Learn vital skills for shooting under the waves. A hand-selected team personally trained by renowned UNDERWATER photographer Fiona Ayerst will guide you through these essentials at one of the world’s top ten dive sites – Aliwal Shoal.
Acquire the knowledge and practical skills required to master the art of underwater photography and videography while exploring the incredible diversity of the stunning coral reefs of the warm Indian Ocean. The course uses dSLR cameras in Sea&Sea housings; DSLR and panasonic video and GoPros together with exceptional LED lighting and accessories.
Developed by internationally acclaimed underwater photographer, journalist and conservationist Fiona Ayerst, this course will empower students to see and explore the underwater realm in a totally new and intimate manner. We focus on becoming part of the marine world; using specialised breathing techniques and capitalising on the natural curiosity of the marine inhabitants. Fiona’s team will teach you how to capture the perfectly exposed and composed images and film. Creativity and new techniques are key.
INCLUDES: 18 SCUBA dive package, underwater cameras, online and in person tuition, dorm accommodation, meals, local transport, internet
What do I get out of the program?
The underwater photography and video program is aimed at assisting in the development of students who are interested advancing their underwater photographic and video ability to a professional level whilst enjoying some of the most incredible SCUBA diving that Africa has to offer. Interns will be able to walk away with a professional level portfolio that will showcase their ability to photograph and film the marine world.
What does the course fee include and exclude?
What does the course fee include?
Accommodation, 3 meals per day, expert instruction in underwater photography, use of high quality cameras/housings/lights, 18 dives/snorkels, use of SCUBA equipment, all air fills, transportation to/from Durban Airport, internet.
What does the course fee exclude?
Additional recreational dives, any SCUBA certification you need or wish to pursue, Nitrox, laundry service, tourism excursions, extra food and beverages, alcoholic beverages, international and domestic flights, tips for dive staff.
If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask $30 USD/day to cover additional accommodation. Food is not included on additional days.
Can I cancel once my place is confirmed?
Due to the number of applications received and limited places, we unfortunately do not accept all applying students. Therefore, we do not welcome cancellations or date changes after the final confirmation has been completed. Please make sure that the dates you indicate in your application form suit your own schedule/budget before applying.
We request that a non-refundable $750 USD deposit is paid within 14 days of being accepted into the program as confirmation. The remaining fee must be paid in full 30 days prior to arrival in South Africa.
Am I eligible?
This course is open to all qualified SCUBA divers and those wanting to learn. For non-qualified divers, you must gain a minimum open-water dive qualification prior to arrival. Alternatively, you can arrive on program two weeks prior to gain qualification and practice in SCUBA diving.
I am not SCUBA certified - can I still come?
This program requires that you are SCUBA qualified and have some experience SCUBA diving.
If you are not yet qualified, you can join the program and arrive 2 weeks prior to the beginning to get Open Water qualified and participate in 10 recreational dives for experience. This additional training, meals, and accommodation costs $1600. If unable to attend for two additional weeks, we can consider a 1-week training package for $1000 that includes Open Water qualification, 5 recreational dives, meals, and accommodation.
What is the schedule?
As a student, your routine will include diving and photographing on most days, being tutored in photo techniques and free diving, and processing and editing your photos. A sample syllabus is provided here as a guideline. However, please note that the actual schedule may vary based on several factors.
In general, the month will follow a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off per week. Again, this may vary, particularly based on the weather and dive conditions.
Fiona and her handpicked team are passionate about conservation and any projects that are available to work on practically, we will certainly be doing so.
How long is the course?
The course lasts 1 month beginning on the 1st (arrival day) and ending on the 28th (departure day) of each month. If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask for additional fees for extra accommodation. Food is not included on additional days
What months does the course run?
We run most months from March to November, However, we need to receive a minimum of three students into a monthly program to be operational. When you connect with me, we will let you know which months we are running.
