January 26/27th: Dive Trips Reports for Underwater Photographers, by TUC Members
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Planning your next underwater photography trip? Let fellow shooters guide you.
There’s no substitute for hearing first-hand from someone who’s been there, dived that—especially when they share your passion for underwater photography, and care for the same things when it comes to dive travel.
In this special webinar, three members of The Underwater Club took the stage to share their recent dive trips, with each talk crafted to help you decide whether that destination is right for you. These aren’t just travel diaries—they’re photography-focused reports covering underwater highlights, ideal subjects and lenses, visibility conditions, topside logistics, and even accommodation and travel tips.
Watch the recording to see their favourite images, learn what worked (and what didn’t), and hear honest reflections on what it was like to photograph there. Whether you’re looking to plan your next photo adventure or simply want to be inspired by new locations, these reports are packed with insights that only another underwater photographer would think to include.
The Underwater Club is thrilled to feature three of its members covering the following destinations:
- Churchill (Canada), by Dawn Strohmeyer
- God’s Pocket (Canada), by Chris Miles
- Beqa Lagoon (Fiji), by Matt Dowse
Scroll-down to learn more about each speaker, and details on their trip.
Beluga Whales & Polar Bears in Churchill (Canada)
Meet your speaker
Dawn fell for underwater photography—hook, line, and sinker. Every dive is an opportunity to explore, connect, and capture the magic of the ocean, and her camera is never far her side. Dawn and her husband now plan their travels around scuba diving, chasing new experiences beneath the surface. Through her images, Dawn hopes to share the wonder of the underwater world with those who may never see it for themselves. She feels it is a privilege to witness these moments firsthand—and a responsibility to tell these stories and advocate for its protection.
To see more of Dawn’s work, follow her on Instagram @dawnatliquidlensstudio and visit her website. https://www.liquidlensstudio.com
About Dawn's trip to Churchill
In July 2025, Dawn travelled to Churchill (Manitoba, Canada) where she plunged her arms in the cold waters of Hudson Bay, for the rare chance to photograph Belugas in the wild! Polar bears were another special treat that made this trip truly special, so much so that Dawn is already planning her second adventure there.
Cold Water Reefs in God's Pocket (British Columbia, Canada)
Meet your speaker
Chris Miles grew up in Australia, never too far from a beach, and always loved being in the water. He got Scuba certified in 1999 in Melbourne, Australia, and has been diving on and off since then. After an extra long break between dives, it was a trip to Fiji in 2023 that got Chris right back into diving. Around the same time, Chris was exploring topside macro and wildlife photography. He discovered that combining the two passions was even more rewarding and has been learning and practicing underwater photography enthusiastically since then. A software engineer in San Jose, California by day, Chris dives most weekends in the kelp forests of Monterey, when not travelling to warmer waters.
To see more of Chris’ work, follow him on Instagram @miles.underwater.
About Chris' trip to God's Pocket
In August 2025, Chris Miles took part in an Alex Mustard workshop in God’s Pocket, British Columbia, Canada, to photograph the vibrant cold-water ecosystems of this off-grid location, accessible only by air and sea. Located near the nutrient-rich waters of the Browning Pass, the area is renowned for its extraordinary bio-density—dazzling reefs of red soft corals, yellow sponges, giant white anemones, towering kelp forests, and abundant fish life.
Sharks of Beqa Lagoon (Fiji)
Meet your speaker
Matt Dowse is an electrician, diver, and underwater photographer whose practice has been shaped by more than three decades in the water.
He began diving in 1990 and completed his PADI Divemaster certification in 2008, developing a strong environmental awareness that continues to inform his photographic work.
Matt has been shooting underwater since 2005, starting with the Olympus C750, then the Canon SX1, before moving into DSLR photography in 2010 with the Canon 7D.
In 2023, he transitioned to the Canon R7 mirrorless system, paired with dual Ikelite DS160 strobes.
This setup allows him to capture marine life with clarity, sharpness, and a strong sense of atmosphere, often in the low visibility and fast-moving tidal currents of his local dive sites.
When he’s not travelling to dive elsewhere in Australia or overseas, Matt is most often found beneath Swansea Bridge or around Nelson Bay (NSW, Australia), locations he has documented extensively and knows as intimately as a second home.
His images and footage from these waters reveal a world of subtle behaviours, shifting light, and unexpected encounters.
To see more of Matt’s work, follow him on Instagram @matt.d71, or browse a selection of prints and merchandise on his Redbubble page.
About Matt's trip to Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
In July 2025, Matt Dowse travelled to Fiji’s Beqa Island, where he spent a week diving in Beqa Lagoon and photographing bull sharks and several tiger sharks during the area’s well-known shark dives. Beyond the shark encounters, Matt will also share images from the surrounding coral reef dives and talk about the relaxed Fijian atmosphere that comes with staying in this remote corner of the South Pacific.
When is it?
The webinar will run for 2 hours, starting on:
- January 26th, 5pm Los Angeles time (PST)
- January 26th, 7pm Dallas time (CST)
- January 26th, 8pm Miami time (EST)
- January 27th, 09am Singapore time (SGT)
- January 27th, 12pm Sydney time (AEST)
- January 27th, 2pm Sydney time (NZST)
How do I register?
Club members can register for free by clicking the link below:
Non-members: this is a member-only webinar, but it takes less than 2 minutes to become a member!
Will I be able to watch the recording?
Yes! The recording will be made available shortly after the event, for Members of The Underwater Club.
What attendees said about the webinar
Participants had a great time! But don’t take our word for it, here are some of the comments typed in the meeting chat:
- 🧡 “Fascinating and inspiring stories Shane! Thanks so much for taking the time to share them with us.” — Chris
- 📚 “Thank you for very engaging, meaningful and inspiring presentation! Appreciate the knowledge, passion and insights you shared! Good to hear your strong view on ethics as well!” — Elena
- 📸 “Thank you so much for taking time tonight to talk to us! Great presentation and love your passion! (AND your photos!)” — Dawn
- 🚀 “Thanks so much Shane! Super inspiring!!!!” — Maryline
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Replay all webinar recordings
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