHH Paul,

I listened to you telling me that you did not know what your

pictures were like & really you knew they were very good,

your very good at keeping us in suspense. B) B) B)

Andy

Ok, here's my quick and dirty workshop selection.

It seems so long ago now........!

Great trip; what a difference it makes to dive with other photographers!

A BIG 'thank you' to Alex & Peter, your hard work and attention made the whole trip seamless and very informative.

Those are really great shots, I am so sorry I missed it. Maybe next year, Alex, are you planning a workshop for next year there?

Luiz

Excellent pictures all - wish the Red Sea was a little closer to me.

Can't believe the fishlife! It's surreal.

Great stuff guys.

I have been a little busy since I have been back, but I hope to get a selection of my pictures up during this week. One of my favourites is attached below.

I have done a write up of the trip in the latest issue of UWP Magazine. It is written from the perspective of how a Phototrip differs from a normal diving trip. An it includes several of our images from the week.

http://www.uwpmag.com/download.html

As for whether there will be another one next year. I am honestly not sure. I really enjoyed this one, but felt that two weeks in the Red Sea (one for me and one for the workshop) was too long.

Alex

As for whether there will be another one next year. I am honestly not sure. I really enjoyed this one, but felt that two weeks in the Red Sea (one for me and one for the workshop) was too long.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Two weeks = too long ??? It's your job, you lazy....

I am sorry for my rudeness, but beeing in an office for at least 40 weeks a year really raises my neckhairs reading your last comment.

Really great photos though.

Kees... only 40? Be glad you are not from North America... then you would be in that office for 49 or 50... you Europeans have the easy life... :D

Kees... only 40?  Be glad you are not from North America... then you would be in that office for 49 or 50...  you Europeans have the easy life... 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hahaha, I was already wondering when the US section came in... But if I would have an office like you have, I wouldn't mind "working" 52.

HI ALL,

Just a few pics from the Red Sea workshop, & a big thankyou to

Alex & Peter for all their hard work & enthusiasm in helping the

whole group getting great images. What a brilliant time was had by

all aboard the MV TYPHOON, Great crew, Great gang, Great tuition,

Andy :ph34r: :ph34r:

To paraphrase:

"Two things I cannot stand, people who are intolerant of other people's culture's...and the Dutch!"

Austin Power's Dad.