- 1 – 28 March
- 1 – 28 April
- 1- 28 May
- 1 – 28 June
- 1 – 28 July
- 1 – 28 August
- 1 – 28 September
- 1 – 28 October
- 1 – 28 November
Who owns the media I collect?
All media collected by you will belong to you. However, the following licensing conditions on collected materials is required:
- Africa Media retains total right to use the media for any non-exclusive purpose whatsoever free of charge and without requiring permission or paying compensation to the student (including the sale of footage and photos). This further means that the student may only license any collected footage for non-exclusive rights to a third party.
- For filmmaking students and videography students, Africa Media will be recognized as the ‘executive producer’ on your final film.
Do I require a work / volunteer VISA?
No. You will not be employed by Africa Media nor paid. On this course, you are entitled to enter on a temporary visitor’s permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry to South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact. If your application period is for a period longer than three months, or if you plan to travel in South Africa prior to or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a volunteer VISA application through your home embassy.
Do I need my own photographic equipment?
All dive gear and photographic gear is supplied as part of the course. However, in terms of underwater photographic gear, soft diving gear, and underwater housings, participants can bring their own gear if desired. A minimum standard of photographic gear required is a DSLR or quality mirrorless system with two strobes. You would also be required to have a wide angle and a macro lens and the relevant ports.
In terms of photo processing, you must bring your own laptop to complete editing and slideshow development. This should have at least 4GB RAM and be pre-loaded with Adobe Lightroom Classic (required) and Adobe Photoshop (recommended).
What equipment will I have access to?
All photography and scuba equipment is supplied during the course. This includes the following:
- 8 x Underwater DSLR photographic kits with strobes (both Canon and Nikon)
- 2 x Prosumer type cameras with housings and a strobe
- Go Pros
- Full scuba kits including a full range of wetsuit sizes
Where will I be staying?
You will stay in Scottburgh, South Africa, at the famed shark diving company – Blue Wilderness. Diving will be in Aliwal Shoal off the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.
What information do I need to make my travel arrangements?
Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.
You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
What are the arrival and departure dates?
Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.
You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
Do I need travel / medical insurance?
Yes. When you are accepted into this program, you agree to our liability and copyright documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and health insurances. You may apply for a normal travel insurance policy. Chances that you will be injured by a predator are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be working on a boat in conditions which can, on occasions, be less than comfortable. Accidents may occur, so it is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your entire stay in South Africa. SCUBA divers also need to be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN). to be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN).
What do I need to bring?
Packing list
If you are getting ready to pack, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing.
Clothing
- Beach and lounging – Bring what you are comfortable in, but ensure that you have at least one warm tracksuit type outfit, a good sun hat with a wide brim, and a warm hat/beanie. Gloves can be helpful for early mornings. The tracksuit or similar is for lounging around in during the evenings, which will get colder than the day.
- Please bring a beach towel and a minimum of one bath towel, but preferably two. Please bring one towel to work with your camera on.
- Social clothes – Scottburgh is a small town so social clothing should reflect a casual non-formal style.
- A swimming costume or two.
- Your own wetsuit and mask is always more comfortable and could be more hygienic, but not a necessity as gear hire is included in the course price.
Electronic gear
- Minimum of 1TB storage hard drive
- Laptop
- Your own camera if you want to do any land based photos. We often have fun with star trails and the moon, and some students like to photograph at the game reserves in the area.
- A GoPro if you have one (not necessary to buy but bring if you have one)
You are actually welcome to bring any personal videography or photographic equipment; however, this is totally optional as all underwater equipment that you will need is supplied.
Editing programs
- Adobe Lightroom Classic (required)
- Adobe Photoshop (recommended)
Miscellaneous
- Toiletries & strong sunscreen (There are also plenty of shops to purchase from.)
- Prescription medication
- Passport & photocopy of passport
- Bank cards (Inform your bank of your travels.)
- Spare cash (rands)
- Phone & cables
- Sunglasses
Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.
do I need extra money?
