Anilao Photo Intensive: April 19-26, 2014

The Reef Photo & Video 2014 Anilao, Philippines Underwater Photo Intensive: A Hands-On Workshop Conducted by Alex Mustard, Tanya Burnett, Kevin Palmer, and Chris Parsons. Reef Photo and Video has utilized every possible resource to assemble what could well be the greatest underwater photography learning experience of 2014. This is a chance to learn and develop with professional instruction, unlimited support and a chance to be guided to striking photo opportunities – every day. The Location: Anilao, Philippines is a quiet coastal region of the island of Luzon sprinkled with small dive resorts and vacation homes. It first gained international attention when underwater photographer Scott “Gutsy” Tuason’s book titled “Anilao”, which he co-authored with Eduardo Co-Unjieng, won the grand prize at the World Festival Underwater Images in France over a dozen years ago. Situated only 2.5 hours from Manila, Anilao is extremely easy to get to by international travel standards with direct flights from Vancouver, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Honolulu and Los Angeles, while a single stop opens up many more options. More importantly; Anilao is home to some of the finest Muck and Reef Macro diving in the World. The variety of species and environments that can be found within a 15 minute boat ride from the resort is simply staggering. There are also world class wide angle opportunities for those who can pull themselves away from the small stuff. It is not uncommon to hear first time visitors to the area exclaim they have photographed more unusual critters around Anilao in a week, than in years of international travel elsewhere. The exotic night diving options are second to none. The Team:   Alex Mustard is heralded as one of today’s finest underwater photographers, innovators and educators. Alex’s work and writing has facilitated countless numbers of underwater photographers on their quest to improve their skills. His impressive knowledge, experience and tips will be readily available to attendees during a week of spectacular diving. With regular presentations and numerous question and answer sessions, techniques can be quickly applied during the minimum of three dives a day. Alex’s trademark good humor and tireless efforts to help attendees will offer an opportunity for everyone to take their photography to the next level.   Scott “Gutsy” Tuason is an internationally renowned photographer with 30 years of experience shooting the oceans inhabitants. His award winning work has appeared in five books including his seminal portrayal of Anilao’s marine denizens. As previous Editor in Chief of Lonely Planet Philippines and an avid partner of WWF in the region, Scott has a reverent passion for these waters. Attendees will get the ultimate introduction to Anilao courtesy of his presentation of spectacular images.   Tanya Burnett is a well known professional underwater photographer who has been Field Editor for Sport Diver and currently freelances for many of the major US dive and travel magazines. She has frequently taught photo courses at Sport Diver sponsored events and runs guided expeditions throughout the year. Tanya will be on hand to help as needed throughout the week - her infectious enthusiasm for Anilao’s diving opportunities is irresistible.   Kevin Palmer is an equipment specialist at Reef Photo & Video with 25 years of underwater photography experience who has also worked with numerous publications. Kevin will be fully accessible to help solve technical issues and provide equipment support in any way possible during the course week. This will be Kevin’s third trip to Anilao and he will gladly share his gear recommendations for specific dive sites.   Chris Parsons oversees all dealer and customer support for Nauticam in the Americas and is a superb photographic technician. He shares his extensive knowledge during numerous workshops on underwater photography, video, and software applications throughout the year. Chris will be providing product support, technical expertise and demonstrating some cutting edge new gear for underwater imaging. Getting the most from Anilao requires expert local guides who know where the current action is happening and how to spot it. Reef Photo and Video has already reserved eight of the most famous Anilao guides for this week; offering an amazing one guide per every three to four photographers on the trip. This ratio will give everyone plenty of extraordinary photo opportunities during the course and groups will be divided to keep the sites less crowded. The Resort: Aiyanar is one of Anilao’s newest and most beautiful resorts. The setting is serene - an artistically modern design carved into the hillside with mature tropical trees, lots of natural materials, an infinity pool and lovely elevated al fresco dining area to catch the ocean breeze. The rooms are all elegant, contemporary and larger than typical for Filipino resorts. Reef Photo and Video has reserved the entire resort, so we will have full access to the extensive dive and photo support facilities (probably the best in the area). There is little in the way of night life or nice restaurants in the region, so all meals and snacks are included and everyone will enjoy abundant dining throughout the day. Reliable Wi-Fi is available everywhere on the property. Diving will be mainly from traditional Banka boats (outriggers) which we find to be one of the most comfortable dive boat set ups ever designed and the colorful craft make great photo ops too! Extensions: The Philippines have thousands of Islands with many, many interesting opportunities to go and explore. For those with time and a sense of adventure, domestic flights are reasonably priced and easy to arrange. Some Brief suggestions: Puerto Galera: About a 1.5 hour boat ride from Anilao is the fun beachside dive town of Puerto Galera. Lots of great macro and fish portrait dives, plus the dramatic current swept Verde Island. Excellent operators and guides are available. Tubataha Reefs Natural Park: The charming town of Puerta Princessa on Palawan (home to many natural wonders) is the gateway port to the legendary Tubataha Atolls. A day long boat ride out to one of the most outstanding reef preserves in the world - only possible a few months a year. This liveaboard adventure on the Philippine Siren delivers unforgettable pelagic encounters and stunningly remote reefs during a very special week in the Sulu Sea. The trip is hosted by Tanya Burnett and Kevin Palmer and departs on April 27th through May 3, 2014. Selling Price: $2195 Per Person, Double Occupancy $3195 Per Person, Single Occupancy Dates: April 19 through 26, 2014 Includes: All Meals & Accommodations Six Days of Diving, Three One Tanks Boat Trips per Day with a 3:1 Guide to Diver Ratio Daily Afternoon Photo Technique Clinics Daily Evening Inspirational and Educational Slide Shows Transfers to & from Manila (surcharges for extensions on pre and post extensions required) Not Included Extra Dives and Night Boat Dives (avail at $35 ea) Alcoholic Beverages Departure taxes (Airport Use Fee) $750 Pesos (Approximately $17 at current exchange rates) Other local Airport fees if taking an additional domestic flight Reserve your spot now with a $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit.  Balance is due in full no later than February 19, 2014, 60 days before start date.