Exciting news about Martin Edge Workshops!!

[Tazzie]

Martin, as we all know, has one of the best books published about underwater photography which has often been recommended in this and other forums. He also, as you may or may not know, runs excellent photography workshops.

Further to some comments made on YD after a write up I posted of my one 2 one workshop with him, Martin is keen to keen to open the courses up to more people by removing the price prohibing facter people commented on.

In order to be able to discount the price, Martin is happy to open up the workshops to more people, so if you know someone of a similar level to you join forces and book up for a really rewarding day.

He is looking at charging £250 per person for two people attending (saving £100 per person) and £200 per person for 3 people attending so substantial savings all round!!

If you do not know anyone who is of a similar level / experience to yourself why not put up a thread asking for like minded individuals to get together – obviously the closer your goals are for the course, the more detail you will be able to cover so it’s worth the time to find the right people to go with!

Subjects that Martin can cover include: Making the change to a Digital SLR, The Future - Which equipment is best for you?, The Mindset - Planning an Underwater Photo-Dive, Close up and Macro with Flash, Wide angle and Flash, Composition, Lighting etc

Martin is away running a photo workshop in Bali until the 2nd of November (hence he’s asked me to post this up) but if you have any questions please feel free to contact me before his return (I’ll be away in Bali from the 21st)

Tim i hope this is in the roght section, if not please move!

[Cussy]

Tazzie,
Thanks for the post.

I am seriously considering doing Martin's course. This idea of sharing though is something I'm not sure of. What makes the course seem worth the money is the one-to-one tuition geared specifically for you as a photographic individual. So I may just pay the extra and get the opportunity to pick his brains. I'm not sure there is another individual on this planet like me, so chances of finding someone with the same goals/interests is going to be difficult.

It is good that Martin has listened to your comments and I think it shows his true desire to offer whatever he can to up and coming photographers.

If anyone still thinks the course is pricey, buy his book! I can guarantee it will change your photography. His concept of the "mindset" changed me from being a diver with a camera to being an underwater photographer (there are plenty on here that will know exactly what I mean!!).

Rob

[Tazzie]

I agree with you Rob, the sharing option will not be for everyone.

I think Martin wanted to offer an opportunity for those people wanting some direction in the various slightly more basic skills and by sharing as a group they may well get more value for money.

I like learning as a group at times though, bouncing ideas off of people and hearing other people's issues often mean you don't have to make their mistakes before learning from them!

[TimIngmire]

Interesting as I wrote to Martin a few weeks ago to ask if he would run a session for a few of us. He replied saying that he didn;t do stuff in the UK anymore. In retrospect I guess he must have thought that I meant to include diving as he does on the trips.

I think there are sufficient subjects that would allow a few of us to get use of - eg the composition course, planning etc. I've done both types of courses with Martin and both have their uses.

Rob, why not do a joint workshop then follow up with the 1-2-1? That way you might get your answers without the need for the more expensive tuition - or you then do the 1-2-1 but in more detail etc etc.

I'd be up for a photo planning session and also one on lighting - perhaps the biggest subject of them all.

Tim

[simonmort]

Interested, does this mean martin would do a course on green water photography?. Or is this more blue water based, see he does the pool sessions in the u.k but no, cold water!!. well, i dont blame him there.

cant find the smiley for shivering tim

Could martin join digi green, and pop something on about the courses.
Its nice to see, he does join in on other forums,( like wetpixel )with replys to forum discussions.

simon.

[Tazzie]

Sounds like a cunning plan Tim

Simon, Martin is away tonight until the 2nd November (hence why he asked me to post the message) but I'm sure would be happy to join in on the discussion when he returns.

Is there anything specific you want to know about the courses? If I know the answer I'll pass it on, if I don't we'll have to wait.

[simonmort]

No problems, Tazzie just thought would be nice to have martin join the forums, when he has a chance.

The learning curve for taking some nice blue water images,as opposed to green water, is a shock to the system. I would like to push the oly compact as far as i can and then swap to slr at some date, or both.

As for anything specific, think the monthly discussion on natural light may be interesting. And is something i would like to improve on. I would be looking at beginning of next year for myself as with new baby on way, not enough time this year.

simon.

[Martin Edge]

Hi Digigreen

As suggested, I have joined the forum and my thanks go to Helen (Taz) for passing on our discussions whilst I have been away in Bali.

My courses for one, two or three people are based on the needs and wants of you guys, be it in green or blue water. The problems and solutions are the same and after all my years of teaching this stuff, very often the mistakes, traites, faults can all be corrected in a similar sort of way. In a nutshell if someone visits me as a green water photographer I will structure the day accordingly. I have no intentions of using your news group as a way of promoting my courses. My only agenda is to encourage and enable those who may not have the means to afford a day with me to get together with another and share the day accordingly. I can easily deal with 2 people. 3 is more of a challange and 4! I would not recommend as many as 4 for personal tuition.

Three to four years ago, before digital really took off, my courses held 6 to 8 people and I did most of the talking. Uw camera kit was similar and it was much easier to facilitate equipment issues. Now, there are so many digital compacts in housings available and I take the view that the best way to learn is in smaller groups with me addressing specific needs of individuals.

I use an excellent hotel in Bournemouth (Carrington House Hotel). They can usually accomodate me any day of the week. The pool is a warm 31d and an excellent place for a course/weekend break with the family.

Don't hesitate to contact me for any other info at martin@edgeunderwaterphotography.com If you'd like to talk in more detail you can ring on 01202 997611.

You have a thrieving news group so make sure you pick everyone's brain whenever the opportunity arises. Tim Ingmire put me onto you guys a few years ago. Hope this post helps in some way.

Cheers

Martin

[TimIngmire]

Hello Martin and welcome to the site.

I'm sure that once xmas is out of the way that you'll be getting some interest in some of these joint courses.

Tim

[simonmort]

Thank you for the post martin, once bab and new year,are out of the way, will be looking at sorting something out.

so as using a compact, would look for pairing up with some one?.

who knows, i may have SLR for christmas. or santa stuck in chimney.but since dont have a chimney, more chance of pigs flying past.

but heres for wishing.

simon.