We offer optional weekend trips/activities for all students and interns. These activities cover a wide range of interests, and costs vary. Cash is required for these bookings. You may bring rands with you, but there are also ATMs nearby. Please note you do not have to go on ANY of these extra trips. This is simply for your information should you wish to participate.
Do I need malaria medication?
No, we are far from malaria areas, and there are no strange African diseases which you could pick up (that is if you respect the same safety rules as anywhere else in the world).
Dive sites of Aliwal Shoal
During your time at Scottburgh, accommodation, meals and diving facilities are provided by our partner company – Blue Wilderness Shark Adventures. Learn more about Blue Wilderness here Our students and staff are housed in the Blue Wilderness Shark Centre, that includes a number of dorms and shared rooms. The shark centre looks out over the sea and is a safe haven to relax in after a day of learning and fun out at sea.
The Blue Wilderness Shark Centre is two blocks from the edge of the ocean. The centre offers free tea and coffee for post-dive relaxing and has comfy seats and hot showers to make your relaxation time more enjoyable. The shark centre offers a full range of gear. Cylinders, BCDs, regulators, weight belts, masks, fins and wetsuits are available for our students. the centre uses 2x8m rubber ducks for diving expeditions. There is also a compressor on site to fill cylinders.
Shark drift dive
The ‘Shark Drift Dive’ at Aliwal Shoal is one of the most famous and exciting dives in Southern Africa. The dive is a baited dive with a small chum drum that hangs approximately 6m from the surface. Divers drift along using the chum drum as a reference points. Attracted to the smell is a resident population of between 10 and 30 Oceanic back tip sharks. For shark photography, this dive is absolutely a sharky paradise.
Shark freedive
Alwial’s famous blacktip sharks offer free-divers and snorkelers and incredible opportunity to dive with them without being encumbered with SCUBA tanks. Over a course of 1 hour, students can drift down current surrounded by upwards of 20 oceanic blacktip sharks. An incredible opportunity to master photographing and filming on breath hold.
Raggies Cave
Raggies Cave, one of the most popular dive sites on Aliwal Shoal, boasts numerous species of fish, coral and sponge encrusted rocks in the area make for interesting critter viewing including various nudibranchs, eels, stonefish and much more. The main attraction, of course, is its namesake, the ragged tooth shark (grey nurse shark) hordes of which visit the reef and hang in the cave and surrounds during the mating season from late May to November. Maximum depth 18m.
Chunnel Cave
Chunnel Cave is the ideal dive site for Open Water Divers that want to experience sharks, turtles, rays and much more. The name comes from the formation in the reef of a large opening on either end forming a cylindrical swim through of around 10m in length, with a bit of a dogleg to the right. To the left of where the cave’s right-hand junction is, there’s a small cavern offering shelter to smaller plankton-feeding fish, such as pineapple fish. Maximum depth 14m.
Nebo Wreck
The Nebo Wreck, having sunk in 1884 sits at a depth of 27m. She turned over and sank in heavy seas with her cargo of railway materials on the 20 May 1884 and is now a national monument. This wooden wreck is fairly intact, having broken into two parts and is an interesting dive especially the swim through at the propeller. On this wreck kingfish, salmon and tropical fish can be sighted. It is one of the few places on Aliwal Shoal where you can lose sight of your buddy because of the amount of small fish in the water. The reason for the wreckage has two rumours: The first being that on her Maiden Voyage from Durban to Sunderland she hit the pinnacles. The second rumour is that she was carrying a heavy load of bridge materials which was incorrectly packed. A rogue wave hit her in rough seas, subsequently pushing her over causing her to overturn and sink.
While the Nebo Wreck sits at 27m your average dive profile is around 17-19m. The wooden sleepers she was carrying can still be seen and they make a home for Natal catfish, harlequin goldies, scorpion fish, rays and much more. While diving, look up every now and then as you may see hammerheads passing or a bull shark chasing down a ray. The dive requires an Advanced Open Water Diver qualification.
