Underwater Digital Imaging Diver (UDID)
Upgrade from image capture to image artistry
Sharing an amazing underwater experience falls flat when you return to the surface to discover the beautiful creature you witnessed transformed to an amorphous blob on the screen. The best camera you own is the one you have with you so our Underwater Digital Imaging Diver (UDID) course is designed to maximize the results with the camera you own because everything from Sealife cameras to iPhones, Go Pros & Instas can capture stunning images & video with just a few small enhancements to your technique.
Who captured that great image? UDID
Required Gear Notice: Please read the "Do I have to buy all the gear?" FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Availability: In Stock
What to expect
during your class
Underwater Digital Imaging Diver
Prerequisites
- 15 years old (10 years old for Junior Certification)
- Scuba certification. We could teach you the same techniques without the certification but you’re going to be holding your breath for a really long time.
- Acceptable medical questionnaire (physician approval may be required based on responses)
- Dive Gear & Camera (see FAQ for additional details)
E-Learning
Utilizing NAUI's e-learning system, informative videos, section quizzes & detailed information gives you the basics.
- Completed at your own pace, designed by NAUI.
- Includes digital certification card available in the NAUI app.
- Make some popcorn, its not required, but popcorn is good.
Classroom Discussion
A single day class discussion reviewing e-learning with practical examples of how to dramatically improve your photographs (above and below the surface) by fully understanding WHY you like some photographs and not others.
- Photographic & video concepts like depth of field, rule of thirds, balancing an image, leading lines & symmetry
- Diving etiquette and awareness (don’t hog the space, don’t harass the wildlife/subject, personal depth/ndl/psi)
- Operation of diver’s choice of camera system and processing
- Color grading and lighting
Practical Application Quarry Dive
Jump in the water armed & ready to shoot loaded with the knowledge & ready to improve your photo & video game applying the concepts covered in the course.
- Single Day of diving
- Dive following students of one of our scheduled classes capturing video & photographs
- Practice maintaining buoyancy while overcoming the task loading nature of photography
Image Review Session
Following the dives, spend a few days picking your favorite image & applying post production techniques to your favorite photo or video. Return to the classroom and submit your finished product to the class for constructive feedback.
- Color correct, crop & prepare your favorite image or video & submit to the class
- In-person review & critique by your fellow students & instructor(s) of submitted Images and video
- Receive tips and suggestions to continue improving every image beyond the confines of the course
FAQ
- Do I have to buy all the gear?
- For diving, we will provide you with a rental tank & weights as part of the course.
- Students are to furnish their choice of camera and software, we will teach you how to best utilize what you already have. If you don’t already have a camera we can suggest some options.
- GoPro Camera systems are relatively inexpensive options as are Insta360 cameras.
- We also have Divevolk housings for smartphones. This is the ONLY underwater housing that allows you to not only use the native camera application on your phone but also gives you full access to the touch screen. If you are not familiar with it, check it out here.
- While we cannot furnish you with a camera for class, we do have a collection of options to allow you to possibly try something you are considering purchasing.
- Do I have to buy a DSLR camera & housing?
- No, if you rock any brand of UW compatible action camera, we will show you how to make the most of it.
- If your camera is your iPhone inside a Divevolk housing, we will show you how to make the best of it.
- The best camera you own is the camera you have with you, the goal of this class is to teach techniques to make your GoPro function as if Andy Cassagrande was holding it (if you dont know him, he’s the guy on Shark Week you scream at to get back int he cage).
- Do I have to purchase "insert expensive editing software name here"?
- Not exactly. While most smart phones have great ability to edit photographs in post, there are some limitations on color correction as it applies to underwater photography. We ask that you purchase a recommended post editing software to make the most of the class. This does NOT mean you have to run out and get the latest Adobe creative suite license.
- If you have questions ask us. If you are unsure of which app to buy, then don’t. Take the class and get introduced to some options and then make your choice.
- Can I take this class with a film camera?
