Tečaj surf fotografije na Baliju

Okej, tole je mogoče že mal smetanca na tortici, ampak liquidmocean ima res fino idejo, za tiste, ki si upajo.

Entry level photographic courses for the would be surf and canyoning photographer

Surf photography is exciting, it’s a raw ‘on the edge of your seat’ style of photography that when done correctly can be used to great effect in the conveyance of the adrenalin of the moment. It is also something that can be fraught with danger. Swimming in an environment where the risks of collision with unskilled surfers, hold downs by big waves, impacts from shore breaks and battling strong currents are an everyday possibility. 

Canyoning is a new sport. Hugely popular in Europe it is fast becoming a widespread and much undertaken activity by young and old alike. Most people believe Bali to be all Sun, Sea, Sand and Nightlife, this is not the case. Turning away from the bright lights and pounding disco music of the southern beaches and heading to the hills of Bali you’ll be enveloped with the true nature of Bali. Pristine mountain gorges, virtually zero evidence of mankind for hours at a time accompanied by the sounds of nature, a true spectacle. Now whilst this may all seem a bit ‘soft’ for some why not add swimming in rapids, jumping from rock precipices, abseiling down waterfalls, some in excess of 50m and generally putting yourself to the test, physically and mentally! Sound better? The imagery from this activity can be as raw as it can be spectacular.

You gotta get down it before you can shoot it!

(uf, če bi znala takole…fotkat, se mislila, ja..)

It seems that the majority of people following liquidmocean are doing so for the Ocean related activities which is cool. To that end the course will err predominantly towards the surf sport photographic learning. If on days when surf waves are scarce we will have back up options of either kite surf imaging or canyoning depending on the majority vote. The last day of the course will however be one set aside for a beginner standard canyon run where you will then be taught a completely new imaging technique. For the most part though in Bali we will be able to find a wave, and don’t forget this is an entry level course. We’re going to be mixing the new experiences for course attendees of Ocean swimming, of being comfortable enough with that to then look at concentrating on photography too. Needless to say we will be eliminating as much as possible any potential risk so whilst a day of relatively small waves may not be the image you have in your mind’s eye of surf photography this is very much an undertaking where you need to learn to walk before you run!

Course Particulars:

Duration: Duration will be four days, three of surf photography and one of canyoning photography. I am currently in discussion with a surf housing manufacturer to provide sponsored housings for the duration of the course.

Inclusive: Airport transfers if required, accommodation with breakfast, daily transport to and from photo shoots, we’re working on the course being sponsored by a surf housing manufacturer and if that’s the case they will be supplying the required housings.

What to bring: If you don’t already have them a pair of Body Boarders fins are required by all students as are protective marine sport helmets. If you don’t wish to bring such items with you then we have a great relationship with a shop here where great deals can be had.

Cameras: This course is for owners, new or other, of either Canon or Nikon DSLR type cameras. The techniques that will be explained will require full access to all controls in manual and creative modes, a limitation of the smaller point and shoot cameras.

Teachings: I will start with a brief introduction to Photography, what it is, the mechanics of it. This will explain the theory of aperture or the f-stop debate, shutter speeds, ISO explanations and the rules of composition. This should only take a short time, maybe an hour or so depending on the questions people may have. The main emphasis of the course will be on water time so once the technique for surf photography is understood we will spend three days with myself as the guide and a couple of local surfers hitting waves and collecting imagery. The plan at the moment is to do one session in the morning, break for lunch and then critique the mornings images. A late afternoon, sunset, session will also be planned for each day as there will also be considerations for camera settings for this type of imaging. The early evening will again be spent checking imagery and discussing possible improvement techniques.

Course Overview:

Students will either arrive for the course on the day before or they will already be in Bali, planning their vacation so that they can attend the course as part of their planned vacation. Airport pickups are included in the price for those who need them.

Day #1 – For the first couple of hours of the day I will be looking to explain the finer aspects of photography from a layman’s point of view. I’m not trying to baffle anyone, just put across as simply as possible the mechanics of the machines you guys and gals have with you. From there we will look at making sure everyone has the right equipment for the course, getting the cameras in the housings and testing them. Safety is a big issue for me, I will also be making sure that everyone attending has the required fins and head protection sufficient for the local conditions. We will then also meet the two local surfers who will be our models. These tasks should allow us the option for our first session on day one to be that of the afternoon session.

Day #2 – Early start. As we are running this course in what is considered to be the off season in Bali we will be predominantly hitting the Serangen reef break. As this is one of the few waves around Bali at that time of year I find it gets too crowded after 10am if conditions are good. For that reason I prefer to be in the water around 6am for two to three hours of photography. We break for lunch, either at one of the local cafe’s on the Serangen Ocean front or closer to Sanur where your accommodation is located, lunch spot decision will be put to and decided on with a show of hands. The afternoon, downloading, review and critique. We will then again prep the gear for a second session in the late afternoon, circa 3.30pm, as the sunsets will be falling in at around 6.20pm. On return to the accommodation we’ll have a second round of critique from the second session and answer any questions if required.

Day #3 – Same as Day #2 above.

Day #4 – Canyoning: Be warned this is an early start, normally around 4.30 to 5am. We will have to get to the village of Ubud to meet our guides and then be driven a further 2.5hrs into Bali’s interior to our start point. Depending on the conditions of the gorge will depend on the activity. All safety equipment will be included in the course fee as will the transport to and from the gorge. You will also have an introduction into canyoning techniques at the beginning of the day so you will be completely comfortable with the demands that will be made of you during this experience. As this also requires a completely different photographic approach we will spend the evening prior to the trip discussing the technique.

Cost: The final cost of the course will be published soon, I will make sure once it is known that all elements of our social media will be updated continually so as to get the most coverage out regarding the course.

If anyone would like particular information or indeed request personalized courses please feel free to contact me at your discretion using the contact form on the Contact Page.

Regards,

Mark

liquidmocean