Reef Wreck and Critter - Underwater Photography
Reef Wreck and Critter - Underwater Photography
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Underwater Photography Courses & Live Aboard Underwater Photography Diving Tours in Indonesia
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BenandHeidi
Dubai, United Arab Emirates42 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
My 16 year old daughter is a keen macro photographer and diver but had always been disappointed with the uninspiring photographs she had taken underwater with her Canon S100 compact. We recently added a single strobe to her setup but she was unsure how to use the equipment to its full potential.
We booked her on a two day course in Tulamben with Jeff to cover equipment set-up and maintenance, using her camera, composition, 2 teaching dives to take shots and editing those shots with Lightroom.
As parents we are naturally a little protective of our daughters but Jeff and his wife Dawn were extremely friendly and we were immediately comfortable when they picked our daughter up from the resort early on the first morning to take her on the course.
My daughter could not have been happier with the course itself. She loved learning from Jeff and learnt more in the two days spent with Jeff than she could have done in years trying to teach herself from books.
Jeff showed her how to use the cameras manual controls to get the shot that she wanted and how to use the strobe to obtain the best lighting and correct exposure. From the first test dive the improvements were dramatic and we were all thrilled with the shots she took. It was an absolute pleasure to witness her excitement and enthusiasm as she showed us the photographs that she had taken.
On the second day she had another dive and took more great shots whilst the afternoon was dedicated to editing her shots in Lightroom. Again the amount she learnt in just a few hours far exceeded what she had previously been able to learn in months from other sources and she is now quite proficient with the software.
I cannot recommend a course with Jeff highly enough for any enthusiastic new underwater photographer who wants to really improve their knowledge and skills. However, please note that the course days are quite long and demanding. As such I would say they are most suitable for photographers that are very serious about learning and are prepared to work hard with Jeff. Parents considering this for their teenager should carefully consider if their child is going to be focused enough to dedicate the time and effort required whilst on holiday before booking.
Jeff's skills and experience shines through and along with Dawn he provided our daughter with an unforgettable experience. Our daughter learnt so much on the course and by the end of our week long holiday was confident taking great shots on her own. As her experience grows I am sure she will want to visit Jeff again to further develop her skills.
Thank you Jeff and Dawn.
We booked her on a two day course in Tulamben with Jeff to cover equipment set-up and maintenance, using her camera, composition, 2 teaching dives to take shots and editing those shots with Lightroom.
As parents we are naturally a little protective of our daughters but Jeff and his wife Dawn were extremely friendly and we were immediately comfortable when they picked our daughter up from the resort early on the first morning to take her on the course.
My daughter could not have been happier with the course itself. She loved learning from Jeff and learnt more in the two days spent with Jeff than she could have done in years trying to teach herself from books.
Jeff showed her how to use the cameras manual controls to get the shot that she wanted and how to use the strobe to obtain the best lighting and correct exposure. From the first test dive the improvements were dramatic and we were all thrilled with the shots she took. It was an absolute pleasure to witness her excitement and enthusiasm as she showed us the photographs that she had taken.
On the second day she had another dive and took more great shots whilst the afternoon was dedicated to editing her shots in Lightroom. Again the amount she learnt in just a few hours far exceeded what she had previously been able to learn in months from other sources and she is now quite proficient with the software.
I cannot recommend a course with Jeff highly enough for any enthusiastic new underwater photographer who wants to really improve their knowledge and skills. However, please note that the course days are quite long and demanding. As such I would say they are most suitable for photographers that are very serious about learning and are prepared to work hard with Jeff. Parents considering this for their teenager should carefully consider if their child is going to be focused enough to dedicate the time and effort required whilst on holiday before booking.
Jeff's skills and experience shines through and along with Dawn he provided our daughter with an unforgettable experience. Our daughter learnt so much on the course and by the end of our week long holiday was confident taking great shots on her own. As her experience grows I am sure she will want to visit Jeff again to further develop her skills.
Thank you Jeff and Dawn.
Written 31 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CherryM16
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
July 2016 • Couples
I’m so happy I took the course with Jeff (and Dawn) as it made the difference to my photos.
I am highly satisfied with the results...some of my friends thought I turned “pro” :-)
Jeff is very experienced, knowledgeable, professional, patient and fun instructor. He took the time answering my “burning” questions about camera, strobes etc. that can never be found in manuals or google.
Jeff also gives honest recommendation on various products/accessories as opposed to others who does sales pitch.
The course was also structured in a very comfortable, easy-to-follow manner, suitable even for beginners. Highly recommended.