Park Rynie Rock Pool
On the program, a number of our training Dives and snorkels will be carried out in a huge natural rock pool located adjacent to the Scottburgh shore. The rock pool offers students the opportunity to master Marco photographic techniques and control over the cameras in a calm and controlled environment.
Northern Pinnicles
Northern Pinnacles is best for honeycomb morays and rays, shoals of reef fish and juvenile fish. This dive is on the northeastern end of the shoal, formed by a spine of rock formations that rise up from the sea bed comprising a series of gullies, caves and potholes. Look out for some of the well-camouflaged critters, including leaf fish, eels, paper fish and a school of resident batfish. This is also a good spot to see mantas during the season. This is a shallow reef, which was responsible for the sinking of the MV Produce in 1974 and is attributed to having had a hand in sinking the SS Nebo in 1884. Maximum depth 18m.
Cathedral
Cathedral is one of the most popular dive sites on Aliwal Shoal, known for being a haven for ragged-tooth sharks during the mating season. It’s a large amphitheatre structure with entrance either via the large front archway, through the roof or a swim through. A visually stunning rock formation leads to a crater-like centre forming an enclosed area that shelters divers from the currents and surges. Also look out for various other attractions such as cuttlefish, moray eels and schools of red soldierfish. Maximum depth 27m.
South Sands
South Sands offers great opportunities for spotting large groups of rays and dolphins, which enjoy playing in the openness of this site. It is a large sand patch with fragmented patches of coral reef, great for finding shark teeth. Look up and out into the blue for passing schools of game fish, and other large fish and white-tip reef sharks or even the occasional hammerhead shark. Look in the small ledges on the outskirts for crayfish and natal sea catfish and many colourful nudibranchs. South Sands is also the ideal location to start your drift dive from south of the reef, ending off at North Pinnacles getting yourself acquainted with multiple sites on a single dive. Maximum depth 17m.
MV Produce
The MV Produce is a wreck. It was a Norwegian bulk ship carrying molasses that sank on 11 August 1974 after colliding with the Aliwal Shoal. No lives were lost as local commercial fisherman rescued all the sailors. The true heroes of that day were Tony Janssen, Clive Homes, Piet De Jager and Ross Hitchins. The story goes that the Captain was “napping” at the time of the collision. These four heroes were among the first on the scene along with the SAS Oranjeland (saving 14 crew members) & a South African Airforce Helicopter (saving 3). Our heroes managed to save 17 crew members within 4 hours, about the same time it took for the MV Produce to sink. None of the crew members suffered any injury other than a mild case of shock.
The wreck has started to break up in the last few years and penetration dives are not advised. She is 119m long and lies on her starboard side at about 32m deep. Diving the MV Produce isn’t always entirely possible should the visibility be bad or if the currents are flying. It is also not a site for Open Water qualified divers. The Produce is home to the mighty brindle bass, harlequin goldies, lionfish, salmon and kingfish as well as an abundance of other colourful tropical fish.
DAY 1-5 (Estimated)
Orientation – arrival and welcome. A day spent ensuring all paperwork is completed, living arrangements established and a familiarity tour of the local town/area. Technical tricks are scattered throughout. Each day is full of the practical application of techniques.
Equipment and maintenance – A day spent learning about equipment, how to construct it, maintain it, when and where and how it is used. How to protect your equipment from flooding and saltwater and how to store it when you’re not using it, are popular topics.
Introduction SCUBA Dives – First SCUBA dive(s)without cameras, used to introduce the marine life you will encounter, and also to practice essential SCUBA diving skills necessary to be a successful photographer (buoyancy control, breathing). A brief theory session to ensure students understood the e-learning and online lectures relating to using a camera underwater.
Pool/rock pool macro photography – a day spent setting up and then using your cameras in a rock pool/pool environment (conditions permitting). Essential section to familiarise yourself with controls, camera setup and how to work with a large camera to photograph macro subjects.
