masterclasses

Learn to see the ocean differently. Breathe. feel. look closer

Turtle & Whale Hub’s masterclasses are more than just photography lessons - they’re immersive ocean experiences that combine creativity, nature and connection,

Learn from an experienced, award-winning photographers and develop practical skills in capturing, editing and understanding photographs in natural environments.

Whether you are interested in underwater photography, split-water images, drone photography, photographing marine life or improving your editing skills, our masterclasses are designed to be practical, creative and enjoyable.

Shoot it. Edit it. Take it home.

Water Photography Masterclass

Small-group experience

2 hours | 4–6 people | NZ$225 per person

Explore the art of photographing the ocean through a practical, small-group masterclass in the beautiful waters of Rarotonga.

Bring your own phone or camera, use one of our housings or use a shared camera provided for the group. You’ll learn how to approach water photography creatively while developing a better understanding of composition, light and marine environments.

You’ll explore:

  • Underwater composition

  • Photographing turtles and marine life

  • Split-water and half-underwater photographs

  • Working with natural light

  • Basic camera settings

  • Getting close to wildlife without disturbing it

  • How to think creatively about the photograph

  • How to connect with your subjects before photographing them

The experience also includes time back at the Hub to edit a selection of your photographs and learn how to improve them.

You’ll leave with at least 3–5 edited photographs you have taken yourself.

What to bring

  • Your own phone or camera

  • Swimwear and a towel

  • An adventurous and creative spirit

Marine-life sightings cannot be guaranteed. All wildlife encounters are conducted respectfully and without disturbing animals.

Private Water Photography & Editing Masterclass

A personalised photography experience

2 hours | 1–2 people | NZ$580 per person

A private, hands-on masterclass tailored to what you most want to learn.

Whether you want to improve your underwater photography, learn how to create split-water images, photograph marine life or become more confident using your camera, the session can be shaped around your interests and experience level.

Your experience may include:

  • Water and underwater photography

  • Split-water and half-underwater images

  • Photographing marine life respectfully

  • Composition, light and camera settings

  • Working with your own camera or photographic equipment (All equipment if you don’t have your own water camera is otherwise provided)

  • Selecting your strongest images

  • Editing and improving your photographs

  • Preparing images for sharing or printing

Following the photography session, you’ll spend time editing a selection of your images and learning how to bring out their colour, detail and creative potential.

You’ll leave with your own finished photographs on the same day.