From Basics to Brilliance: Underwater Macro Photo and Video with TG-6 & TG-7
Simplified Learning
I cut through the technical jargon, making it easy for you to understand and apply.
Practical Skills
The course focuses on the practical skills, above and below the surface.
Expert Guidance
20+ years professional uw camera operator, facilitator and educator.
Simplify using your camera and ignite creativity
Do I need previous photography experience?
What equipment do I need?
Why focus on macro and not wide angle?
How small is macro?
When does this course start?
WHAT YOU WILL GET!
- A fast way to learn - what to get - what to do.
- A simple framework to follow for developing camera skills.
- 3 hrs of engaging video tutorials above & below the surface
- Clear actionable steps with examples for how to capture vibrant photos and engaging videos.
- The recipe with examples for shooting short stories and edit.
ANSWERING
Who this course is for?
Many of you may feel satisfied with okay photos, thinking that you'll never achieve much better. However, your potential is far beyond what you imagine. By implementing the knowledge and practicing the skills taught in this course - you can leave frustration behind, ignite creativity and increase your level of fun.
You...
- Have the TG-6 or 7 or consider buying one.
- Want to start taking photos OR you are but can often feel frustrated with your results
- Want to improve skills and have a faster learning curve.
- Have a creative soul and like to use the camera to connect with the world you explore.
However...
- You doubt whether this is for you because you don't event take photos (apart from your mobile phone) above water.
- Or, you think: "You are not a good enough diver to take a camera on a dive."
- You feel a bit frustrated, you have spend a lot of time and effort without great results.
- You would love to speed up your progression instead of having to figure it out on your own.
Yes, I want the course!
ANSWERING
About this course!
The course will teach you it's not just about the camera, but your skills as a diver and observer in the underwater world.
You get 3 hours of topics designed to pivot your in the right direction for reaching your full potential with a camera.
- There are 3 modules divided into 15 video sessions captured above and below the surface.
- You will see what the divers see, including their actions with the TG-6's and the outcomes.
- Dives are conducted in both warm and cold water.
- The course starts with photo-taking, before advancing to video.
- To navigate between the 15 sessions divided into 3 modules is straightforward.
Macro does not ONLY mean tiny creatures.
The TG-6 and 7 are versatile cameras and allow us to capture a wide range of subjects both macro and wide angle.
In this course "macro" includes subjects from a distance between 1 to 30 cm (0.4 - 12 inches). This has to do with the focus range and the settings.
Examples of "macro" sized animals:
Mantis shrimp, small cuttlefish, seahorse, crabs, frogfish, sea-stars, snails, shells, coral polyps, anemones and more.
Testimonials
Veronique Stel
Tove simplified complex topics and smoothly guided me through the technical aspects.
Her underwater videos effectively demonstrated practical application and potential challenges.
Her enthusiasm permeated every lesson, inspiring me.
Gunnar Gule
I am really impressed by the quality of the course. It is pedagogically excellent explained verbally, with supportive text and fine illustrations.
It has short theme sequences, which keep you focused throughout each sequence.
It is very easy to manoeuvre between the different themes and you can jump back and forth to repeat.
June Lindvik
I am excited to apply everything I've learned on my dives!
If you're aiming to maximise the potential of your camera and improve your camera skills, I can highly recommend this course!
I particularly enjoyed her demonstration on how to use the editing program and appreciated her emphasis on creating a "story" with videos.
3 Modules
MODULE 1 – GETTING READY
Introduction to Photo and Video: Differences and Similarities Underwater
Understand how underwater differs from land photography, the role of stability in quality visuals and why video can be more challenging.
The importance of proximity in image capture, and the relationship between lighting & proximity underwater.
Underwater Lighting Equipment: Strobe or Video Light?
Explore how lighting affects underwater visuals.
Understand the difference between a strobe and video light, and the benefits of an underwater housing.
Best Settings for Macro Photo: Simplify Using Your Camera
Master efficient navigation and usage of camera menus for macro photography. Know how to apply key settings and learn to save customised settings for various scenarios.
Maintenance and Care: How to Make Your Equipment Last
Grasp why camera care matters. Master the steps to maintain the O-ring for waterproofing. Learn the post-dive rinse to keep movable parts salt-free. Discover techniques to avoid lens fogging.