Monkeyland KZN – Expedition to Monkeyland KZN to use DSLR cameras above water and master settings and shooting on manual control. Afternoon download content and begin working with Lightroom functions
DAY 6-10 (Estimated)
Macro SCUBA dives – Double tank SCUBA dives focusing on macro subjects using flat port photographic techniques. Focus on locating subjects, placing strobes, buoyancy control. Download photos and critique sessions with staff. This happens after most dives and is a time when intense learning and discussion between students and students and teachers takes place. A very powerful learning curve develops.
Macro SCUBA dives – Double tank SCUBA dives focusing on macro subjects using flat port photographic techniques. Working on moving those important focus points around and working with metering modes.
Free-diving course – Free-diving is an essential skill for a successful underwater photographer to master. Africa Media introduces you to this skill with a free course to get you on the right track and to introduce you to this exciting and adventurous past-time. Begin with land-based theoretical learning of free-diving techniques. Afternoon lectures and theoretical presentations.
Free-diving – Pool session in free diving techniques. Including timed events in static apnea, practical training in duck diving technique, and practical in dynamic apnea.
Professional camera dives – Double tank SCUBA dives focusing on macro subjects using flat port photographic techniques. Focus on black and blue water backgrounds. Advanced shooters will learn super-macro techniques. Critique sessions with staff.
DAY 11-15 (Estimated)
Shark Snorkel – Morning post-photographic editing and presentation on wide-angle photography followed by a wide-angle free diving expedition, photographing oceanic blacktip sharks on snorkel. .
Model Day – Another shark snorkel followed by single tank dive. During both activities today we will be focussing on working with each other and creating powerful ‘two shots’ with an animal subject and a human together.
Editing – Each day you will be given time, after your crit session, for post-processing. Staff will take you through the essentials of the Adobe products we use on the program, both Lightroom and Photoshop. On this day you’ll do an underwater fashion shoot in a deep pool, using accessories to maximize the look and learn how to take instruction from potential clients to ensure you deliver what they are expecting.
Rock pool expedition and picnic – Work on a chosen shot you want to re-create. Plan the shot and work out how to re-create the look and then the group will assist each other in the rock pools, with extra lighting and other accessories. It goes without saying by now, on each day of shooting there’s a crit session and post-processing time.
Wide Angle Dives – Double tank SCUBA dives looking at wide angles of sharks, turtles, potato bass and seascapes. Particular focus on obtaining that perfectly balanced exposure, and on techniques for interaction with all these species.
DAY 16-20 (Estimated)
Professional camera dives – Double tank dives using underwater camera setup with the mode of your choice, macro or wide-angle. You’ll be ready to look at some more intermediate skills such as, panning or zooming with rear-curtain flash. Macro lovers will see how to get the most bokeh out of the reef.
Professional camera dives – Two dives that focus on collecting marine wildlife content to complete your ‘critter’ presentation. This is something you will start working on from the beginning dives. Finding a marine creature, then learning more about it and observing its behavior. In doing so, we want to see how your understanding of how to shoot it best evolves.
Wreck dive and dusk sharks If conditions allow we will do a wreck dive first, after learning how best to shoot wrecks, and then we’ll do a late afternoon shark trip and see if we can capture some dramatic sunset shots with sharks, over-under style.
SCUBA with sharks – A final SCUBA shark dive to say goodbye to the friendly black-tips/ and or Raggies and to collect any shots that you still want.
Career development & Portfolio – Morning to be spent on career development for aspiring underwater photographers including the development of a professional network, freelancer work and career opportunities. Finalise post-processing and export a slide show, prior to a farewell dinner and an evening showing of your work.
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Program fees
USD 3900 – 4 Weeks sharing
USD4400 – 4 Weeks single
Get Started
I founded this program to inspire and mentor a new generation of wildlife filmmakers. Connect with me to secure your place or learn more about the program.
