Canon/AIPP Australian Science, Environment and Nature Photographer of the Year in 2007, 2009 and 2010
About Darren: "Having been inspired to explore a career in nature photography his father's travels in Antarctica, Darren now pursues a passion for capturing and sharing the wonder of the natural world.
After graduating from the Queensland College of Art, he first worked in commercial photography, before taking up a position as photographer with the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, where he worked for 8 years.
He moved on from that part of his career in 1994 and his work is now published widely in books, magazines and paper products. He has had the opportunity to photograph extensively across Australia and in Africa, Alaska, Patagonia, the western Pacific and Antarctica and has introduced many people to the world's great wildlife and landscape destinations first hand, through small group photography tours."
Check out his website at www.darrenjew.com
Darren guided our photography groups in Tonga during 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. We are very happy to have him join our Whaleswim Team again to guide our Photo Enthusiasts Tours again in Tonga 2012.
Over the past 11 seasons we have had many wildlife photography enthusiasts join these special tours. They are perfect tours for enthusiasts to not only experience being in the water with the gentle giants of the sea, but to learn more about photography technique as well as light, angles and Photoshop techniques from Darren. If you prefer a smaller group size, then this tours offers this opportunity.
This year we will be working with 3 guests plus Darren in the water for each swim, offering clearer views of the whales, with less potential for arms and fins being captured by the wide angle lenses!
Our boat 'Dream Catcher' is perfect for a small group! It is 7m (24 ft) long for comfortable cruising with plenty of speed when required. It has comfortable seating, a toilet, a large dry area for cameras gear etc and easy access into the water. See photo in right column.
Professional photographers including Francois Gohier (joined us for 2 seasons), Mike Hill, Kelvin Aitken, Inger Van Dyke, and Liam Lynch are just a few who have joined us and got amazing images over the years.
CLICK TOUR # for a Tour Itinerary
1032A 10 - 20 August 2012
1032B 22 - 30 August 2012
1032C 31 Aug - 10 Sept 2012 THIS TOUR IS FULLY BOOKED
1032D 12 - 20 September 2012
Frequently Asked Question:
Q. WHO SHOULD BOOK ON THE PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS?
A. Anyone who wants to focus on getting great photographs of the humpback whales, with any kind of camera above or below the water plus; anyone wanting to be in a small group.
Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS & OTHER TOURS?
A. There are just 6 guests on these tours (3 in the water at any one time), and you have Darren guiding you to the best position with the whales. Three guests in the water ensures less arms, legs and fins between you and the whales. Darren will also offer you advice on how to get the best photos from your camera (no matter what kind it is) and position you around the whales for the best 'light'. He can also answer your questions on camera settings etc. and the tour schedule also allows time for downloading and post-processing of images.
For advice of camera equipment prior to your trip email Darren direct: darren.jew@bigpond.com
CLICK HERE to go to our 2012 Tour Schedule page with prices and spaces available
CLICK HERE to Book your Photography Tours with Darren Jew for 2012.
Contact Rae with any booking enquiry rae@whaleswim.com
Award winning image 2010