- Yes. Call Doc Brown, have him pick you up in the Delorean, make sure you hit 88 mph on the way to the dive shop…. If you didn’t get that reference the odds are you don’t own a film camera anyway…
- While film cameras can occasionally be cool for vintage targeted projects, this course is focused on utilizing modern digital imaging underwater.
- So no matter what camera I have you will teach me how to use it?
- No, we are not the genius bar and do not have the ability to teaching you the specific workings of every camera ever made.
- We have extensive experience with DSLR, Go Pro, Insta360, smartphones, SeaLife and others but it is important you read the manual for your particular camera and know how to turn it on.
- This course is about taking better photos and videos as a concept, not a “How To” for your Kodak DC20 from 30 years ago.
- Could class dates change?
- Of course. While rare, public class dates are subject to change. A minimum number of students is required for the class to be conducted & sometimes instructors get sick (yes, we are not invincible) or the pool facility needs unplanned maintenance. If a class is cancelled you will be notified & rescheduled into the next available public class.
- If you have certain deadlines or needs, please consider our Bespoke SCUBA Class to obtain a schedule built around your needs.
- Can this class be modified around my schedule?
- Sure, why the hell not. We will just tell the other students that your schedule is our highest priority [do you hear the sarcasm?]. No, these are public classes with set schedules, however, if you do need an experience that matches your schedule, please explore our Bespoke Scuba Class Upgrade option.
Medical Questionnaire
All training agencies require every student to complete a medical questionnaire prior to any in water training.
We teach scuba, we are not doctors, so we cannot answer questions on specific medical conditions or questions. This universal questionnaire will determine if you must obtain physician approval prior to scuba diving.
Please answer it honestly, it is for your safety.
You may complete this form prior to signing up for class to determine if physician approval is required.
Read the instructions on the form. Your self reported answers will determine if a physician's approval is required prior to diving. Once we receive the notification of your completed waiver, we will contact you if a physicians approval is required.
We are NOT PERMITTED by the training agency to allow any in-water training without physician's approval if such approval is required. We encourage you to complete this form as early as possible to ensure adequate time is available should you need to obtain approval.
- What if I ignore your advice & wait till the last minute to complete this form?
- Please don't. Physician approval, if required, is due by 5pm the Wednesday prior to your first in water training session. Completing the form last minute & then not having adequate time to get to your doctor for approval is like leaving that term paper unfinished until the night before it was due & then your computer died. Your high school English teacher didn't accept that excuse & neither will we. We will move you to our next scheduled class according to our reschedule/cancellation policy. Please help us by doing your homework.
Reschedule/Cancellation Policy
Life happens, we get it & we want to find a way to get you diving.
- Your schedule changed
- Ours does too sometimes. We get it. You may reschedule to an alternate class anytime without an additional charge 14 days prior to the start of the class. Within 14 days, there is a $35 fee to reschedule.
- You need to cancel
- You changed your mind, doctor doesn't think it's a good idea, whatever. It's ok. You may cancel any course (in writing please) for a full refund 14 days prior to the start of the course (this is why we advise you do that questionnaire early). Please understand that space is limited in our courses, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations within 14 days of the original course start.
- Please note: codes issued from the training agencies cannot be refunded once you have begun the e-learning regardless of when you cancel. If you begin the e-learning any refund will be less the cost of the e-learning.
- Somebody got sick
- We get sick sometimes too. No problem. If you wake up with the plague we prefer you do not come to scuba class. A big part of the education is teaching you how to take the thing in our mouth and put it in your mouth if there is an emergency & we don't want the plague. We will work with you to move you to a future class at no charge. We do, however, reserve the right to assess a charge if we find this policy is being abused. Please don't do that.
- You ignore safety instructions
- Safety is our paramount concern. Your safety, other students' safety & our staff's safety. You are required to follow established safety requirements & follow the instructions of our staff. Violations of safety procedures may result in removal from class without a refund. Just don't do it.
- You ignored requirements
- Come on, really? Showing up for scuba class without a swim suit does not entitle you to a free reschedule. We honestly can't believe we have to type this but yes, it happened.
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