Capturing Critters in Lembeh UW Photography Workshop 2025 Roundup
This January at Lembeh Resort, we hosted the 12th edition of our popular Capturing Critters in Lembeh (CCiL) workshop. Combining a range of techniques, equipment, and subjects with expert guidance from no fewer than three professional underwater photographers, the workshop provided attendees with an invaluable opportunity to develop their skills while also exploring the natural wonders of the Lembeh Strait.
The main workshop ran from 11-17 January, with an extension from 18-19 January and a post-workshop held from 20-21 January. A total of 16 attendees signed up for CCiL 2025, and enjoyed a series of in-depth theory and photo critique sessions, interspersed with regular dives that generated some incredible images.
During a packed schedule of daily tutorial sessions, workshop participants learned composition and snoot lighting techniques, macro photography, motion blur, the basics of wide angle shooting, and post-processing tips for photo editing. For participants and photo pros alike, CCiL 2025 proved to be a fun and fulfilling experience.
Learn More | To watch a video from CCiL 2025, visit our official YouTube channel
“An Embarrassment of Riches of Weird and Wonderful Marine Life”
This year’s event featured three experienced underwater photo professionals: Ron Watkins (USA), Paul 'Duxy' Duxfield (UK), and Renee Capozzola (USA). Speaking during the event, Ron Watkins noted that “the workshops are going really well – we’ve challenged the participants to try different things, open up the aperture and get some really nice shots.” These shots also provided the starting point for daily photo critiques and live editing sessions, which gave participants an expert’s perspective on their work.
On the penultimate day, Renee observed there had been “a lot of collaboration between the photographers and all the guests,” while also adding that the dive sites were “absolutely breath-taking, the corals were just beautiful and we had terrific visibility, which makes photographing much easier.” During one blackwater dive, Renee and the group were able to photograph a female paper nautilus, an encounter that typified the critter diversity which makes the Lembeh Strait famous.
Photo pro Paul Duxfield believes that for underwater photography enthusiasts, there’s nowhere better to learn than Lembeh Resort: “As the premier macro destination in the world,” he says, “it rarely fails to deliver. We’ve seen everything from flamboyant cuttlefish to pygmy seahorses and frogfish; it’s an embarrassment of riches of weird and wonderful marine life.” To see examples of professional photographers’ work in Lembeh, view our Gallery.
Aligned with Lembeh Resort's commitment to conservation and sustainability, and as a sign of our respect for nature, CCiL 2025 implemented a strict policy of 'no handling underwater creatures' throughout the workshop. In addition to our usual briefing on this point, we also provided a dedicated lecture on underwater etiquette and ethics in relation to local ecology as part of the workshop.
Learn More | To explore our commitment to conservation and sustainability, click here
“It Feels Like a Home From Home”
For participants, the workshop proved to be an unforgettable experience. “It’s been absolutely incredible from start to finish,” remarked Michelle Brunton. “Lembeh Resort is quite a magical place and the guides are just amazing – they can find everything for you here,” she added. Another participant at CCiL 2025, Jayne Winter, said “this is my second time in Lembeh, and it feels like a home from home. I’m a food lover, and the food has been amazing!”
Alan Jewett is a repeat guest at Lembeh Resort, but only recently became interested in underwater photography. He found the workshop to be a fun and useful experience. “I’m really learning a lot – the pros that are here this week are really informative but also approachable, which I think is really important for beginners like me.” When it comes to diving in North Sulawesi, Alan says “Lembeh Resort is my favorite.”
Aside from the workshop, attendees like Alan, Michelle, and Jayne were able to make the most of their stay in Lembeh by extending for additional nights and enjoying extra diving days. Some also took the opportunity to explore more of North Sulawesi by taking land tours to the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center and a nearby village where the Lembeh Foundation is working to support community-led sustainability initiatives.
Learn More | To find out more about the Lembeh Foundation, click here
“A Rewarding Workshop at the Top Resort in the Lembeh Strait”
Lembeh Resort’s own resident photo pro, Ross, was on hand to help participants set up their gear, repair mis-firing strobes, advise on equipment questions, supply rental equipment for participants to try, and even 3D-printed custom gear. “I supported participants throughout the workshop,” says Ross, “so they could focus on learning and shooting.”
Ross believes CCiL provides photography enthusiasts with a great opportunity to improve their skills and get some incredible shots. “CCiL is unique in that we bring three different underwater photography professionals together to support participants of all levels,” he explains. “By learning from and diving with multiple experts, you get a broader view of techniques and approaches to underwater photography than you would get from any one individual. It also means there are more people available to troubleshoot with if you are struggling, whether with equipment or technique.”
Reflecting on CCiL 2025 and looking forward to the next iteration of this unique event, Ross had this to say: “CCiL is a busy, collaborative, rewarding workshop at the top resort in the Lembeh Strait.” To anyone with an interest in underwater photography, he strongly recommends attending the next iteration of CCiL. “No matter your skill level, you will come away with new techniques and new ways of thinking about underwater photography.”
The next CCiL Workshop is planned for 2027. To find out more, and to book your place, please click here.
