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ULTIMATE RAJA AMPAT: THE ART OF UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

The best underwater photography location on earth, with Shannon Conway

Shannon's signature 'Art of Underwater Photography'

With the help of an experienced and acclaimed photographer at your shoulder, who can teach the secrets of producing stunning images, you will soon find that the ‘Art of Underwater Photography’ suddenly gets much easier. Shannon believes that there is no substitute for having your own workshop right on your doorstep so that you have the time to practice what you have learned and the opportunity to go back again and again to work towards achieving that perfect image. He will help you evaluate the range of underwater photography and computer equipment and programmes available and explain the many techniques, methods and styles of contemporary underwater photography. Shannon will be available to critique your work and suggest ideas for improving your images. He will present optional talks and workshops relating to the Art of Underwater Photography, sharing his approach and experiences with you.

Shannon Conway is a professional underwater photographer creating images for the advertising, editorial and fine art market. He has an energetic passion for his photography and the patience to capture the peak of the action. You’ll quickly understand how Shannon obtains such remarkable images time and again – he puts a great deal of effort, energy and research into every shot and he does not give up! Shannon is a popular leader and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Originating from Poole, on the Dorset coast of England, Shannon has always been fascinated by the ocean, spending most of his childhood summer holidays in Bournemouth with his grandparents, searching rock pools for marine creatures. Shannon and his wife Amanda moved to Fremantle, Western Australia, in 2006 in the search for crystal blue waters and sunny skies. After changing from a previous working life in IT, Shannon now focuses on his new career, sharing his passion by teaching underwater photography.

Shannon is a very successful underwater photographer, and has won a variety of awards from the Western Australian Underwater Photographic Society and the British Society of Underwater Photographers. He has also been awarded the top slot on many Photoquests and was the winner in the underwater category of the prestigious Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and Papua New Guinea Nature and Landscape Photographer of the Year award in 2007 and 2008.

An Art of Underwater Photography trip is not about how much you know, how much equipment you use or even how much experience you have. The trip is about making wonderful images, about achieving your potential and, ultimately, having a huge amount of fun. Being amongst a group of like-minded friends who are also keen and eager to improve their photography is a huge advantage over taking a trip with the general diving public.

Shannon will be available to critique your work and suggest ideas for improving images. He will present optional talks and workshops relating to the art of underwater photography, sharing his approach and experiences.

Located off the northwest tip of the recently named West Papua province of Indonesia, formerly known as Irian Jaya, Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’ archipelago encompasses an area of more than 40,000 square kilometres, the main islands of which are Salawati, Waigeo, Batanta and, in the south, Misool. It holds the record for the richest variety of marine species in the world.

This degree of biodiversity can be found no where else on the planet. Located at the heart of ‘The Coral Triangle’ is Raja Ampat. This labyrinth of some 1500 islands, cays and shoals holds secret, untouched and unexplored reefs. At least once in your life you should grab that opportunity to travel off the beaten track and immerse yourself in one of the few remaining areas of underwater wilderness. Shannon has been asked many times over the years about his favourite place to dive; well now he has the answer!

As soon as you submerge yourself in these waters you will see why this place is so inspiring. On a recent trip to this area Shannon counted 21 pygmy sea horses on one sea fan and 11 on another! At another time he sat in the blue watching anchovies by the tens of thousand screaming back and forth, chased by jacks, tunas and Mobula Rays. It’s like the BBC documentary ‘Blue Planet’ on steroids, and you are there experiencing it…

This is not just another new area to dive; Raja Ampat is truly the ‘Holy Grail’ for diving and especially for underwater photography. What better way to see it than aboard Indo Siren, a luxury liveaboard designed and built for underwater photographers and videographers, with workstations for preparation and maintenance of cameras, and large rinse tanks with fresh water solely for cameras and videos.. Each cabin is fitted with an individual computer and multiple power sources to facilitate the needs of digital photography. When we moor up the underwater studio is open. If we particularly like one site then we can stay and take full advantage of the opportunities available. Shannon says “I found over the years the best way to produce great images is to dive with like-minded people. We all have a common interest which can be fed by discussion and courses, but we truly improve when we can return to a subject, feeding off each other in this pool of creativity.”

Topside the scenic beauty is unparalleled. Dramatically weathered limestone islands covered in a lush green tropical forest rise out of the sapphire-coloured ocean. The larger islands, with plunging walls, have mountain ranges and palm-covered coves. The vegetation supports rare birds of paradise (in particular the Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson’s Bird of Paradise – the latter considered by many to be the most beautiful bird in the world) endemic to this area. You will return from this trip fulfilled and inspired. It’s a life changing experience. 