I am highly satisfied with the results...some of my friends thought I turned “pro” :-)
Jeff is very experienced, knowledgeable, professional, patient and fun instructor. He took the time answering my “burning” questions about camera, strobes etc. that can never be found in manuals or google.
Jeff also gives honest recommendation on various products/accessories as opposed to others who does sales pitch.
The course was also structured in a very comfortable, easy-to-follow manner, suitable even for beginners. Highly recommended.
Written 8 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey D
Brisbane, Australia1 contribution
Aug 2014 • Friends
I first met Jeff and Dawn in Tulamben in 2012 when I did a two day underwater photography plus Lightroom course. I learnt so much in those 2 days and couldn’t believe the immediate improvement in the quality of my photos. Jeff is a superb teacher and takes time to fully explain and demonstrate techniques until I fully understood and replicated them. Dawn is an eagle-eyed spotter and finds the most amazing critters. I was so impressed with them I returned to Tulamben in 2013 for another three days of one-on-one tuition.
I also had the pleasure of being on one of their liveaboard trips to Cenderwasih in August 2014 and it didn’t disappoint. Their liveaboard trips are precision planned and their local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to diving locations and when little hiccups occur with flight delays and cancellations.
Jeff and Dawn go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that everyone is having a great time and most importantly taking great photos. I look forward to seeing them in October 2015 for the Raja Ampat trip.
I also had the pleasure of being on one of their liveaboard trips to Cenderwasih in August 2014 and it didn’t disappoint. Their liveaboard trips are precision planned and their local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to diving locations and when little hiccups occur with flight delays and cancellations.
Jeff and Dawn go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that everyone is having a great time and most importantly taking great photos. I look forward to seeing them in October 2015 for the Raja Ampat trip.
Written 2 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris978
Perth, Australia7 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
We have done a number of Indonesian dive trips with Reef Wreck and Critter; Komodo a few times and North Sulawesi including Lembeh Strait, Bangka Islands and Bunaken. The logistics of a Reef Wreck and Critter live-aboard trip run like clock-work due to Jeff and Dawn’s preparation and local knowledge (and speaking Indonesian helps). The diving is always spot on, Jeff and Dawn have dived these areas since the early 80’s, they know the dive sites, currents etc. and it’s not unusual for them to be telling the local guides where to dive. I have never had a bad dive with them.
When it comes to underwater photographic coaching I’m probably going to tell the same story as most others on here. My first session with Jeff was with a point and shoot camera many years ago and after one short session my photos improved out of sight. I’ve since gone to a DSLR and done further sessions with Jeff and it’s the same story, I just get better and better results each time. On the Reef Wreck and Critter live-aboard trips Jeff’s photographic help never stops, he is always available, always offering advise (even underwater), training Lightroom late into the night and often fixing gear for people. His experience in underwater photography is vast, and he shares it.
I can’t recommend Jeff and Dawns trips highly enough. They use great boats with a small number of guests and offer the best dive sites and diving I have ever experienced.
When it comes to underwater photographic coaching I’m probably going to tell the same story as most others on here. My first session with Jeff was with a point and shoot camera many years ago and after one short session my photos improved out of sight. I’ve since gone to a DSLR and done further sessions with Jeff and it’s the same story, I just get better and better results each time. On the Reef Wreck and Critter live-aboard trips Jeff’s photographic help never stops, he is always available, always offering advise (even underwater), training Lightroom late into the night and often fixing gear for people. His experience in underwater photography is vast, and he shares it.
I can’t recommend Jeff and Dawns trips highly enough. They use great boats with a small number of guests and offer the best dive sites and diving I have ever experienced.
Written 28 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilary VE
Western Australia71 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
My husband and I have just returned from a fabulous trip to Manado with Jeff and Dawn Mullins. This is our second liveaboard with the Mullins' having travelled to Komodo last year.
We were treated to world class muck diving and macro photography in Lembeh Strait and stunning walls and pinnacles in beautiful clear water as we made our way north to Bangka Island and the Bunaken National Park.
If your passion is diving and underwater photography then a holiday with Jeff and Dawn is a must on your 'bucket list'. They take care of everything and ensure everyone is well catered for. Their local knowledge of these areas ensures the best diving and photographic opportunities in a safe and controlled environment.
Jeff and Dawn are the loveliest people you could every wish to meet and we look forward to our next adventure with Reef Wreck and Critter.
We were treated to world class muck diving and macro photography in Lembeh Strait and stunning walls and pinnacles in beautiful clear water as we made our way north to Bangka Island and the Bunaken National Park.
