Split Shots Underwater Photography Masterclass

Split shots—also known as over-unders—are among the most challenging yet rewarding types of underwater photos to capture. From distracting water droplets and surface line distortions to subject positioning and the added complexity of lighting both underwater and topside, so much can go wrong. Yet, when done right, these images are exceptional for storytelling. They captivate the general public, spark curiosity about the underwater world, and can perform very well in photo competitions.

To delve into this fascinating topic, The Underwater Club is thrilled to welcome Matty Smith—a true master of the craft—as our guest speaker for February.

Matty Smith is a UK born and bred underwater photographer who is now based in Newcastle (NSW, Australia). After emigrating down under in 2007 in pursuit of furthering his photography career, Matty fell in love with the Pacific Ocean and has now made it his permanent playground.

Matty is an ambassador for Nikon Australia & Aquatica Digital Water Housings. His award-winning images have been exhibited in over all around the world including the London Natural History Museum in the UK and the Australian Museum in Sydney. He also regularly speaks publicly about his style and approach, writes for several popular dive and nature magazines as well as conducting regular underwater photography teaching classes.

Matty’s work has been used and published by The BBC’s Blue Planet 2 Documentary, National Geographic, Ocean Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, GEO, The Washington Post, The Australian and The Guardian amongst many others, as well as featured in TV appearances and The Discovery Channel, Channel 9 (Australia) and Channel 7 (Australia). He has also won over 30 international photography awards of runner up or above including Underwater category winner in the London Natural History Museum’s “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” 2024.

“I really enjoy and also feel it’s very important to show people the treasures we have in our oceans, how fragile they are and the importance of protecting them. I like to use my skills as an underwater photographer to try to amaze and educate.”

Visit Matty’s Instagram to see his latest work, and his website to browse available prints, his upcoming workshops to shop for his custom dome-ports.

Join us for a 2-hours long, information-packed dive into Matty’s stunning over-under imagery, covering the following topics:

• Equipment for split shots
• Location & subject choices.
• Lighting technique.
• Behind-the-scenes: Matty discussing some of his favourite split shots.
• Tips to win photographic awards with Split Shots.
• Q&A

The event starts on:

• February 09th, 12pm Los Angeles time (PST)
• February 09th, 2pm Dallas time (CST)
• February 09th, 3pm Miami time (EST)
• February 09th, 8pm London time (GMT)
• February 09th, 9pm Paris/Rome/Berlin time (CET)
• February 10th, 07am Sydney time (AEDT)
• February 10th, 09am Auckland time (NZDT)

The event will last for approximately 2 hours, including Q&A.

If you can't make it, buying a ticket will get you 3 days of re-play access (till February 13th).

Hit the "Get tickets" button - tickets are on sale for AU$49 (approx US$32 / EUR 30 / GBP 26). A ticket gives you access to the recording for 3 days after the event.

Members of The Underwater Club can join the webinar for free and watch the recording for as long as their membership is active.

For the same price as one webinar ticket, become a member and get access to the webinar, plus many more resources for 30 days (renews every month, cancel anytime).

Event Venue

Online