OUTLINE ITINERARY 

Sunday 5th February: Singapore Airlines midday flight from London Heathrow, bound for Manado via Singapore.

Monday 6th February: Early afternoon arrival at Manado. Transfer to the Peninsula Hotel for an overnight stay.

Tuesday 7th February: Transfer to Manado Airport for an early morning flight to Sorong, arriving later the same morning. Transfer to Indo Siren for a 10 nights cruise.

Wednesday 8th February: Dive Batanta and Wai Islands with a land excursion to see the Red Bird of Paradise if possible. Off Wai island is a WWII American fighter plane in 24-34 metres.

Thursday 9th February: Dive the channels between the small islands at the Farondi and the fish-filled waters to the south east of Misool. Dive Killer Cave and exit into an airlock with a view outside to the cliffs!

Friday 10th February: The day will be spent exploring south Misool, taking in fan-covered walls, soft coral swim-throughs and a couple of rocks populated by some larger fish and affording great photography opportunities.

Saturday 11th February: At Mansuar, Manta Rays can be seen and several dives will be made here. Hook on the reef so you can float effortlessly while you take as many images as you like.

Sunday 12th February: Fam is an area where you should see Wobbegong Sharks, Banded Sea Snakes, giant clams and some schooling pelagic fish. Wide angle lenses are probably the order of the day!

Monday 13th February: The uninhabited islands of Wyag and Uraine offer great wall diving, hard corals and soft corals populated with thick schools of anthias. A land trip should offer great opportunities for some landscape photography.

Tuesday 14th February: At Kawe Island you have the unique opportunity to dive both hemispheres without moving the boat as the rocks and seamounts here straddle the equator.

Wednesday 15th February: Tree-covered islands separated by calm inland waterways stretch for miles into the interior at Waigeo. As a contrast to other dive sites, this is a creature hunting area with the ultimate prize being a sighting of the ‘walking shark’, known more formally as the Epaulette Shark.

Thursday 16th February: Dive sites of Kri Island are most rewarding for those who venture to the leading edge of the current where you will be surrounded by a frenzy of Wahoo, tuna, trevallys and nippy little fusiliers. Sail overnight towards Sorong.

Friday 17th February: After an early breakfast, disembark Indo Siren and transfer to Sorong Airport for the flight to Manado, connecting with the Singapore Airlines late afternoon flight bound for London Heathrow via Singapore.

Saturday 18th February: Morning arrival at London (Heathrow) Airport.

£2507 Sorong/Sorong (provisional price, to be confirmed)

Includes:

• Airport transfers in Sorong.

• 10 nights cruise with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plus coffee, tea, fruit juice, soft drinks, fresh fruit and beer on a twin/share basis on Indo Siren.

• Up to 32 dives (including 6 night dives) on air or Nitrox diving, escorted land tours where appropriate. Should you wish, the cruise cost includes dive gear, including 3 mm shorty wetsuit, regulator, BCD and fins.

• Services of Shannon Conway as leader.

Please note: In addition, there is a Raja Ampat park fee of €70 (subject to change), which is  payable on board.

Single Occupancy Supplement: £1926 (but you can avoid paying the supplement if you are willing to share a cabin). Provisional price, to be confirmed. 

Deposit: Initial deposit £200, followed by a further £800 at 12 months before departure, for Sorong/Sorong arrangements.

For more details of the diving, please see our general Raja Ampat holiday description. Indo Siren is presently under construction, but will be very similar to the famous Siren. For details of Siren, see our general India’s Andaman Islands holiday description.

Flights: From about £1077 to Sorong via Manado, or from about £1276 via Jakarta.

Accommodation en route to Sorong: The cost is not included. We will book you a room if your flight arrangements require overnight stays in Manado or Jakarta.

 HOLIDAY COMBINATIONS & STOP-OVERS: Flights between London and Singapore are operated daily, so it is quite simple to stop-over in Singapore if you wish. The lovely Marina Mandarin hotel offers comfort, luxury, a chance to do a touch of shopping, explore the orchid gardens of Singapore or simply enjoy some fantastic food. It is also easy to combine a visit to the Raja Ampat with one of the other Indonesian dive destinations. Talk to us about the possibilities.