MODULE 2 – Macro Photography Fundamentals
Preparations: Set Yourself Up for Success
Familiarisation to the macro world we operate in and camera settings prior to diving. Manage settings based on the subject's size and distance. Learn the importance of camera stability for focused macro photos.
Dive 1: The Recipe for Clear and Colourful Images
Comprehend stability, proximity, and lighting for taking clear photos. Know how to adjust camera settings for different subjects and distances. Insight to the importance of approaching marine life gently. The role of mindset and circumstances in capturing great photos.
Dive 2: Take Your Underwater Lighting to the Next Level
Understand the dual goals of underwater lighting and the role of floats in balancing the rig. Learn the challenges and advantages of using strobes, particularly in macro photography. Recognise the importance of practicing for success.
Dive 3: Navigating Challenges and Perfecting Composition
Boost your learning curve and confidence as an underwater photographer by gaining:
Situation awareness and recognising when a subject and its location will not serve you not matter how hard you try. Understand the role of experience and repeated dives in skill enhancement. Grasp the rule of thirds and the significance of perspective in composition.
Dive 4: Cold Water Diving and Capturing Soft Coral with a Strobe
Gain insight to how the fundamental conditions for taking clear and colourful images also applies in murky water.
The importance of proper lighting techniques to achieve high-quality photos even in compromised visibility and potential backscatter, as demonstrated by Anne Mari.
Dive 5: Cold Water Diving and Nudibranch Magic with a Snoot
Learn how to use a snoot for focused lighting in underwater macro photography.
Understand the need for patience and gentleness with delicate subjects. Discover the value of having a compatible buddy for underwater photography.
MODULE 3 – Macro Videography Fundamentals
Introduction to Macro Videography: Set Yourself Up for Success
Learn to create vivid underwater videos. Discover the significance of stability and custom settings in the TG-6 camera for video capture.
Grasp the importance of frame rate in video editing, how to lock autofocus on the TG-6 and 7, and strategies for underwater macro video stability.
Dive 6: Storytelling and the Art of Shooting a Sequence
Understand storytelling's impact on video creation. Learn engaging shot techniques and framing variations.
Appreciate planning and searching for shots. Develop videography habits to improve viewing and enjoy the creation process.
Dive 7: Techniques, Challenges and Lessons with a Frogfish, Nudibranchs, Seahorse and More
- Understand camera settings: Learn how adjusting settings, can significantly impact the quality of underwater footage.
- Mastering focus techniques: Explore methods to maintain focus, including locking autofocus and adjusting settings for different subjects.
- Effective framing and composition: Considering the subject's movement and the surrounding environment, to create visually appealing videos.
- Utilising specialised equipment: The benefits of tools like snoots and spot beam to control lighting, create contrasts, and highlight details.
- Optimising buoyancy control: The importance of buoyancy control and the advantages of using a well-balanced rig.
- Patience and observation: Key skills for capturing natural behaviours of creatures.
- Adaptation to different subjects: Shooting techniques based on the behaviour and characteristics of various subjects.
Post-Production: Beginners Guide to Video Editing
- Where to download a free version of editing software.
- Create a new project and essential settings.
- Import footage and learn basic editing techniques.
- Colour correction.
- Adjusting volume levels and adding transitions.
- Export vertikal and horisontal formats for sharing on various social platforms.
- Sharing files.
NICE TO MEET YOU
I'm Tove Petterson
An ocean soul whose journey started beneath the surface of Norway when I was just 14.
I embarked on a global adventure as a Dive Master on expedition vessels, which eventually led me to the vibrant shores of Sydney, Australia.
In the realm of film and television, I discovered my deep-seated passion for capturing the underwater world.
I've had the privilege of exploring every ocean, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.
With 38 years of experience working underwater in-front and behind a camera, I proudly share my knowledge and enthusiasm.
My portfolio boasts over 30 international productions and collaborations with industry legends such as Jean-Michel Cousteau, James Cameron, and the esteemed duo Ron and Valerie Taylor.
GET STARTED TODAY!
From Basics to Brilliance: Underwater Macro Photo and Video with TG-6 & TG-7
€ 169
30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
If you aren’t completely satisfied with my course, let me know within the first 30-days for a full refund. No questions asked.