1-on-1 Underwater Photography Coaching

I can’t thank you enough.

I’ll still probably bash my head against the wall a few times but you gave me such an excellent roadmap to success.

Also you gave me some tricks so that when I am scuba diving or free diving it’s fewer decisions to make underwater.

Recently I reached the point that is probably not uncommon for “happy enthusiasts” like me – I felt that I had stopped growing as an underwater photographer. Trying to move things to the next level therefore required some fresh thinking and so I connected with Kate Jonker.

It was a good call.

In our one-on-one sessions I learnt some setting tricks and lens / diopter ideas that I would likely not have figured out on my own even though the concepts were simple to grasp and execute once I understood the ‘why’.

And I found the image review very helpful – for example, she unpacked in detail where I was focusing, the effect of aperture on my actual images as well as evaluating the general composition. Kate has a really nice way of sharing what she sees. In my opinion Kate Jonker is South Africa’s top underwater macro photographer so what she ‘sees’ is of consequence.

My underwater photography has always been slightly ‘hit and miss’, with not as many ‘hits’ as I’d like! This was down to my less than helpful settings, which I would never have worked out by myself. However, after an hour’s 1:1 with Kate, I now have a proper working knowledge of camera and strobe settings which I’m excited about trying underwater. Kate explained everything clearly and in easy to understand terminology, and it was incredibly valuable to me to have an expert eye cast over my unedited photos. She was able to spot immediately what the issues were, and provided solutions to them all. Having a link to the recorded session and a written summary of the points covered is an added bonus, and means that I don’t have to try to remember all that useful information when I’m on diving trips. If you feel even slightly disappointed with your photos, don’t struggle on hoping for the best – book an hour with Kate!

WOW, even that is understated.

I had a 1:1 with Kate to try and understand my recently purchase TG7. Ive taken photos for years now, with different set ups and my current main camera is a micro 4/3, hence I am finding the TG7 limitations difficult. Kate has pointed out a few different settings that I could change to improve my photos, along with general tips on underwater photography that I’ve never considered.

it was well worth the money, not only was its informative but VERY enjoyable. hope to fit in another session with her ASAP.

If you are on the fence on whether to book, go ahead, you wont regret it.

I felt that Kate went above & beyond by showing me how to use the two different strobes I have. Strobes can be a little intimidating when starting out and by showing me how to use the two models I have, I felt this was an added benefit.

Prior to contacting Kate, I was struggling to get the most from my Olympus TG6 – I was having trouble getting my focus and strobe placement right on macro subjects and was so frustrated I felt like giving up!

Kate was amazingly helpful in giving me so many practical tips about focusing techniques, strobe placement, and composition. She gave me insightful feedback with my image reviews, and was absolutely lovely to work with. She also provided a recording of our session and a written summary so I could refer back to it anytime. I couldn’t have found a better coach!

Her advice has made a huge difference – even though it’s still early days, my photos have improved significantly and I’m now really enjoying the challenges of macro photography. I don’t aim to be an award-winning photographer but the satisfaction of producing a sharp, well-lit shot with good composition gives me a huge amount of satisfaction.

I would highly recommend contacting Kate if, like me, you’re struggling to get the best results out of your camera. You won’t regret it!

I would strongly recommend the 1:1 coaching with Kate.

It was a really helpful session to get a better understanding concerning the main settings for macro photography. Kate give me the opportunity to ask many technical questions and to get very clear answers.

A very helful coaching to improve my skills

We had the opportunity to review some of my own pictures and to discuss about the right or the wrong settings.

Many thanks to Kate for her patience and her kindness !
A very nice moment.

My experience with underwater photography is very limited.

Kate realising that,  nevertheless gave me time and guidance as to how to sharpen my skills from exposure setup to strobe positioning.  This guidance was inline within my gear specifications as I am using a compact camera.

During the review Kate identified where my approach needed to be changed and what I should have done under each and every shot to have had it better.  I was also content, as an encouragement Kate did  praise one of my shots from the composition side.  Halfway through the session I was able to identify what I should have done based on her earlier comments.

In the session Kate also guided me with my cropping techniques under my Lrc application.

Finally,  I really enjoyed the session as I benefited a lot.  I look forward for my upcoming trip to apply those comments and for a second review.

Kate, maybe one day I would have an opportunity to physically join one of your workshops.  Thank you.

Amr Kadry