This trip is FULLY BOOKED (however, please contact Scuba Travel if you wish to be on the reserve list). Alex says “to cut to the chase – this is a unique underwater photography event. It is a one-off, bringing together myself and Martin Edge in Misool, Raja Ampat, home to the most spectacular coral reef habitat that I have photographed on our blue planet. And our base, Misool Eco Resort, is equally celebrated as an unparalleled dive resort and we’re booked in for their longest package. We’ve tried to combine the best of everything. Don’t miss out.”
MISOOL
The Misool region of Raja Ampat lies at the heart of the coral triangle. It is a remote archipelago of tiny, untouched islands dotted through a calm, tropical sea. Life thrives here on all scales, from tiny plucked-chicken pygmy seahorses to giant manta rays, all found on reefs that fizz with a diversity of life that is hard to get your head around.
Alex says “I first dived in Misool in 2006, before the resort was built when most of the sites were still unknown. And even so I saw the best hard coral, the best soft coral and the fishiest reef of my life, all in one dive here. I’ve returned again and again and there is always more to see.” Coral reef ecologist, Dr. Mark Erdmann, states that thanks to the 1220 sq km Marine Reserve (set up and properly enforced by the resort) it keeps getting better: “Misool represents one of the most pristine reef systems left on earth, one of only a handful of places in the universe where biodiversity is improving rather than declining.”
Misool Eco Resort island is a true tropical hideaway, just south of the equator, hidden in an archipelago of uninhabited islands. Martin says “Misool Eco Resort is my favourite place on earth to dive, that’s why I’ve already conducted three workshops here.” Alex adds “I really encourage you to spend some time looking through the Misool website to appreciate this is not just another destination.”
The resort island is fringed with powder-white beaches and pristine coral reefs. With first class accommodation, food and service (with a staff-to-guest ratio of 4 to 1), Misool offers exclusive adventure holidays and transformative experiences in pristine nature. Choosing Misool also benefits the reefs, “your stay at Misool directly supports our numerous conservation initiatives” explains the resort, “and provides sustainable employment opportunities to local people.”
WORKSHOP
“Martin and I have been friends for many years,” says Alex, “and I am certain that if you are visiting my website he needs no further introduction about his contribution to underwater photography. We’ve presented together many times down the years, including our On Underwater Photography event in 2010 that remains the biggest ever gathering of underwater photographers in the UK. However, we’ve never taught together on location, until now.”
“We’re certain that this workshop will attract many people who have attended our workshops in the past,” says Alex “So our aim is to push you on in fresh directions. Our plan is not to focus on specific techniques, but to examine and help you exploit all the factors that contribute to truly outstanding underwater imagery. And don’t expect us to always agree, experience has taught us that many gems come from our lively debates.”
The workshop aspect will major on image review sessions, including post processing advice, and inspiring discussions, rather than too many formal lectures. Alex says “we want you to have the freedom to follow your ideas, and in Misool you could not have a better opportunity and muse.”
Martin “Oh, and by the way I will be offering my help and advice both above and below the water for those who seek it. I can’t help it, it’s in my blood.” Alex adds “It’s true, Martin is addicted to teaching, and I think I am well known for working my socks off for my groups.”
“So what could be better!” concludes Martin. “January 2019 may seem along way off but we all know it’s really just around the corner. So I’d be delighted for you to join Alex and I for what will be the ultimate underwater workshop ever.”
VITALS
This trip is being organised by Scuba Travel, UK. For reservations and further information, please email Caroline@scubatravel.com. However, because we expect a lot of interest from photographers all around the world, the trip is priced in US Dollars and without international flights.
(For UK photographers, Scuba Travel will convert the full price into GBP on the day you book and the cost will be protected from currency fluctuations, also Scuba Travel arrange flights from the UK too).
Dates: 15th January -29th January 2019 (Jakarta-Jakarta)
For those booking a London-London package, the dates would be 14-30th January.
Price: The Jakarta-Jakarta package price is $8845 USD, per person on a room sharing basis, including all transfers (Misool is remote), accommodation, unlimited dive package with nitrox, 4 meals a day + afternoon tea and most non alcoholic beverages in resort, snorkelling & kayaks and the Edge & Mustard Workshop.
Upgrading to the North Lagoon accommodation costs $990 USD per person on a sharing basis. Single supplements are available too.
Non-photographer partners are most welcome.
Non-diving partners can book a non-diving package (saving $1725 USD).
Reservation: A deposit of $3000 USD is required to secure your place. A second payment of $2000 USD is due 9 months. Your final balance will be due 100 days before travel. Contact Scuba Travel for reservations, direct email: Caroline@scubatravel.com.
