Dive Into Underwater Photography – Pool Session

To kick off the Kaikōura Underwater Photography Weekend Extravaganza, join us for a dynamic and hands-on evening pool session designed to prepare and inspire you for ocean shooting!

We’ll have a series of interactive stations around the pool, each showcasing different underwater setups, including wide-angle, macro, video rigs, and strobe lighting. You’ll have the opportunity to test Sony cameras in underwater housings in a calm, controlled environment, and experiment with a range of gear and shooting styles before taking it into the wild.

We're also thrilled to welcome special guest Katie Wardle, an accomplished wildlife cinematographer whose work includes productions for National Geographic, Netflix, and the BBC. Katie will be sharing insights into her workflow, underwater filming techniques, and how she captures powerful stories in challenging environments.

Whether you're fine-tuning your settings, exploring creative lighting options, or just starting your underwater photography journey, this session is designed to boost your confidence and skills. Fiona and Simon will also be on hand throughout to provide guidance, gear support, and expert tips.

All experience levels are welcome and this is a fantastic chance to maybe meet your fellow participants and get inspired before the open-water adventures begin!

• Camera and housing setup
• Pre-dive settings and customisation
• Wide-angle photography
• Macro photography
• Underwater video techniques
• Strobe use

• Swimsuit or wetsuit (the pool is outside but is heated)
• Towel
• Your own set-up if you have one