SFUPS 3M PROGRAM

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MEMBERS MENTORING MEMBERS

3M: Members Mentoring Members – The program is simple. Members who are skilled or experienced at a particular underwater photography/videography technique, are encouraged to mentor someone looking to learn. Mentor-to-member meetings will be informal via phone, zoom, or in-person and last 30 to 45 minutes. I would like to give credit and thank our fellow SFUPS member Eleanor Hornberger for designing the logo.

Everyone remembers that person that got them started filming the beautiful underwater world. Well, it’s time to pay it forward and give back. SFUPS members interested in mentorship can request to be connected with a mentor from the list of offerings that will be accumulated and posted on the SFUPS website.

Mentor and mentee meetings will be arranged directly after an introduction is made. Sessions are intended to be short, focused conversations to share knowledge, answer questions, and help members improve their underwater photography or videography skills.

To participate as a mentor, simply contact Gabriel Jensen or email the title of a topic you would like to offer to 3M@sfups.org. You don’t have to be a professional or expert by any means. Are YOU interested in helping mentor someone? Can you remember the person that got you started???”

THE FOLLOWING MENTOR OFFERINGS HAVE BEEN GENEROUSLY DONATED

1. IMPROVING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

I could help someone with creating social media content on these platforms: Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok. This skill could be used to help get more followers for their platforms and help boost their photography business if they have one.

2. CREATIVE MACRO TECHNIQUES

Learn how to use backlighting, slow shutter panning with a snoot, bubble bokeh, colored lights, and reflection tubes. Can be an in-person class at Blue Heron Bridge with props available to borrow.

3. SNOOTING 101

I will introduce the use of a snoot to produce dramatic, eye-catching photographs. I will review optimal camera settings, strobe settings, and snoot placement. This will be a beginner to intermediate level offering.

4. WIDE ANGLE DIVER/MODEL IMAGING

Learn how to create wide angle images with divers/models in the photos…topics would be: how to work/plan with you model before the dive and during, what type of shots are award winning or have the wow factor, getting creative with your model, and content creation with your photos. I could even set up a photo shoot with a skilled model so they can go practice.

5. ENHANCING PHOTOS WITH BASIC EDITING TOOLS

Taking a good picture with a camera is only the first step. The ability to enhance your pictures using widely recognized editing tools can help create photos that truly stand out. This isn’t meant for advanced editors, but rather for individuals who have been too intimidated to delve into the world of photo editing. This should be a good starting point that covers different tools, some basics on how to use them, and will mention some educational programs to become better at editing underwater photos.

6. SPLIT SHOT MASTERCLASS

Learn the art of technique behind taking flawless split shots. From managing water spots on the dome, to getting both topside and underwater in focus, we will cover the techniques you need to nail the shot. We will also review essential gear, so please note it is helpful to have a large dome to practice with.

7. HELP USING THE BACKSCATTER XTERMINATOR TOOL (BSXT)

BSXT intelligently analyzes underwater images and replaces unwanted scatter with accurate image data that matches the original content and grain, leaving virtually no blurred edges or artifacts. BSXT is a must-have for any underwater photographer who wants to dramatically improve their images without the soul-sucking process of removing backscatter spot by spot.” The cost is $179.95. I have found this tool to be a big help in removing large amounts of backscatter that would be too tedious using the spot remover tool in Lightroom. If you primarily use Lightroom and are not sure how to use this with Photoshop, I can help you understand the steps to take and how to tailor the results. Note that you will need to have both Lightroom and Photoshop installed on your computer. And I can only help PC users – I am not at all familiar with operating a Mac!

8. VIDEO EDITING FOR BEGINNERS

Learn how to transform your raw footage into an engaging video that captivates your audience. Learn how to structure a sequence, incorporate music, apply effects and transitions, and enhance color. This offering will mainly focus on Adobe Premier Pro but will also apply to other platforms.