Date: 22-29 November 2015

Your subjects: Some of the most exciting tropical critters side by side with some great wide angle scenery and action scenarios.

Group size: limited to 8 participants max
(4 minimum)

Cost: AUD 2575.00/person twin share

Season: November is the best month for visibility and accessibility of dive sites in Milne Bay.

The Destination:
Milne Bay is the “cradle” of pioneer tropical underwater photography. Big names like Bob Halstead, Franco Banfi, David Doubilet have captured award winning images here in a time when Portable E6 processing was state of the art. First images in the diving world of many “muck-diving” icons like Rhinopius Arphanes or Flamboyant Cuttle Fish have been taken in Milne Bay.

The Activities:
In November 2015 Stuart Ireland leads a small group of interested underwater photographers in those waters. The aim will be to capture some of those spectacular images and to optimise the shooting results and techniques. The training will encompass theoretical principles of digital underwater photography as well as practical application in this amazing underwater paradise. With the small group size the training will be delivered in a personal way which takes into account the participants prior experience as well as the equipment used. Suitable for SLR and high end compact users.

The Resort:
Tawali Resort is a luxurious resort in the Milne Bay, accessible through Alotau. The resort is ideal land base to explore Milne Bay diving. Some of the very best dive sites are just a few minutes away from the resort. The main building and the bungalows are connected by an undercover boardwalk which runs all the way through to the dive shed and a small beach. The resort also features a swimming pool and poolside bar where guests can relax and unwind after a busy day of diving.
Perched on the edge of the cliff is the big verandah with spectacular views out to the ocean.The restaurant serves a lavish mix of local seafood, vegetables and real tropical fruits.

Your guide and Photopro: Stuart Ireland
Your picture, our passion. Stuart established Calypso Productions in Cairns in 1996 and has become the leader in underwater event photography. During these 18 years he has trained over 100 new photographers, capturing the day of tourists on the Great Barrier Reef. During the past 4 years an underwater and entry level photography course designed specifically for amateur photographers has been extremely popular. He has international awards from Antibes and other highly esteemed competitions.
As a professional filmmaker, photographer and marine biologist, Stuart shares his image making knowledge and passion for the marine world. Having dived extensively around the world in many varied environs, Stuart has particular interest in the marine biodiversity of Papua New Guinea.
INCLUDED: 7 nights deluxe room twin share with oceanview and balcony, all meals at resort, return airport transfers from/to Gurney/Alotau, up to 18 boat dives and unlimited shore diving on the house reef, tanks, weights, boat, dive guide, reef & chamber fees and fuel surcharges, 6 day photo workshop** by Stuart Ireland

Optional extras payable locally:
Nitrox fills (per week) 100.00 AUD
Full set of dive gear rental incl. computer (per day) 70.00 AUD
Full set of dive gear rental without computer (per day) 55.00 AUD
NOTE: All local purchases attract 10% GST!

NOT INCLUDED: airfares, travel insurance, items of personal nature. For bookings and further information please contact DIVERSION DIVE TRAVEL: dirk@diversiondivetravel.com.au

** Photo Workshop outline:
Teaching will take the form of 6 modules ( Show me the Light / It’s all about Composition / Mindset of Photographer / Gear Lust / Up Close and Personal / Developing images in Lightroom ). This will be delivered informally around a computer, scheduled around diving / eating / sleeping.
Practical/ Over the Shoulder. This will be casual one-on one tuition on vessel before/ after dives, and underwater.
Critiquing on Computer. Once again, informal gatherings around computer, looking at daily photos, and suggestions to improve results. A workshop handbook will be issued during trip, which highlights main areas of study.