Every diver has had that moment.
You surface from a dive in the Sea of Cortez, pull off your mask, and try to explain what you just saw. The colors. The light. The way the reef suddenly opened up and a school of fish moved through it like a living cloud.
And you think, I wish I could have captured that.
Over the years we’ve had so many guests say exactly that after diving with us here in La Paz. So this year we decided to do something about it.
We’re hosting our first PADI Underwater Photography Workshop at DiversInnMX, and I’m genuinely excited about this one.
This will be a small, focused workshop for divers who want to learn how to photograph the underwater world well—not just push the shutter, but really begin to see what’s happening around them beneath the surface.
A Small, Personal Workshop
One of the things we care about most at DiversInnMX is keeping experiences personal and relaxed. No crowded boats, no rushing through dives.
We’re approaching this workshop the same way.
We’re limiting the group to just eight divers, which allows plenty of time for instruction, questions, and feedback throughout the week. It also means the dives themselves stay calm and enjoyable—exactly the way diving should feel.
Learning From an Experienced Photographer
We’re thrilled to have Chris Nonell leading the workshop.
Chris has been photographing underwater environments around the world for years, and his work has even been featured in the Library of Congress and used in scientific research supporting marine conservation.
But what I appreciate most about Chris is how approachable he is as a teacher. His goal isn’t just to show beautiful photos—it’s to help divers understand how to create them.
How the Week Will Work
Each day is designed to move naturally from learning to diving to reviewing what everyone captured.
In the mornings we’ll spend some time together in a relaxed classroom session talking through things like:
• composition and lighting
• camera settings underwater
• planning a dive with photography in mind
• editing your images after the dive
For the first couple of days we’ll also spend time in the pool. That might surprise some people, but buoyancy and stability are two of the biggest factors in getting good underwater photos. Practicing these skills in calm water makes a huge difference once we’re out on the reef.
After that comes the fun part.
Each day we’ll head out for two dives, putting those techniques into practice in the incredible waters of the Sea of Cortez.
And if you’ve dived here before, you know how special it is. The reefs around La Paz are full of life—colorful fish, dramatic rock formations, and constantly changing light that makes every dive different.
In the evenings, before dinner, we’ll gather and look at what everyone captured that day. Each diver will share a couple of images or short clips, and Chris will offer suggestions and encouragement. Those sessions tend to be one of the most enjoyable parts of the week.
What You’ll Need to Bring
Divers should bring:
• their own underwater camera system
• a laptop (preferred) or tablet/phone for editing
• editing software if possible
Many participants like using Adobe Lightroom Classic for photos or Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing.
If you don’t yet have a full camera setup, we do have one Olympus TG-5 system available for rental.
Why Baja Is Such a Wonderful Place for This
The Sea of Cortez is one of the most biodiverse places in the world to dive. Every day offers something new—schools of fish, reef life, beautiful terrain, and those incredible Baja light conditions.
For underwater photographers it’s a dream environment.
There’s so much variety that divers quickly begin to see how composition, light, and patience come together to create memorable images.
A Special Week in La Paz
We’ve designed this workshop to feel like everything else we do here at DiversInnMX—welcoming, relaxed, and genuinely fun.
You’ll learn a lot, dive some beautiful sites, share meals, and spend the week surrounded by people who love the ocean as much as you do.
Because the group is small, spaces will fill quickly, so if this sounds like something you’ve been wanting to do, I encourage you to reserve your place soon.
We would love to have you join us here in La Paz and experience the Sea of Cortez through a new lens.
Kristi
DiversInnMX
La Paz, Baja California Sur
