Raja Ampat Advanced Underwater Photography Workshop 2027
Go beyond the familiar. Explore advanced underwater image-making in one of the world's most extraordinary marine environments, guided by Don Silcock and Isabella Tabacchi.
A different perspective beneath the sea.
This is not an introductory camera course. It is an immersive photographic experience for underwater shooters ready to refine their vision, strengthen their technique and develop a more sophisticated digital workflow.
Set among the reefs of Raja Ampat, the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center combines targeted dive sites, a dedicated photography dive boat, dive guides trained to work with photographers and a structured program of tuition and image development.
In the water, learn with SEACAM Ambassador Don Silcock. Back at the resort, work with Isabella Tabacchi to elevate your images through composition, color, tonality and advanced post-production.
For photographers ready for the next level.
Built for underwater photographers with an established foundation in diving, imaging and lighting — and a desire to create more intentional, powerful photographs.
Advanced techniques
Refine positioning, wide-angle and macro perspectives, creative lighting and the ability to work effectively around a subject underwater.
Make light work for you
Build on knowledge of strobes, TTL, manual exposure and lighting placement. Learn to make deliberate, creative choices.
Go further in editing
Improve RAW development, luminosity, color harmony and advanced techniques in Photoshop and Lightroom.
Reimagine familiar subjects
Explore ways of making underwater images more expressive, from graphic reef scenes to unique over-under photographs.
Photography-focused diving
Benefit from a dedicated dive boat and dive guides trained to understand the needs of underwater photographers.
All brands welcome
Bring the housing and camera system you use. SEACAM equipment is also available through the on-site center, subject to availability.
Every dive, a new story.
From schooling fish and richly colored corals to tiny creatures and split-level mangrove images: a world of photographic subjects awaits.
Workshop photography supplied in the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center information sheet. Images illustrate photographic subjects and do not guarantee specific wildlife encounters.
An advanced curriculum, dive by dive.
Morning instruction, photography-focused dives and afternoon digital-darkroom sessions form the backbone of the week. The schedule below follows the official workshop information sheet.
Arrival & introduction
11:30 am — arrival at Sorido Bay Resort. Lunch at 1 pm, introductory workshop session at 2 pm and optional check-out dive at 4 pm.
Advanced wide-angle photography
Refine composition and sophisticated lighting for expansive reef scenes. On the standard dive-day schedule: breakfast at 7 am, class 7:30–9 am, two dives starting at 9:30 am with lunch outside the resort, return around 2:30 pm and post-processing 3:30–5 pm.
Advanced wide-angle macro
Challenge your perspective by combining expansive scenes with close subjects. Morning photography classes and two curated dives are followed by afternoon image processing and feedback, according to the day's conditions.
Comprehensive over-and-under images
Breakfast at 7 am and departure for the mangroves around 7:45 am, with lunch outside the resort. Return around 2 pm, followed by the afternoon digital-processing session from 3:30 to 5 pm.
Free day & final image work
Staff rest day: there are no scheduled boat dives. The information sheet lists optional unguided dives at Sorido Bay Jetty and further digital-processing sessions. Any in-water activity remains subject to resort safety rules.
Sorido Bay Resort. A true underwater basecamp.
Based on Kri Island, near some of Raja Ampat's renowned reef systems, the resort hosts the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center and offers facilities designed with divers and underwater photographers in mind.
The workshop uses a dedicated dive boat, trained dive guides and a curriculum built around the day's photographic objectives. Accommodation and workshop arrangements are handled directly by Papua Diving Resorts.
EXPLORE THE RESORT →
Two specialists. One creative journey.
Deep in-water expertise meets a refined approach to color, light and the digital darkroom.
Don Silcock
Don is an award-winning underwater photographer and photojournalist with wide-ranging Indo-Pacific experience, particularly with large marine animals. A SEACAM Ambassador, he guides the in-water photographic techniques and equipment-focused aspects of the workshop.
Isabella Tabacchi
Internationally awarded landscape photographer Isabella brings her distinctive sense of color, image design and advanced Photoshop skills to the underwater world. She leads the afternoon digital-darkroom classroom sessions and creative post-processing guidance.
Your equipment and preparation.
Bring a system you know well so you can focus on the creative decisions rather than only the mechanics.
Recommended underwater photography kit
- Camera and compatible underwater housing (DSLR or Micro Four Thirds noted in the information sheet)
- Wide-angle and macro lenses or setups
- Small and large dome ports, plus macro port
- Two strobes (smaller strobes optional for macro)
- Laptop for the afternoon editing sessions
- Hard drive or USB storage for files and backups
SEACAM equipment rental
The on-site SEACAM Center can arrange complete systems and selected accessories. Confirmed workshop guests are eligible for a conversation with Don and the team to discuss equipment choices.
Advance reservation is essential. Rental equipment is subject to availability, with setup and disassembly performed by RASC staff.
Examples from the supplied information sheet: Canon 7D Mark II and Nikon Z8 rental systems. Ask the center to confirm the setup, workshop-week rates and availability.
Before you take the plunge.
Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
This is the advanced workshop. It is designed for photographers with a strong foundation in underwater photography, confidence with their equipment and strobes, and familiarity with editing software. Ask the team whether your experience is suitable.
Do I need to use SEACAM equipment?
No. Photographers with other camera and housing brands can participate. SEACAM systems and accessories may be available for rental, subject to advance arrangements and availability.
Who teaches photography underwater and who leads post-processing?
Don Silcock leads underwater photography instruction and equipment-related learning. Isabella Tabacchi leads the advanced digital-darkroom classroom sessions, emphasizing creative image development in Photoshop and Lightroom.
How many dives are planned each day?
Standard workshop dive days include two morning dives, with curated sites chosen for the photography topic. Friday is dedicated to the mangroves and over-under images. Saturday is a staff rest day with no scheduled boat diving. All diving depends on local safety and weather conditions.
Can I rent an underwater camera housing or complete setup?
Yes, selected SEACAM systems and accessories may be rented through the on-site center. Equipment must be pre-booked, and specific setups, costs and availability should be confirmed with the RASC team.
Is diving certification required?
This is an in-water photography workshop for experienced participants. Please contact Sorido Bay Resort to confirm the required dive certification, experience, medical documents and insurance for your circumstances before paying.
Does the price include accommodation?
The resort handles a combined workshop-and-stay quotation. Inquire directly about your room category, meals, transfers, diving and any additional fees, as these depend on the package offered.
Where is the workshop held?
At the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center, Sorido Bay Resort, Kri Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The resort will advise on arrival and transfer arrangements.
How do I reserve a place?
Send a request to the official Papua Diving reservations team using the contact details below. Mention Advanced Underwater Photography Workshop, 8–14 August 2027, with Don Silcock and Isabella Tabacchi.
Your Raja Ampat story starts here.
Ready to advance your underwater photography? Contact the Sorido Bay Resort reservations team for the August 8–14, 2027 workshop package, current availability and booking conditions.
Reservations and payments are managed by Papua Diving Resorts. This page provides workshop information and sends inquiries to the resort; it is not a direct checkout.