Special Features – LIDS 2012
GET IN THE ZONES
WITH THE FAR EAST on ever more travelling divers’ wish-lists, an expanded Asia-Pacific showcase area will be one of the attractions at LIDS. But it’s just one of the “regional zones” at the Show.
In the Caribbean Village you can find out about dive trips to all the major islands; the Red Sea Zone will update you on the changing face of tourism in Egypt; and the British Isles Experience brings together dive centres and skippers from all over the country with tempting ideas for diving closer to home. There are many other exhibitors around the hall ready to help you realise your holiday plans.
MAKE SNAP DECISIONS
THERE'S ANOTHER important zone at LIDS – the PhotoZone. With so many divers coming back with photographic souvenirs of their dives, and hungry for the best results possible, this area offers visitors advice from luminaries such as Alex Mustard and post-production expert Saeed Rashid as well as helpful members of the British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP). Discuss your concerns one to one, attend the PhotoZone presentations, enjoy examples of fine photography from BSoUP’s Print Competition in the photo gallery, and check out all the cameras, housings and accessories for sale.
PhotoZone Presentations at LIDS 2012
The following underwater photography talks will take place in the PhotoZone area of the main LIDS 2012 hall on both Saturday and Sunday:
10.00 – 10.45
WHICH UNDERWATER CAMERA? – Mark Koekemoer/Ocean Optics
It's a simple question but one which is very easy to get wrong. Mark Koekemoer, DIVER Magazine columnist, U/W photography course designer, and author of the Compact Camera chapter in “The Underwater Photographer” by Martin Edge, will explain the vital features to look for when choosing your new camera. Using his own stunning images he will show you how to choose the right camera and explain the role accessories play in helping you get great underwater photographs.
11.00 – 11.45
TOP TEN U/W PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS – BSoUP
The British Society of Underwater Photographers (BSoUP) will be giving top tips to help you get the best from your camera. Martin Davies, one of the Society's most active UK underwater photographers, will demonstrate what can be achieved in UK and overseas waters. This presentation is primarily aimed at beginners, but anyone who takes a camera diving should be able to pick up a top tip or two.
12.00 – 12.45
BUT THAT'S NOT REAL! – Saeed Rashid
Enhancing images is made easy with Photoshop. Saeed Rashid, Editorial Consultant for DIVER Magazine and post-production expert, will show you how to use a variety of editing tools to get the most out of your underwater shots. Using a range of his own and others' photos, Saeed will explore a variety of techniques, with a particular focus on creating composite images. "Step-by-step instruction to follow at home will enable you to polish your treasured underwater memories," says Saeed.
1.00 – 1.45
HOT NEW TOYS – Alex Tattersall
Want to take your underwater photography experience to new levels? Alex Tattersall, founder of Nauticam UK and Underwater Visions, will introduce some of the latest trends in underwater photography equipment, designed to expand your horizons. Alex has put these top-quality, innovative products to the test in the UK and overseas, and the results can be seen in his images. You will also have the chance to play with these hot new toys.
2.00 – 2.45
VIDEO CAMERAS ARE DEAD, LONG LIVE VIDEO ... – Paul 'Duxy' Duxfield
Videographer or photographer? With the new generation of cameras there is now no need to choose. Explore another medium for capturing your underwater experiences with Paul 'Duxy' Duxfield of Ocean Leisure Cameras, who will show you how to get the best out of the exciting new stills cameras, Digi-Compacts, CSCs and DSLRs which are taking over all levels of the UW video market. Pick up some top tips and tricks of the trade.
3.00 – 3.45
DIVING SKILLS FOR U/W PHOTOGRAPHERS – Black Rock Diving
Black Rock Diving in Dahab is the first overseas dive centre to gain INON Underwater Photography Academy status. Discover how Black Rock can help you really improve your Red Sea portfolios and learn about the inaugural INONFEST EGYPT UW photography workshop for compact camera users. Black Rock is committed to meeting the needs of underwater photographers from beginner to expert, and will be giving information about its courses, personal coaching, one-to-one dives and photo safaris.
FOR THE NEXT COURSE …
A RECENT DIVER Magazine Big Question reveals that almost three-quarters of you plan to undertake some form of diving training course this year. Where better to size up the options and perhaps sign up than LIDS? The sizeable PADI Village with its own Seminar Theatre covers a lot of possibilities, including new self-reliance, rebreathers and side-mounting courses, but you might also want to take in the BSAC section, with its Branch Pods and training lectures, and the stands of the various technical and other training agencies around the hall.
WET YOUR APPETITE
WOULD-BE OR existing CCR divers looking to try something new should be lining up to get wet with a rebreather in the Technical Pool, while youngsters can get in on the open-circuit action by visiting the Try-dive Pool, where they can use scuba for the first time in safe, controlled conditions. And if you want the sensation of getting wet without having to change into anything more than a 3D mask, be sure to visit the No-Tanx 3D Freedive Simulator to find out how long you can hold your breath on a dive. Who knows where this experience might lead, but No-Tanx can take you there!
DO THE SHOPPING
GET YOUR BEARINGS with the New Products Showcase, then take a turn around the many manufacturer, distributor and retailer stands to get your hands on the merchandise and discuss it with the experts. With so much choice to hand, LIDS 2012 is the perfect environment for making those all-important buying decisions!
