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An Underwater Photographer’s Guide to DEMA 2018
By DPG Editorial Staff, November 6, 2018 @ 09:00 AM (EST)


Let it roll! That’s the attitude we have headed into DEMA 2018 in Las Vegas, where we get the first look at so much new underwater imaging gear hitting the market soon. If you’re reading this, then you likely know that DEMA is the largest trade show in the diving industry.

If you’ve ever attended the show before, then you know it can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve put together a condensed guide of the show directed right at underwater photographers and videographers. From all of the need-to-know booths to a breakdown of the Image Resource Center event schedule. 

For those who can’t make the show this year, take comfort at knowing that the DPG editorial staff will be in Las Vegas reporting back on all the latest news—and of course the infamous DivePhotoGuide DEMA Party. And if you’ll be in Sin City for DEMA, here’s your invite to what is sure to be a great underwater imaging industry fete. 
 

The show floor’s going to get crowded—so be sure to get there early

 

DEMA Underwater Imaging Booths

  • 10 Bar – 320
  • Aquatica – 435
  • Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo – 225
  • Bigblue Dive Lights – 448
  • Canon USA – 219
  • DivePhotoGuide – 342
  • DryCase – 2737
  • Fantasea Line – 349
  • Fisheye – 351
  • Gates Underwater Products – 436
  • i-Divesite (iD Hydrophilic) – 425
  • Ikelite – 325
  • Isotta (Isotecnic) – 220
  • Keldan – 247
  • Kraken Sports – 226
  • Light & Motion – 246
  • Light Monkey – 2545
  • Nauticam – 251
  • Pegasus Thruster – 449
  • ReefNet – 340
  • Sea&Sea – 1846
  • Seacam USA – 441
  • SeaLife Cameras (Pioneer Research) – 341
  • UltraLight Control Systems – 337
  • Ultramax – 236
  • Vivid-Pix – 453
  • Xit 404 – 429


DEMA Underwater Imaging Seminars

For those into all things underwater photography, much of the activity of interest at DEMA centers around the Image Resource Center stage. This is where a multitude of the best underwater image-makers will present on subjects running the gamut from techniques to business development tips. As well, it’s a great hub because the majority of underwater photo brand booths are close by.


Image Resource Center (Booth #330)

Wednesday, November 14

11:00 AM–11:45 AM

Building Business with Branded Photojournalism Editorial
Sponsored by: DivePhotoGuide

For dive travel and equipment brands, it is more challenging than ever to rise above the noise and reach the underwater photography consumer. Carefully curated branded photojournalism is an impactful method for communicating marketing messages to a targeted audience. In this presentation, DPG Editor Joe Tepper shares the keys for creating impactful photojournalism. Presented by Joseph Tepper

12:00 PM–12:45 PM

Behave Already!
Sponsored by: UltraLight Control Systems

In this talk, we will discuss the urgently patient game of capturing behavior shots. Camera settings, strategy, and strobe angle will be discussed as we attempt to shrink the gap on luck. Presented by Mike Bartick

1:00 PM–1:45 PM

Dirty Tricks for Underwater Photographers in Post
Sponsored by: Backscatter

It's easy to find editing advice for topside photos, but harder to dig up useful techniques for underwater images. These tips and tricks are developed specifically for underwater shooters—some clean and simple, some downright dirty, but all of them essential for any post-production bag of tricks. Presented by Erin Quigley

2:00 PM–2:45 PM

Supersizing Your Macro
Sponsored by: Kraken Sports

Supermacro is so much more than just making small subjects big. In this talk, we’ll discuss the differences between macro and supermacro, diopters, lighting techniques, specialized equipment, and the culture that surrounds supermacro shooters. Presented by Mike Bartick

3:00 PM–3:45 PM

HDR (High Dynamic Range) Demystified — Part 1
Sponsored by: Gates Underwater Products

HDR technology is now mainstream, found in cameras, editors and displays. But what is HDR, and how does it work? The jargon, varieties, and benefits are easily misunderstood. In this presentation, John Ellerbrock will unravel HDR and what it truly means to acquire HDR underwater images. Presented by John Ellerbrock


Thursday, November 15

11:00 AM–11:45 AM

Mastering Macro
Sponsored by: UltraLight Control Systems

Lighting and shooting techniques that will be aimed at inspiring shooters to achieve more with their cameras underwater. Unlocking the power of backlighting, high key exposures, snooting, adding color to images and creating something different through conceptualizing an image prior to shooting it. We’ll also discuss the wide variety of items readily available to consumers for underwater photography. Presented by Mike Bartick

12:00 PM–12:45 PM

Exploring Open Ocean in Blue and Black Water
Sponsored by: Ocean Geographic

This presentation will focus on the challenges and techniques for shooting safely and successfully in the open ocean with focus on the world’s largest migration. Presented by Michael Aw

1:00 PM–1:45 PM

HDR (High Dynamic Range) Demystified — Part 2
Sponsored by: Gates Underwater Products