If your passion is diving and underwater photography then a holiday with Jeff and Dawn is a must on your 'bucket list'. They take care of everything and ensure everyone is well catered for. Their local knowledge of these areas ensures the best diving and photographic opportunities in a safe and controlled environment.
Jeff and Dawn are the loveliest people you could every wish to meet and we look forward to our next adventure with Reef Wreck and Critter.
Written 26 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary B
Perth, Western Australia, Australia19 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
I first met Jeff and Dawn Mullins in October 2011 on a live aboard dive trip to North Sulawesi Jeff and Dawn met us at Manado airport and made us all very welcome, we made our way down to the port of Bitung where we went on board the boat that was to home for the next 10 days it was well fitted out for divers and had comfortable accommodation in double cabins with good size beds and two cabins with bunk style beds, this was our "home boat".
All diving was done on a separate well appointed dive boat that accompanied the "home boat", all dive gear was stored on the dive boat including air compressors, dive cylinders etc. so the home boat was just for relaxing on the spacious lounges, eating, sleeping and sorting camera gear etc
We dived all the way up Lembeh Strait at places like Nudi Falls, Nudi Retreat, Angels Window then up through the North Sulawesi Coast and Bangka Island, up through Bunaken Island and back down into Lembeh Strait this was my first time diving in this part of Indonesia it was an unforgettable experience.
Jeff is a well known and respected Australian photo journalist, he provided advice to those amongst our group who were new to the wonderful world of underwater photography and encouragement to the more experienced ones, in the evenings Jeff would provide instruction on Adobe Lightroom and provide critique on the days photography and suggest camera settings to improve results, Jeff is ably assisted by his wife Dawn, she is a lovely lady and a great host who went out of her way to make everyone feel right at home, she is also a great spotter of small critters to photograph.
The dive guides on the boat know these waters backwards, at the pre dive briefings they would tell us what we could expect to see and where to it and sure enough on most dives they were right, they couldn't do enough to help, from assisting divers into their gear, finding elusive critters for us to photograph etc it was a pleasure to dive with these people.
I did a recent trip to Tulamben in Bali with a group of friends from my dive club, Jeff and Dawn Mullins spend about 8 months of the year in Bali, they have a home not far from Tulamben so when we travelled to the Liberty Dive Resort for a week of diving several of our group spent a full day with Jeff getting familiar with our cameras under Jeffs tuition, this included a theory session where he explained in detail what f-stops were, exposure, shutter speeds, ISO etc this was followed by an in water session where we put into practise what we had learnt, this way everyone got to know their own camera and the settings required for either wide angle, macro, video etc.My own results have improved vastly since spending this invaluable time with Jeff
I look forward to diving with Jeff and Dawn again in the near future on one of their live aboard trips wether it is at Raja Ampat, Komodo, Lembeh Strait, or where ever.
All diving was done on a separate well appointed dive boat that accompanied the "home boat", all dive gear was stored on the dive boat including air compressors, dive cylinders etc. so the home boat was just for relaxing on the spacious lounges, eating, sleeping and sorting camera gear etc
We dived all the way up Lembeh Strait at places like Nudi Falls, Nudi Retreat, Angels Window then up through the North Sulawesi Coast and Bangka Island, up through Bunaken Island and back down into Lembeh Strait this was my first time diving in this part of Indonesia it was an unforgettable experience.
Jeff is a well known and respected Australian photo journalist, he provided advice to those amongst our group who were new to the wonderful world of underwater photography and encouragement to the more experienced ones, in the evenings Jeff would provide instruction on Adobe Lightroom and provide critique on the days photography and suggest camera settings to improve results, Jeff is ably assisted by his wife Dawn, she is a lovely lady and a great host who went out of her way to make everyone feel right at home, she is also a great spotter of small critters to photograph.
The dive guides on the boat know these waters backwards, at the pre dive briefings they would tell us what we could expect to see and where to it and sure enough on most dives they were right, they couldn't do enough to help, from assisting divers into their gear, finding elusive critters for us to photograph etc it was a pleasure to dive with these people.
I did a recent trip to Tulamben in Bali with a group of friends from my dive club, Jeff and Dawn Mullins spend about 8 months of the year in Bali, they have a home not far from Tulamben so when we travelled to the Liberty Dive Resort for a week of diving several of our group spent a full day with Jeff getting familiar with our cameras under Jeffs tuition, this included a theory session where he explained in detail what f-stops were, exposure, shutter speeds, ISO etc this was followed by an in water session where we put into practise what we had learnt, this way everyone got to know their own camera and the settings required for either wide angle, macro, video etc.My own results have improved vastly since spending this invaluable time with Jeff
I look forward to diving with Jeff and Dawn again in the near future on one of their live aboard trips wether it is at Raja Ampat, Komodo, Lembeh Strait, or where ever.
