Teaching & Trips

What does it feel like?

My expedition-style trips are perfect for adventurers with a passion for marine life. Our goal is to bring a small number of individuals and share both unique underwater experiences, and an ocean lifestyle. We seek to escape the crowds and chase the very best encounters. Underwater photographers and videographers will be extremely well catered for - we know what you need and will do everything in our power to put you in the water with the best possible chance of creating memorable imagery.

That being said, having an underwater camera is by no means a requirement for either attendance or enjoyment of these trips.

A familial environment occurs very fast on this type of expedition. Tired, elated, and salty, we will be bonded by the shared experience of scouring the ocean for things very few have ever witnessed. These are not relaxing holidays in the conventional meaning of it, nor are they standard dive trips. By signing up, you are joining our team of ocean nomads. We will go above and beyond to give you the experience of a lifetime. For those wishing to join, we expect that you embark on the expedition with a positive, patient mindset, and a willingness to help the rest of the team (that can be as simple as pouring waters for everyone when you grab a glass).

Ethos

Leading these trips as a photo pro, my primary principle is that your images should come before mine. Also, every customer is entitled to equal opportunity, whether they have a big or small camera, or no camera at all (that’s right, don’t be scared off non shooters!)

We will make sure that you get the first and best opportunities to create memorable images.

We get everything from complete newbies to professional underwater shooters coming on these trips, and I am there to provide as much, or as little, help as you need. At the very minimum, we will be aiming to get you in the right place, at the right time, with the right background information, to keep you safe and with the very best opportunity at coming home with images and memories you love. 

If you would like comprehensive coaching for everything from gear set-up to post production, I am there to help. Indeed, post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop is usually a popular evening activity, and I’m very happy to provide advice on selecting and editing images.

How to find out about trips:

The first place I will advertise trips and expeditions is via my newsletter. They sometimes book up fast, so if interested, please do sign up using the box below.

Also don’t hesitate to drop me a message thephotographer@henleyspiers.com to start the conversation and find out what I have in the pipeline. Even if no spaces are immediately available, knowing your interest means I can contact you directly as soon as an opportunity opens up.

Upcoming trips

Underwater Photography Residency at COMO Cocoa | Maldives | April 2024

Type: Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

“We are thrilled to return to one of our favourite places in the world. Our main focus will be exploration of new environments and fresh encounters – to create imagery which does justice to the beauty of COMO Cocoa.''

Shetland Seabirds | Scotland | July 2024 (FULL)

Type: Snorkelling & Hiking

The barrage of diving gannets is electrifying, streams of bubbles erupt behind as they torpedo into the water with pointed beaks and open eyes. These handsome seabirds are just as agile in the water as out, reacting incredibly quickly to one another amidst the organised chaos of the hunt. Their white bodies perfectly contrast with the dark waters beneath the cliffs, and the resulting pictures cannot fail but impress.

Shetland challenges and thrills you in equal measure. For nature lovers, it holds a magnetic appeal as there are sadly few places left like it in the world. I love its isolation, I love its wilderness, and I love the feeling of endless possibility as we explore these living coasts. This is a completely new type of trip, one which takes place in temperate waters, and one where our safari takes us both on land and sea, exploring not only by foot but by fin too.

Humpback Whales |French Polynesia| September 2024 (FULL)

Type: Snorkelling / Freediving

In a world of hyperbole, we must take most statements with a pinch of salt. Nevertheless, here is one I am prepared to stand by: sharing the water with whales is both life-affirming and potentially life-changing. In my experience, only the real things in life deliver true solace and what is real to me is family, friends and nature. Moments spent with them are what truly nourishes my soul.

With the expedition-style trips I lead, that's what I am trying to share.

I care about how we interact with nature and am clinically averse to anything resembling mass tourism. There are a few places you can share the ocean with humpback whales but for this expedition we will have the only two boats operating on a remote island.

Cameras are strictly optional, but for those who share my passion for photography, I will be on hand to coach and impart any wisdom I can. This doesn't only relate to the images created when we are together but also your back-catalogue.

Bespoke Diving & Photography Trips

Ocean exploration customised to your needs and wants.