I recently visited the northern Red Sea for a photography workshop on a liveaboard, hosted by underwater photographer Paul ‘Duxy’ Duxfield.

I was delighted to meet and work with Duxy, whose reputation as one of the most approachable, friendly, and accommodating professionals in the industry precedes him. After spending time with Duxy, it was easy to see why. His calm and welcoming demeanor, shaped by years of experience working with a diverse range of people around the world, in a collection of past careers so eclectic it includes a stint as a circus skills instructor!

This was my first time diving outside of the cold Atlantic waters off the Irish coast where I grew up and learned to dive. I couldn’t believe the variety and volume of life in the water…and the warmth! Thank you to Aqualung who kitted me out with a beautiful 3mm Hydroflex suit which was perfect for the water of the Red Sea.

As a diver with no prior experience in underwater photography, I found Duxy to be the ideal mentor. He has a unique talent for making the craft accessible, explaining concepts with patience and humour. Using Duxy’s GoPro, I explored the Red Sea and captured videos and photographs, learning about lighting and composition. He showed me the potential of these small, compact, and durable cameras to create beautiful, vibrant images underwater.

Between dives— which took us to stunning reefs and wrecks including the famous SS Thistlegorm, Duxy held workshops in the vessel’s saloon. He presented various techniques, such as split shots and how to best capture the movement of underwater creatures. Duxy encouraged us to show him our work from earlier in the day, providing individual feedback to each of us which ranged from direction on basic skills in my case, to refining the cherry on top details to polish the experienced photographers’ images.

Learn more about joining a photography trip hosted by Duxy here: https://www.takeiteasyduxy.co.uk/about-me