Written 20 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryann E
Perth7 contributions
June 2012 • Friends
I have been on a number of liveaboard dive trips with Jeff and Dawn Mullins, to the Komodo Islands, Alor and I am about to dive the Lembeh Straits and Manado in September with them. I have visited Tulamben a couple of times as well. Jeff and Dawn are wonderful hosts, providing well designed, prepared and organised liveaboard trips. In Tulamben Jeff offers one on one photography tuition to suit individual needs They are great company and exceptional organisers, ensuring that all their guests are comfortable, well catered, but more importantly are very mindful of safety for their diving clients. Sites are selected with care, at the most opportune times to dive. Most divers are photographers, and Jeff offers a comprehensive learning experience from camera set up, individual tuition above and below water, including the use of Lightroom an Adobe photographic program, and camera maintenance and care. I really enjoy diving with Jeff and Dawn and can recommend them for a relaxed, comfortable, well organised small group experience. My underwater photography has improved immensely since my first trip with them, and I am now using Lightroom to modify my photos. You will not regret joining one of their trips.
Written 17 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lifeiscolour
Broadbeach, Australia38 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
Jeff has a lifetime of professional experience with UW photography - not sure how long he has been teaching but seemed to me he is a master of instruction as well.
I had been wanting to take an UW photo course for some time, and the (many) emails back and forth organising were dealt with quickly and professionally.
Jeff himself is a gentleman and a scholar and the day went without a hitch.
The course I did was detailed and thorough, but by far the most appealing aspect to me was that everything we covered was specifically tailored to my experience, my skill level and my equipment.
Too often instructors (in any field) can cover things generically, but with each bit of information and technique Jeff patiently and clearly linked it back practically to my individual camera setup, making it all very easy to absorb and very efficient learning.
The practical dive part left me with some excellent snaps and a real confidence with my gear and technique. I could not believe the pics I was seeing in the back of the camera - couldn't stop smiling underwater!
Cannot recommend this course highly enough - thankyou mate, great to meet you and I look forward to coming back to do another course with you soon!
I had been wanting to take an UW photo course for some time, and the (many) emails back and forth organising were dealt with quickly and professionally.
Jeff himself is a gentleman and a scholar and the day went without a hitch.
The course I did was detailed and thorough, but by far the most appealing aspect to me was that everything we covered was specifically tailored to my experience, my skill level and my equipment.
Too often instructors (in any field) can cover things generically, but with each bit of information and technique Jeff patiently and clearly linked it back practically to my individual camera setup, making it all very easy to absorb and very efficient learning.
The practical dive part left me with some excellent snaps and a real confidence with my gear and technique. I could not believe the pics I was seeing in the back of the camera - couldn't stop smiling underwater!
Cannot recommend this course highly enough - thankyou mate, great to meet you and I look forward to coming back to do another course with you soon!
Written 7 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bunyip61
Canberra, Australia28 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
I am a very experienced (and reasonably competent) photographer.
However, I have benefited immensely from the tuition and friendly discussions with Jeff (and Dawn).
Jeff is an accomplished underwater photographer, who is delighted to help students of all levels.
He and Dawn dive almost every day in the Tulamben area, so are intimate with local dive sights, conditions, and which critters live where.
For me, Jeff's very reasonable fees have always resulted in better knowledge of my underwater equipment, and improved images.
Very highly recommended to underwater photographers of all skill levels. You'll always learn something from Jeff.
However, I have benefited immensely from the tuition and friendly discussions with Jeff (and Dawn).
Jeff is an accomplished underwater photographer, who is delighted to help students of all levels.
He and Dawn dive almost every day in the Tulamben area, so are intimate with local dive sights, conditions, and which critters live where.
For me, Jeff's very reasonable fees have always resulted in better knowledge of my underwater equipment, and improved images.
Very highly recommended to underwater photographers of all skill levels. You'll always learn something from Jeff.
Written 28 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian S
Brisbane7 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
If you are in Tulamben then you are mast probably a diver. If you enjoy taking photos of your underwater experiences and want to get a whole lot better- go and and do a course with Jeff. He is patient, extremely knowlegeble, ensures you understand and meticulous. And as for their liveaboard photograhic/dive trips they are just the best fun. Jeff and Dawn know the areas and ensure your safety and comfort. Plus you learn as you go. My photos have improved every time,. Yep, I'm a repeat offender !!
Written 6 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am wondering how much a one day compact camera course will cost me? Thanks in advance :)
Written 6 July 2015
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