RAID - Photography Specialty
RAID Photography Specialty Course
The RAID Photography Specialty Course is an introductory program focused on underwater photography skills for certified divers. It teaches techniques for capturing high-quality images of marine life and underwater environments using digital cameras, emphasizing proper equipment handling, composition, lighting, and ethical practices to minimize environmental impact.
The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application during open-water dives.
Benefits of the RAID Photography Specialty Course
- Learn essential underwater photography techniques, including camera settings, composition, and lighting (natural and artificial).
- Gain hands-on experience photographing marine subjects in real diving conditions.
- Develop skills for approaching subjects ethically and reducing disturbance to habitats.
- Build confidence in creating personal, story-telling images.
- Enhance overall dive experiences by documenting and sharing underwater observations.
- Promote environmental awareness through responsible photography practices.
Prerequisites
- Must be a certified scuba diver (RAID Open Water 20 or equivalent from a recognized agency recommended).
- Comfortable with recreational diving skills.
- Complete the standard RAID dive medical questionnaire and liability release forms.
- Physician approval required if any medical concerns are indicated.
- Parental/guardian consent needed for minors.
Course Structure
The course integrates RAID’s online e-learning platform for theory with instructor-led practical sessions:
1. Academic Development
Online theory covering camera equipment, settings, composition principles, lighting strategies, subject approach and ethics, basic post-processing, and environmental considerations. Includes quizzes and a final exam.
2. Practical Training
Hands-on sessions with equipment setup and demonstrations, followed by open-water dives for applying techniques.
3. Key skills
Handling underwater camera systems, creative framing, using strobes/lights, photographing marine life and landscapes, image review.
Duration and Depth Limits
Theory completable online (estimated 4-6 hours); practical portion typically over 2 days, including multiple open-water dives. Within recreational limits (typically up to 30-40 meters, depending on diver certification).
Equipment Provided
During training, the dive center typically supplies all required scuba equipment, including:
- Tank
- Regulator
- Buoyancy Control Device (BCD)
- Mask, snorkel, fins
- Weights
Participants need to bring their personal underwater camera system (compact, mirrorless, or DSLR with housing), memory cards, batteries, and standard personal dive gear (mask, fins, snorkel, BCD, regulator, etc.). Also a laptop for image transfer and review if needed.
Certification
Upon successful completion, students receive a globally recognized electronic certification (e-card) issued by RAID. The certification is permanent and downloadable from the RAID portal.
Next Steps to Enroll
1. Create a free account on the RAID User Portal: https://user.diveraid.com
2. Purchase the digital Photography Specialty course materials in the RAID Store and access them via https://diveraid.com/photography-speciality/.
3. Contact the center to book, discuss fees, and schedule your session. The center will unlock training materials, conduct the program, and handle any recognition.
The RAID Photography Specialty is a flexible way for certified divers to add creative skills to their diving repertoire.
