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A charismatic green sea turtle rests on a healthy bed of corals
Located at the eco-luxury Sorido Bay Resort on Kri Island in the Dampier Strait, the Raja Ampat SEACAM Center (RASC) is the world’s first dedicated SEACAM facility. The goal of the new center is to show photographers how to get the very best images from their equipment while diving some of the richest reefs in the world at the center of Earth’s biodiversity. The RASC is available to all guests staying at Papua Diving Resorts—Sorido Bay Resort or nearby Kri Eco Resort—regardless of photography experience or preferred brands of photo gear.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Sorido Bay Resort as the first SEACAM Ambassador in Residence (SAiR)—my sixth visit to Raja Ampat. I had the privilege to further explore and photograph the archipelago’s vibrant reefs while being available on site to guests for personalized photography guidance. During my weeklong stay, I learned more about the specific current RASC offerings and goals for the future.
A half-and-half image of fish under the jetty taken in the late afternoon
Wobbegong sharks can often be seen resting under coral ledges; these swarming small fish are a bonus!
Great Gear and Top Training
Conveniently located in the main building adjacent to the open-air restaurant, the RASC has very effective air conditioning and thus is a refreshing place to survey the equipment and talk photography. The center is equipped with several tables and chairs, a large TV monitor, and tall glass cabinets stocked with a wide assortment of state-of-the-art camera gear. In addition to SEACAM housings, ports, and strobes, there are Nikon and Canon cameras, OM System TG-7s, Insta360s, GoPros, and DIVEVOLK smartphone cases. At the same time, you will find an assortment of camera and housing accessories like arms, clamps, batteries, and extension rings. The RASC also serves as a classroom for participants who take part in the RASC photography workshops.
Led by SEACAM Ambassador Don Silcock, the photography workshops offer a unique and effective combination of hands-on practical tuition followed by live training sessions at the region’s best dive sites. Each workshop follows a structured curriculum and includes a private boat with trained dive guides, targeted dive sites, and daily training sessions. Participants do not need to be SEACAM shooters but it’s a great chance to experience the advantages of SEACAM gear. Upcoming scheduled dates in 2026 include July 19–25 and August 9–15, with additional future dates to be released soon.
SEACAM shooter Tivara Tanudjaja photographs vibrant soft corals
The mangrove shoreline provides the perfect canvas for over-under images
Exceptional Photo Opportunities
Just before my arrival, Sorido Bay Resort hosted a large and successful photography workshop run by Alex Mustard. Before the group’s arrival, Sorido Bay Resort partnered up with Lembeh Resort, which regularly runs its own very popular and highly regarded photo workshops, to increase divemaster knowledge in guiding photographers. It may seem obvious what underwater shooters want: They are in search of the most marine life at the best dive sites. However, there is so much more involved in educating divemasters, even experienced ones, in how to satisfy the unique needs of underwater photographers.
As an example, and speaking from personal experience, I will often stay at one specific dive site location for a very long time to wait for the “decisive moment” to capture a picture. In many places I visit, divemasters are often surprised that I may not want to see the entire dive site. Similarly, to get a certain shot, I may prefer to dive at certain times of the day or during certain tides. Each photographer will have his or her own specific needs, which may include unique subject selection, lighting, depth, and creative approach.
While diving with the guests, I got to sample a variety of dive sites, including places I hadn’t been before. I was pleasantly surprised with the variation of corals and marine animals I encountered during my relatively short stay. While a highlight was coming across a huge oceanic manta ray at the Blue Magic dive site, I also photographed wobbegong sharks, sea turtles, sea snakes, seahorses, walking sharks, batfish, eels, and octopuses. Additionally, the shallow corals along the edge of the mangrove forest provided the perfect canvas for me to push the boundaries of my creativity while creating new seascapes.
A large oceanic manta ray makes a close pass at Blue Magic
One of the best places to photograph a variety of fish is right under the jetties in shallow water
A split shot of shallow hard corals taken at sunset
Capture Raja Ampat at Its Best
Ultimately, the RASC aims to be a haven for underwater photographers who want to improve their skills or for divers who simply want to learn more about photographing marine life. The overriding goal of the center is to introduce more people to the wonders of underwater photography—no prior experience is necessary. Striking the perfect balance between customizable teaching, a flexible schedule, and trying out premium camera equipment, the RASC offers guests the opportunity to increase their photography knowledge while experiencing a genuine diver’s paradise.
Future RASC photography workshops and other events centered around the RASC will be announced soon. In the meantime, come and check out the RASC while staying at Sorido Bay Resort or Kri Eco Resort.
These fish came together in a nice circular composition at the Mioskon dive site
An over-under of shallow corals and typical island topography in Raja Ampat
For more information about the RASC and to enquire about upcoming workshops, visit Papua Diving Resorts.
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