Everything you need to know about joining the underwater photography program with Africa Media
Everything you need to know about joining the underwater photography program with Africa Media
The underwater photography and video program is aimed at assisting in the development of students who are interested advancing their underwater photographic and video ability to a professional level whilst enjoying some of the most incredible SCUBA diving that Africa has to offer. Interns will be able to walk away with a professional level portfolio that will showcase their ability to photograph and film the marine world.
What does the course fee include?
Accommodation, 3 meals per day, expert instruction in underwater photography, use of high quality cameras/housings/lights, 18 dives/snorkels, use of SCUBA equipment, all air fills, transportation to/from Durban Airport, internet.
What does the course fee exclude?
Additional recreational dives, any SCUBA certification you need or wish to pursue, Nitrox, laundry service, tourism excursions, extra food and beverages, alcoholic beverages, international and domestic flights, tips for dive staff.
If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask $30 USD/day to cover additional accommodation. Food is not included on additional days.
Due to the number of applications received and limited places, we unfortunately do not accept all applying students. Therefore, we do not welcome cancellations or date changes after the final confirmation has been completed. Please make sure that the dates you indicate in your application form suit your own schedule/budget before applying.
We request that a non-refundable $750 USD deposit is paid within 14 days of being accepted into the program as confirmation. The remaining fee must be paid in full 30 days prior to arrival in South Africa.
This program requires that you are SCUBA qualified and have some experience SCUBA diving.
If you are not yet qualified, you can join the program and arrive 2 weeks prior to the beginning to get Open Water qualified and participate in 10 recreational dives for experience. This additional training, meals, and accommodation costs $1600. If unable to attend for two additional weeks, we can consider a 1-week training package for $1000 that includes Open Water qualification, 5 recreational dives, meals, and accommodation.
As a student, your routine will include diving and photographing on most days, being tutored in photo techniques and free diving, and processing and editing your photos. A sample syllabus is provided here as a guideline. However, please note that the actual schedule may vary based on several factors.
In general, the month will follow a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off per week. Again, this may vary, particularly based on the weather and dive conditions.
Fiona and her handpicked team are passionate about conservation and any projects that are available to work on practically, we will certainly be doing so.
No. You will not be employed by Africa Media nor paid. On this course you are entitled to enter on a temporary visitor’s permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry in South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact. If your application period is for a period longer than three months, or if you plan to travel in South Africa prior or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a volunteer VISA application through your home embassy.
All media collected by you will belong to you. However, the following licensing conditions on collected materials is required:
All dive gear and photographic gear is supplied as part of the course. However, in terms of underwater photographic gear, soft diving gear, and underwater housings, participants can bring their own gear if desired. A minimum standard of photographic gear required is a DSLR or quality mirrorless system with two strobes. You would also be required to have a wide angle and a macro lens and the relevant ports.
In terms of photo processing, you must bring your own laptop to complete editing and slideshow development. This should have at least 4GB RAM and be pre-loaded with Adobe Lightroom Classic (required) and Adobe Photoshop (recommended).
You will stay in Scottburgh, South Africa, at the famed shark diving company – Blue Wilderness. Diving will be in Aliwal Shoal off the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.
Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.
You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
Pickups and drop offs will be organized by Africa Media for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.
You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
Yes. When you are accepted into this program, you agree to our liability and copyright documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and health insurances. You may apply for a normal travel insurance policy. Chances that you will be injured by a predator are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be working on a boat in conditions which can, on occasions, be less than comfortable. Accidents may occur, so it is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your entire stay in South Africa. SCUBA divers also need to be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN).
Packing list
If you are getting ready to pack, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing.
Clothing
Electronic gear
You are actually welcome to bring any personal videography or photographic equipment; however, this is totally optional as all underwater equipment that you will need is supplied.
Editing programs
Miscellaneous
Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.
If you need to do your initial SCUBA course, you will need approximately R5 500 (approximately $300 USD) to complete your Open Water certification. If you would like your Advanced certification, you will need R10 000 (approximately $550 USD) to complete both Open Water and Advanced.
We offer optional weekend trips/activities for all students and interns. These activities cover a wide range of interests, and costs vary. Cash is required for these bookings. You may bring rands with you, but there are also ATMs nearby. Please note you do not have to go on ANY of these extra trips. This is simply for your information should you wish to participate.
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