Acquiring HDR motion images is the first part of the HDR process. Color grading/editing for HDR and exporting in a proper HDR format are presented by Pete Lightowler, a certified DaVinci Resolve master. Pete will unravel these aspects of HDR post acquisition processing. This is a must-attend session for anyone serious about underwater motion imaging and HDR technology. Presented by Pete Lightowler

2:00 PM–2:45 PM

How to Shoot Amazing Underwater & Topside Footage with Your Action Camera
Sponsored by: Backscatter

Learn how to shoot underwater, topside, and social elements to make a compelling and complete dive trip video with your action cam that your friends and family will love. Topics include underwater video shooting techniques, topside time lapses, stable handheld video, as well as capturing amazing aerial footage. Presented by Joel Penner

3:00 PM–3:45 PM

Natural Light Underwater Photography — Doing More with Less
Sponsored by: Ikelite

Wide-angle photography without the use of strobes is sometimes required by regulation, sometimes the most practical configuration, and many times the best way to capture a scene. We will discuss settings and techniques for ambient light photography underwater in this presentation. Presented by Steve Miller
 

Image-processing guru Erin Quigley drew a big crowd at the Image Resource Center last year


Friday, November 16

11:00 AM–11:45 AM

BigAnimals Photography and Expeditions
Sponsored by: BigAnimals Expeditions

Creating photo essays that drive the message for conservation, education and adventure—polar bears, whales, sharks, bill fish and more. Presented by Amos Nachoum

12:00 PM–12:45 PM

Compose Yourself
Sponsored by: Tabata USA

The most incredible photo subject in the ocean can seem humdrum with an iffy composition… while at the same time, great composition can turn an everyday subject into a show-stopping image. This talk will cover the importance and basics of composition, teaching you how to create the very best photograph of whatever subject you find. Presented by Andrew Sallmon & Allison Vitsky-Sallmon

1:00 PM–1:45 PM

The Fisheye Trinity: Advanced Wide-Angle Techniques
Sponsored by: Ikelite

Our underwater photography “trinity” would be the three most popular types of advanced wide-angle techniques—close focus wide angle, over/unders, and Snell’s window. Presented by Steve Miller

2:00 PM–2:45 PM

The Zen of Underwater Strobe Placement and Other Wide-Angle Photo Techniques
Sponsored by: Backscatter

I often get asked “Where do I put my strobes?” to which my response is “What do you want to light?” By asking this simple question, learn where to place your strobes for what you want to light and improve both your lighting and your composition. Other topics will include easy manual exposure tips and focusing techniques. Presented by Jim Decker

3:00 PM–3:45 PM

Blackwater and Bonfire
Sponsored by: Kraken Sports

“Blackwater and Bonfires”: A PowerPoint discussion with high-res images and insight on what it’s like to drift in the open ocean at night, searching for that unique animal encounter. In this talk, I’ll discuss some of the skills needed as an operator, photographer and diver and what it takes to dive into the black night sea and what to prepare for. Stories and images of flying fish, natural encounters with the paper nautilus, blanket octopus, and a variety of different pelagic animals that makes this style of diving both unique and compelling. Presented by Mike Bartick


Saturday, November 17

11:00 AM–11:45 AM
Game Changing Imaging Tech
Sponsored by: Nauticam and Keldan

Advances in underwater optics, lighting technology, and filtration that make an impact for image-makers at all levels. New Nauticam lens developments allow creative compositions that have previously been unavailable, and bring greater flexibility to every dive. Combined with Keldan Spectrum and Ambient filters for in-water color correction, these advances provide underwater image makers with a powerful set of tools. Presented by Hergen Spalink

12:00 PM–12:45 PM
Seacam Equipment to the Ends of the Earth
Sponsored by: Seacam USA

Amos Nachoum, award-winning photographer and extreme expedition leader typically pursues encounters with Nile crocodiles, humpback whales, polar bears, narwhals, orcas, leopard seals, anacondas, and great white sharks, in habitats challenging to both himself and his underwater equipment. You will come to understand why he has invested in and relies on Seacam underwater photography equipment in these harsh environments to capture animal behaviors in various unique wilderness areas. Presented by Amos Nachoum
 

DEMA Underwater Imaging Party

With no offense meant to all other DEMA goings-on and celebrations, DivePhotoGuide’s Underwater Imaging Party is the must-attend event for anyone interested in underwater photography and videography. 

The DPG party is primed to be a blast as it returns to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino’s rooftop pool deck on Thursday, November 15th from 8PM–TBD. We’d love to give an end time, but with the generous amount of free drinks, grub, and great revelers, the party is likely to be extended (at least once).

A big thanks to the generous sponsors of the 2018 DEMA Underwater Imaging Party: Backscatter, Lembeh Resort, Nauticam, Pelagic Fleet, Salaya Beach Houses, Sam’s Tours, and Xit 404.

 

 

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