Instructors
The Nikon School of Underwater Photography provides all students access to the greatest source of information possible -
the knowledge and experience of the world's best professional underwater photographers on location in the Caribbean.
Individual Approach
Instructors are regularly published professional photographers who have been trained in teaching the Nikon School of
Underwater Photography curriculum. As part of their individual approach, they teach the specific techniques that have made
them successful as professionals, as well as demonstrate with their own images during the course.
Topics of Instruction
In the course of instruction, you will become familiar with the following:
equipment orientation, camera care & maintenance, film selection, camera controls, framing techniques, focusing,
interchangeable lenses, underwater speedlights, close-up accessories, ambient light exposure using light meters,
artificial light exposure using flash, standard lens photography,
macro and close-up photography, wide-angle photography, subject selection, and marine life identification and composition.
On Location
The most important aspect of The Nikon School of Underwater Photography is the chance to apply what is learned in class
immediately.
The spectacular coral reefs and walls of the Cayman Islands provide the perfect laboratory for practicing the techniques taught.
The School has selected the Divi Tiara Beach Resort as its home for 2000 for a number of reasons, including the informal atmosphere,
the fabulous dive sights,
and one of the finest underwater photographic facilities in the world. So when you're not diving or learning underwater photography in the
classroom or the
photo lab, you can enjoy the relaxed ambiance of the open-air dining room or lie in a hammock under a palm tree on a beautiful sandy beach.
Our groups have their own photo boat for the week, allowing for pre-dive instruction. Each class will have the opportunity to photograph the
marine life of Cayman Brac, the spectacular coral drop-offs of the Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman, and the wreck of the Capt.
Tidbits,
a recently scuttled Soviet frigate. An optional night photo dive will also be
available during the week. And all students have the option to make a third boat dive each afternoon, at no additional charge.
Film Processing
You'll be given 10 rolls of Kodak slide film for use during the course. You may also bring additional film, and you are encouraged
to shoot more. E-6 type slide film is recommended, so
it can be processed in the Photo Tiara film lab daily and available for review and projection.
Each morning's photo results will be available for the afternoon review while still fresh in your mind. The recalling of focus or exposure
settings, flash angles, subject selection, and framing will be invaluable as you learn which settings produce the desired results and
what adjustments are required for improvement.
Personal Attention
Classes are limited in size to ensure as much quality time with the instructor as possible.
Individual film critiques are conducted each day after your film is processed.
Equipment Use
The basic course is taught entirely on the use of the popular Nikonos camera system. The Nikonos-V is the most popular underwater
camera in the world, and it has an outstanding reputation for reliable performance, precision exposure control, the world's finest
interchangeable lenses, and easy handling. The system is so well designed that it is the choice of beginning underwater photographers
as well as seasoned professionals. Its universal appeal and versatility are unmatched.
Students in the basic course will be provided with all the Nikonos underwater photographic equipment needed as part of the course.
Nikon School of Underwater Photography is run exclusively by Aquaventure International with
permission from Nikon Inc.
