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New Above & Below photo workshop series launched in Mexico
A new photography workshop series entitled Above & Below has been released in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. The workshop series pairs award winning underwater photographer, Jay Clue, and Sony Alpha ambassador, Stan Moniz. Unlike most destination photo workshops, the Above & Below photo workshop series combines underwater photography with aerial, landscape, and astrophotography giving guests a much wider range of tools to add to their repertoire. But not only that, the logistics for the workshops are being run by one of the top names in dive travel, the Los Cabos based Baja experts — Dive Ninja Expeditions.
Photo: Stan Moniz
Mexico’s Baja California peninsula has quickly become known to have some of the best big animal encounters in the world. Throughout the year this narrow strip of land plays host to mantas, whales, over 12 species of sharks, jaw dropping mobula ray aggregations, heart pounding striped marlin & bait ball action, playful sea lion pups, gigantic schools of jacks, and so much more. The beautiful desert mountain landscapes which backdrop these abundant waters combined with some of the darkest night skies on earth create a plethora of unique opportunities for photographers of all experience levels.
In a recent interview, Jay Clue commented:
“It’s such a special project. Each workshop in the series has been hand tailored by Stan and myself to find the perfect subjects and spots to shoot for each location at that specific time of year. There’s mobula rays and the milky way, whale sharks and Orion rising, and so many others in the works.”
Photo: Stan Moniz
The 6 day photography workshops combine hands on tutoring with classroom presentations & post processing sessions to help those looking to learn new photography techniques or fine tune their skills. Throughout the trip Stan and Jay will be helping you learn underwater photography, astrophotography, and landscape photography as well as sessions on topside wildlife photography, aerial/drone photography, and editing techniques with apps such as Adobe Lightroom. The workshops are customized to meet each students unique experience level so that photographers of any level can join – even those just picking up a camera for the first time. Additionally each workshop is limited to a maximum of only 6 guests to provide the best opportunities for hands on training.
Photo: Stan Moniz
The first Baja photography workshop in the series kicks off with Mobula Rays & Dark Skies on May 28, 2022 to coincide with the New Moon and galactic core of the Milky Way being visible almost all evening. Plus the trip takes place during the peak of Baja’s annual mobula ray aggregations – which can see schools of the rays number in the thousands. Stan and Jay have teamed up with their partners at Viking International Phototours to put this extra special workshop together. Throughout the trip you’ll spend time on the ocean freediving and snorkeling with the mobula rays, as well as visiting a cactus forest, artisanal salt mine flats, an old lighthouse and more.
Photo: Jay Clue
The next segment in the series takes place in beautiful La Paz, Mexico from November 17-22, 2022. This special La Paz Above & Below photography workshop takes guests swimming with whale sharks, getting in the water at a massive sea lion rookery with tons of curious pups, as well as to one of La Paz’s most beautiful reefs. For topside they have something very special planned – shooting sunset and astrophotography from Espiritu Santo Island National Park! For those that don’t know, this is incredibly special as it requires special permits to be on the island after sunset. Plus with it’s location so far away from the city there is zero light pollution. Throughout the trip they’ll also be visiting some of La Paz’s beautiful landscapes & bays. And if that wasn’t enough, Jay will be hosting a special underwater portrait photography workshop too!
Tickets for the first 2 photography workshops are now on sale on the Dive Ninja Expeditions website. To learn more about the workshops or book your spot, visit the Above & Below Photography Workshops webpage.
Header Photo: Jay Clue
In response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, PADI® teamed up with the Ako’ako’a Foundation, creating a relief fund to directly assist members in Maui get back on their feet and in the water as soon as possible. To date, $26, 961has been raised to support PADI Members impacted by the recent fires.
The Ako’ako’a Foundation is based in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, whose passion and purpose is to unite the stakeholders of Hawaii’s nearshore marine environments and work together to create positive ocean change.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this tragedy,” says Drew Richardson, CEO and President of PADI Worldwide. “United above and below the surface of our shared blue planet, we stand together with the dive community to provide strength and speed in recovery efforts.”
Join PADI and the Ako’ako’a Foundation with your support of relief efforts for the diving community.
100% of all donations to this relief fund will be distributed directly to dive professionals in Hawaii in need of recovery from the devastating fires.
If you are an individual or business in Hawaii who wishes to extend or receive support, contact PADI Regional Manager Kyle Ingram at kyle.ingram@padi.com.
Oonasdivers is very excited to annouce a big Hola! to a new destination: MEXICO!
Here’s what they have to say:
The land of tacos, tequila and so much more!
Discover a world of tropical indulgence and endless adventure on the Mexican-Caribbean coastline: exquisite beaches, sumptous retreats, turquoise waters, palm-studded sands, mouth-watering cuisine, diverse landscapes, ancient marvels and picture-perfect vistas. Mexico is an icon for the tropical beach idyll, the spirit of escapism and the warmth of authentic culture.
Yet Mexico’s true standout gem is what lies beneath the surface of its waters. Home to the Earth’s second largest coral barrier reef, the world’s largest underwater cave system, spectacular geological features and breathtakingly unique landscapes, Mexico’s thriving eco-system is sure to delight every diver.
A slice of paradise on every shoreline – both above and below water – and now the team at Oonasdivers want to bring the Mexican adventure to you.
Prices for a dive holiday to Cozumel start from £1995pp and Playa del Carmen from £3295pp with Oonasdivers.
Oona’s own Lydia recently visited Mexico to check out the destination and the diving for their guests. You can read all about her trip on their website here: https://www.oonasdivers.com/Blog-Cozumel-Beach-Paradise-Meets-Underwater-Paradise
Relief Fund raises over $26k to support PADI Members impacted by recent Maui fires
Oonasdivers say Hola! to Mexico
Celebrate 20 years of Pro Dive International!
Re-introducing Humboldt Explorer – remodeled and ready for divers
Jeff chats to… Bill Beard and Vanessa Willing about diving in Costa Rica (Watch Video)
Scuba Diving in Mexico: Diving Cenote Angelita (Watch Video)
An American Diver (Watch Video)
Jupiter Shark Dive (Watch Video)
Jeff chats to… Christopher Bartlett, MD of Indigo Safaris, about scuba diving in Dominica and Mexico (3 of 5)
Manatee Madness
Jeff chats to… Bill Beard and Vanessa Willing about diving in Costa Rica (Watch Video)