First Visions Summer Series is a success

The first in a series of Visions in the Sea Summer events was held over a sunny weekend in May at Capernwray where 18 underwater photographers practiced their wreck photography techniques.

Under the expert guidance of Charles Hood (with Frogfish Photography’s own Nick Robertson-Brown) small groups of divers got the chance to get tuition and advice on underwater photography techniques
Charles Hood also braved the cool waters to show off some of the techniques he uses to get the best shots. He, and the group, focused on the new airplane sunk recently by Capernwray, the VW Beetle, helicopter and some of the many other artefacts that is the underwater playground. Each participant also acted as a model for the other photographers to enhance the images.

Charles Hood said “The Visions wreck weekend took the majority of the underwater photographers present out of their comfort zone and introduced them to new ideas, concepts and techniques. From an instructors point of view I thought all the participants made a great deal of progress in the two days, from initially taking snap shots on the first dive, to by the end of the course producing highly credible images. Personally I set myself a challenge to capture a new technique and with the dedicated support from Orca divers we managed to create a very reasonable attempt.”

Due to the generous sponsorship from Mares and Fourth Element (who covered the entrance fees for both days) each participant only paid £30 for the whole weekend, with morning briefings, two dives per day, a one-to-one review over lunch and an evening beer and chat.

Charlie also judged the two best photos to come out of the weekend. The winner (Elaine White with her shot of the Cessna and diver) and runner up (Dave Skinner with a shot of a diver at the helicopter) each receive a Mares polo top and baseball hat and will be entered into the finals of the Visions in the Sea Summer series competition in October.

The next event is the Seals of the Farne Islands with Paul “Duxy” Duxfield from Cameras Underwater at the end of June. This will be a weekend of boat diving with Farne Island Divers where divers can practice wildlife photography techniques with Duxy and the Farne Island seals.