Macro to Megafauna: The Ultimate Philippines Underwater Photography Workshop

February 14 – 26, 2028 | Dumaguete & The Visayas Safari

Join Inside Scuba for an immersive 12-night underwater photography expedition led by Inside Scuba founders Byron Conroy and Andy Deitsch. We begin with 5 nights at the luxurious Atlantis Dumaguete—world-renowned for its "muck diving" and macro wonders—before boarding the Atlantis Infiniti for a 7-night liveaboard safari targeting the magnificent thresher sharks of Malapascua and the vibrant reefs of the Visayas.

This workshop destination has been chosen to offer the ultimate teaching conditions for underwater photography. The first 5 days will focus entirely on macro, as Dumaguete is home to some of the best macro shooting opportunities in the world, especially for cephalopod action. During this time, we will hold lectures on all types of macro photography, and you will have the chance to repeat-dive the best sites with the guidance needed to bring your creative visions to reality. Each day includes a live image review where we will critique your work in a non-competitive environment, allowing us to learn from and be inspired by one another. During these sessions, we will also conduct live editing demonstrations for the group.

After 5 nights at the resort, we will board the Atlantis Infiniti directly from the resort beachfront, ensuring no break in the diving action. To provide the very best possible conditions, we are running the boat at 20% under capacity, ensuring fewer divers in the water and more room for cameras, equipment, and lectures. Once on board, we will shift our focus to wide-angle photography. Lectures will cover composition, storytelling, and lighting techniques designed to take your wide-angle images to the next level.

The primary focus during these 7 nights will be wide-angle reef scenes, fish portraits, and our thresher shark experience. Because we are stationed on a liveaboard, we will have the opportunity to be the first in the water with these incredible sharks, avoiding the long journeys required by shore-based day boats.

As important as great technique is, we also understand the value of post-processing. Each day, we will offer a Lightroom and Photoshop clinic where you can drop in to discuss your workflow and see how we can help you prepare your images for the evening review.

Workshop Details

Rate per person: $4,650 (Based on double occupancy)

What is Included:

• 12 Nights of Luxury Accommodation: 5 nights at Atlantis Dumaguete Resort + 7 nights aboard Atlantis Infiniti.

• Gourmet Dining: All meals at the resort and onboard, including snacks and social servings of local beer/wine (onboard).

• Elite Diving: Up to 5 dives daily at the resort and all scheduled safari diving.

• Dedicated Support: Use of climate-controlled camera rooms and photography-focused dive guiding.

• All lectures, image reviews and teaching: Daily lectures. image reviews and assistance available all day to help with all of your photographic needs.

• Loan of equipment to test: Workshop leaders Byron and Andy will have a whole host of underwater photography gadgets and accessories for you to try out through the workshop. Diopters, snoots, and lighting tools.

Phase 1: The Macro Capital (Atlantis Dumaguete)

February 14 – 19, 2028 (5 Nights)

Located on a long stretch of dark volcanic sand, Atlantis Dumaguete is a photographer's dream. The resort features a dedicated climate-controlled camera room with individual workstations, air guns, and multiple voltage outlets.

• The Diving: Up to 5 dives daily (4 day, 1 night). Explore the sandy slopes of Dauin for frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and blue-ringed octopus.

• Apo Island Day Trip: A shift to wide-angle! Experience pristine hard coral gardens, massive schools of jacks, and resident sea turtles.

• The Vibe: Chef-prepared three-course meals, a freshwater pool, and lush tropical gardens.

Check out Bryon’s review from his trip in 2025.

Phase 2: The Thresher Shark Safari (Atlantis Infiniti)

February 19 – 26, 2028 (7 Nights)

We transition seamlessly from the resort to the Atlantis Infiniti, a premier recently renovated luxury liveaboard. It features 11 modern, air-conditioned cabins, a specialized camera room, and an expansive dive deck, accommodating up to 22-25 guests.. This leg of the journey is designed to put you in front of the Visayas' most iconic pelagics. 

• Malapascua & Kimud Shoal: Our primary target for the elegant Pelagic Thresher Sharks. Learn how to utilize ambient light and take stunning pictures of this rare and breath taking species.

• World class coral reefs: Philippines is smack bang in the coral triangle and home to some spectacular underwater scenery allowing you to try new and exciting wide angle photo techniques.

• Life Onboard: All meals, snacks, and "social servings" of local beer/wine are included. Relax in the spacious lounge or on the sundeck between photo sessions.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included:

• Accommodation: 5 nights resort / 7 nights liveaboard.

• Meals: All meals at the resort and onboard; snacks and complimentary local soft drinks, beer and social servings of wine.

• Diving: Unlimited scheduled boat diving + Apo Island day trip.

• Photography Support: Use of dedicated camera rooms and specialized dive guides. A whole host of gadgets for you to test: diopters, snoots, and lighting tools.

What’s Not Included:

• Nitrox: Highly recommended for this itinerary.

• Marine Park Fees at Resort: (Approx. PHP 210/day dive; PHP 500/night dive).

• Liveaboard Fees: Port/Park Fees ($140) and Fuel Surcharge ($120) paid onboard.

• Insurance: Dive insurance is mandatory.

• Transfers: Domestic flights and ground transport can be arranged through the Atlantis resort.

Where do I need to get to?

The workshop begins on the 14th February at Atlantis Dumaguete, the local airport is Dumaguete (DGT code). We recommend arriving in Manilla International at least one day ahead on the 13th and then taking a domestic flight from Manila Domestic terminal to Dumaguete. Atlantis Dumaguete can help arrange all transfers including domestic flights from Manilla if you need along with transfers from DGT airport to the resort.

Room sharing

The price is based upon double room occupancy. We will allocate room shares for single travelers based on gender. If you plan to book with a buddy that you also plan to share a room with, please inform the resort of this when each of you make your bookings.

Want to come early and prepare?

The workshop begins on February 14th, but the resort is a great place to arrive early and shake off the dust before the action begins. Discuss pre and post extensions directly with the Atlantis Dumaguete resort.

Ready to Sign Up?

To sign-up, send an email to [email protected] and mention the Byron Conroy workshop 2025-2788.