Underwater photography is a learned skill. So, you might as well learn from the best, an excellent photographer that is also an excellent teacher. Your instructor, Marty Snyderman, is that person.

When taking classes from Marty, you will receive one-on-one instruction as you review your images, discuss ways to improve your underwater photography, refine the techniques you are using, and learn new techniques, concepts, and skills that will help you create the photographs you want to make. The sessions center around techniques and are not tied to any particular make, model, or type of camera or camera system that can be used to make still photographs underwater.

Sharing a session with Marty is also a great way to re-fresh your photography skills before your next diving vacation. If you only get to dive a few times a year, during your next trip you are likely to spend a few days relearning and refreshing your skills. A session or two with Marty before your trip can turn the frustration and lost time from having to relearn into fun dives and pleasing photographs.

How It All Works

The one-on-one program is completely customizable to your knowledge, skill level, and personal goals. Marty will use Zoom software to work with you. He has licensed a version of the software that enables the two of you to keep the sessions private. 

During each session, Marty will share his expertise and help you gain a better understanding of various factors involved in underwater photography, and he will suggest techniques for you to employ that can help you improve your underwater photography.  Each session can be up to 60 minutes long. The cost for a session is  $65.00 U.S. Any additional time that you will not be not charged for is provided at Marty’s discretion or through the purchase of another session.

As long as you set up your computer so that you can use the computer’s built-in (aka internal) microphone, you and Marty will be able to talk with each other. By sharing desktops, Marty will be able to see your images, so he can specifically reference them, and by sharing his desktop, Marty can share example images and numerous instructional concepts.

In most instances, getting onto Zoom is surprisingly easy. However, occasionally there are those little cyber demons that complicate things. Marty will probably be able to coach you through any interface problems within a few minutes. And please, don’t worry, the 60-minute clock won’t start until the two of you are connected, you have the ability to speak with Marty, and Marty can share your desktop. As the “host”, Marty controls the sharing process. 

Topics We Might Cover

The following is a partial list of topics and techniques that we might cover:

• • How a camera works
  • Exposure fundamentals 
  • How to consistently acquire good exposures
  • How to set up and use your light meter
  • How to get the most out of a strobe
  • Your histogram: Your new best friend in the digital world
  • Making the right exposure related adjustments
  • Things to do before your dive
  • Natural light photographs that reveal color and detail
  • Shooting silhouettes
  • How a strobe works and what a strobe can do for you
  • How to photograph fishes and other small creatures
  • Coordinating sunlight and strobe light
  • Photographing Mr. Big
  • Handling your images after your dive
  • Underwater photography: The big picture