Digital Underwater Photography Specialty – May Feature Class
Capture the Ocean Like a Pro | Eco Dive Center
Take your diving to the next level with Eco Dive Center’s May Specialty of the Month: Digital Underwater Photography—a hands-on experience designed to help you capture stunning, professional-quality underwater images.
Whether you're using a GoPro or a full camera system, this course will teach you how to shoot sharper, more colorful, and more compelling underwater photos—fast.
Featuring Todd Kortte
Learn directly from Todd Kortte, an experienced underwater photographer and Divemaster with extensive real-world shooting experience.
Todd will lead the classroom session and be onboard during the dive day, offering hands-on guidance, tips, and real-time feedback to help you immediately improve your underwater photography.
Credentials & Experience:
- Active Divemaster with extensive time diving in Southern California
- Specialized in underwater photography and diver coaching
- Experienced in kelp forest diving, low visibility environments, and high particulate conditions
- Skilled in both macro and wide-angle photography, including marine life behavior shots
- Strong background in underwater camera systems, housings, strobes, and lighting techniques
- Known for translating complex photography concepts into simple, practical techniques divers can apply immediately
Important:
Todd will lead the classroom and support the dive day, but all in-water training and certification will be conducted by a certified Eco Dive Center instructor.
Course Options (Choose Your Experience)
We’re offering two streamlined options:
1. Classroom Only – Learn from the Pro
- Date: May 9
- Classroom session led by Todd Kortte
- Perfect for divers who want to improve their photography skills without committing to certification
- Focus on lighting, composition, camera settings, and real-world techniques
2. Full Course + Certification + Boat Ticket
- Includes: Classroom (May 9) + Ocean Training Dives (May 10)
- Boat diving aboard the Pacific Star Dive Boat
- Rental gear included
- Tanks and air included
- Earn your Digital Underwater Photography Specialty Certification
- Choose your certification agency: SDI or PADI
- In-water training and certification completed by an Eco Dive Center instructor
- Todd will be onboard providing additional photography guidance and support
What You’ll Learn
Core Photography Skills
- Understanding underwater light and color loss
- Using strobes vs. video lights effectively
- Avoiding backscatter
- Color correction and depth-based adjustments
- Camera settings for crisp, vibrant images
Composition and Technique
- Framing subjects and building strong shots
- Shooting macro and wide-angle scenes
- Working with marine life safely
- Capturing motion and behavior
Equipment and Workflow
- Camera types and underwater housings
- Proper handling and care of gear
- Preventing floods and equipment issues
- Downloading, editing, and improving your photos
In-Water Training (Full Course Option)
During your ocean dives, you’ll:
- Practice underwater shooting in real conditions
- Use natural and artificial lighting
- Photograph a variety of marine life
- Receive personalized feedback from both your instructor and Todd
Who This Course Is For
- Certified divers looking to upgrade their dives
- Anyone interested in underwater photography or content creation
- Divers who want to capture and share their experiences
Prerequisites:
- Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
- Minimum age: 10 (with parental consent)
Why Take This Course?
Underwater photography changes how you dive—you’ll start seeing the ocean differently.
- Capture unforgettable moments
- Improve buoyancy and awareness
- Learn a skill that enhances every dive
- Earn a specialty certification toward advanced ratings
Schedule
May 9 – Classroom with Todd Kortte
May 10 – Boat Diving (Full Course Option)
Spots are limited. Reserve your place and start capturing the underwater world like never before.
