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SCUBADIVING.COM/ LIVEABOARDS/ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 / 87Topical presentations are easygoing
and sprinkled throughout the day with-
out cutting into dive time.
Beginning photographers need not
fret: The course starts with the impor-
tant nuts and bolts so that everyone has
the tools to get off on the right foot—
er, fin. Theory and technique progress
throughout the trip.
But, perhaps most important, Mes-
gleski is here to assist during the dives
and to critique, when it’s warranted,
along the way. I have been an underwa-
ter photographer for a long time, but I still
enjoy sitting in on these presentations.
As Mesgleski says himself: “Underwater
photographers never stop learning how
to take a better picture!”
Life on board Bahamas Aggressor
is laid-back because the crew manag-
es the day with flexible schedules and
enthusiastic dive briefings—as well as
accompanying divers to point out the
highlights of these rich Bahamian wa-
ters. In between dives, chef Caleb Dudley
prepares sumptuous meals and delights
everyone with far too many desserts.
He just smiles as guests protest
through mouthfuls of chocolate that
they “really shouldn’t....”
The five nitrox dives offered dailyallow for plenty of practice time. This
kind of schedule could be exhausting, but
when you have consistently calm, clear
and warm waters to dive in, it is easy to
emerge energized from one dive and be
ready for the next.
For those moments not spent diving,
eating or learning, the spacious upper
deck equipped with hot tub is a magnet
for guests and a great spot to scan in-
credibly aquamarine waters for dolphins
and the next island destination on our
cruise through the Out Islands.
The itinerary allows visits to the Exu-
mas, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Little San Sal
and Conception Island.
As each blinding white-sand beach
and palm-strewn limestone island falls
behind us, we eagerly cast our eyes to
the next off-the-beaten-path nook and
whatever treasures it might hold.5 REASONS TO JOIN
A JIM CHURCH SCHOOL TRIP
1 Expert Advice The Jim Church School
of Underwater Photography offers
team-teaching with two extremely
knowledgeable, patient and easygoing
leaders, both named Mike—Haber and
Mesgleski.
2 The Whole Spectrum The photo
instructors use a simple approach
in teaching the fundamental aspects
of underwater photography, whether
you have a compact or DSLR camera
system.
3 Hands-On Learning During the trip,
Mike and Mike present lessons and
offer instruction and image critiques
on an individual basis.
4 Skills to Go The school’s goals are for
you to get to know your camera system
better and help you develop a shooting
technique that works for you, so you
can use the lessons learned out in
the field.
5 The Whole Package The lessons don’t
end with shooting—Mike and Mike help
with postprocessing and editing
techniques using Adobe Lightroom
and other software options.
Sharks (above) and macro subjects (oppo-
site) deliver photo ops; the 100-foot Bahamas
Aggressor offers diving off the back deck.