Compete to Win Master Class with Michael AW. In the week prior to the submission deadline for the Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year (PICOTY) competition, Michael wanted to give watchers a behind the scenes perspective of what judges seek in photos. This session gives a valuable look into the professional judging process, as well as tips to help you choose the right images to submit for underwater photography competitions.

10 Pictures Essential Master Class with David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes. This fabulous storytelling duo regaled us with tales of some of their most memorable images captured while on assignment with National Geographic. They took us from the King penguin colonies of South Georgia Island, up to the warm Caribbean waters of Cuba filled with sharks and crocodiles, and further north still to visit the harp seals on the pack ice in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Their parting message to us all: “collaboration is key.”

Adobe Lightroom Essential Master Class with Gill McDonald. It’s one thing to capture images, but quite another to edit them. In this session, Gill, our Features Editor at OG and a photography teacher and editor extraordinaire, delved into the most critical components of understanding and using Lightroom. She gave us tons of great information in a short amount of time, and will hopefully return for a second instalment to teach us more.

Blackwater Essential Master Class with Wowie Cai. No one does blackwater diving quite like Wowie does it, and he’s got the awards to back that up. Wowie shared with us some of his dos and don’ts for creating images and video in these extremely challenging conditions, and even gave us some editing tips. This talk makes you feel like you’ve been given a glimpse into an alien world, but luckily for us, it lies just beneath the waves.

The Secrets of SEACAM. Harald Hordosch, the founder and owner of the camera housing company, Seacam, joined us with his daughter and colleague, Esther Beohmer, to chat about the secrets behind the success of his brand. These iconic silver housings are the product of precise Austrian engineering combined with a passion for underwater image making, and Harald told us that he still personally inspects each housing before it leaves the workshop. High-end service indeed!

10 Pictures Essential Master Class with Doug Perrine. Doug is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost marine wildlife photographers. His images have been prominently featured in books, posters, and magazines around the globe, and his knowledge of marine animal behaviour is second to none. Doug shared with us some of his favourite photographic experiences including an encounter with a feeding Bryde’s whale in Mexico, the chaotic frenzy of the Sardine Run, and a dangerous excursion on the lava fields of Hawaii.

Ethics of UW Photography Master Class with Alex Rose. OG’s Science Editor delved into the contentious topic of acceptable vs. unacceptable practices in procuring pictures. Included in this discussion was UW photo etiquette, shark feeding dives, macro animal staging, task loading, situational awareness, and the origin of conservation photography as its own genre. The only thing that’s completely clear in this session is that ethical photography decisions are not always black and white.

10 Pictures Essential Master Class with Dr Alex Mustard. Alex is one of the most sought after UW photography teachers in the world, and has been awarded globally for the stunning images he creates of our underwater ecosystems. His science background provides him with the necessary knowledge to recognize unique animal behaviours, adding an informative layer to all his photos. He indulged us with the amazing stories behind some of his favourite aquatic experiences

Above and Below Essential Techniques Master Class with Matty Smith. Matty is a split shot specialist, and is probably the most famous for his incredible over/under image of a blue bottle jellyfish at sunrise. Matty introduces us to the fundamentals of shooting above and below images, talks about the photography gear and techniques, and shows us some absolutely stunning images that he’s created over the last few years. You’ll be blown away by his giant dome port!

10 Pictures Essential Master Class with Brian Skerry. Brian is a National Geographic photographer and photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife and underwater environments. From Antarctica to New Zealand to Yellowstone National Park, he has had the privilege of exploring incredible aquatic ecosystems all over the planet. In this webinar, Brian tells us engaging stories about some of his most memorable and challenging experiences in his more than 20 years at NatGeo.

10 Pictures/Videos with Howard & Michele Hall. In what might be the most perfect partnership of all time, Howard and Michele Hall have created content that has forever changed the way the public views the sea. Their world-renowned IMAX films have been seen by millions, and during this special session, they give us an exclusive behind the scenes look at some of their most memorable dives. Their stories are endlessly beautiful, inspirational, and exciting.