“Now there are so much we can talk about with Adobe Lightroom," says Durand, "but the suggestion [from followers] was to talk about things we can take advantage of now when a lot of us have a lot of extra time on our hands at home, in the evenings and the weekends, so we are going to do a high-level pass on some of the main features of Adobe Lightroom. It should be useful if you are not yet using Lightroom, but also useful if you are using Lightroom.” To see the free video, go to: youtube.com/watch?v=t9xNsT52I1o

Why the series?

"We are all aware of the stresses rippling through the dive industry as a result of COVID-19," wrote Durand. "To help look at the bright side, I have started a weekly video tutorial series on how to improve your underwater photography and video while at home. The format is very casual and more vlog-like than my standard tutorial videos, but hopefully entertaining as well. My goal is to inspire all of us who shoot photo and video underwater so that we are excited to book the next exotic trip and stock up at our local dive shop as soon as safe to do so. This is a small community and we all play a part." He added, "Let's stay stoked on the ocean, dreaming to join the next exotic dive trip and staying involved at our local dive shop."

Missed Part I and Part II?

The first video in the free series focuses on depth of field, exposure challenges, composition and creative lighting techniques. Go to: youtube.com/watch?v=121X2vePY5A

The second video in the free series focuses on building muscle memory using your housing, an exposure exercise and an often-never-discussed tip on homework. Go to: youtube.com/watch?v=sHo3-RTTxVo

Your own virtual photo lessons

Need more help? Those who want dive further into a topic and get personalized instruction in specific aspects of underwater photography, gear or postproduction can register for a virtual lesson. “The lesson will cover exactly what YOU want to learn!” states Durand. Still not sure? Get a sneak peak at what virtual lessons are all about and what you can learn in virtual lessons with Durand.

See an introductory video clip describing virtual lessons here: tutorials.brentdurand.com/virtual-photo-lessons/

What makes Durand different from the rest is the combination of his thorough in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in photography and teaching it, pointed yet friendly instruction, custom-tailored to each individual's needs, taught with relaxed good humor, and concrete outcomes that can be seen in markedly improved images and shooting technique afterwards."I think all of this combines to make me comfortable answering any photo questions on the spot, whether on a private video chat or large group presentation," said Durand.

Book your virtual lesson at: tutorials.brentdurand.com/virtual-photo-lessons/

About the photographer

An avid diver for over 20 years, Durand is a widely published underwater photographer and dive writer who has served as editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and imaging expert at Scuba Diving Magazine and Sport Diver. With a reputation for insightful-yet-simple reviews and tutorial articles, he has written for most of the top dive publications. Helping hundreds of divers “take their photography to the next level,” Durand has led underwater photography workshops in California, the Bahamas, Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. ■

For more information, visit: tutorials.brentdurand.com.