 Join us at the Crystal Blue Resort for the Ultralight WAM Jam. This workshop, run by Ultralight's Brand Ambassador, Mike Bartick, will cover wide-angle macro (WAM), close focus wide-angle, lighting, composition, and more. The trip is from October 1 to 10, 2026. This will be 10 days you will not want to miss!
Topics covered will be:
Cost is $2995.00 double occupancy (single rates available) and includes:
Ultralight Camera Solutions organizes the trip, and sign-ups are done through Channel Islands Dive Adventures, both owned by Ken Kollwitz.
Please visit the WAM Jam link to sign up and learn more about the trip and other important details. Also, please don't hesitate to contact Ken for more information by email, info@ulcs.com, or call (805) 469-7288
Anilao is a Marine Protected Sanctuary and one of the Philippines' best spots for underwater macro photography. Crystal Blue has world-class dive sites within minutes of the resort's house reef. Anilao isn't only about macro photography and muck diving. There are also thriving reefs, with plenty of wide-angle subjects and scenery to help sharpen your skills for the next 10 days. You can also observe schools of various fish, some hard and soft coral, sponges, and many colorful crinoids.
All dives are conducted from dual outrigger-style Banca boats, with a maximum of four divers per guide. Plus, we will have two extra guides to help throughout the workshop. With the valet-style diving they offer, and no crowds on the boats, it just can't get any easier. Two dives are offered in the morning and two in the afternoon. From June to October, the dry season prevails, making it the best dive season in Anilao, with water temperature averaging 82-84°F.
Crystal Blue Resort is an excellent resort with wonderful staff. It is built on a hillside, so some stair climbing is required. The upper area comprises two levels, with rooms above the main office; each level offers several room types. All are spacious, fully air-conditioned, with queen-size beds, bathrooms, and showers, and have a garden or ocean view. The main office, lecture room, and open-air dining area are located in the central area of the resort. Meals are served three times a day and are delicious, with plenty of options for everyone.
The lower level has a camera room, bar, and dive area. For all the photographers, Crystal Blue has one of the best camera rooms you will ever find. It has ample space, charging, and storage at each station, in an environmentally controlled environment. There is no need to carry your camera anywhere except between the camera room and the dive deck below.
Like the rest of the resort, the dive area is well-organized, making life easier for everyone. It has storage cubbies with boxes for your loose gear, with the suits and hard gear stored in an area for your assigned boat. There are camera and gear rinse areas, as well as a camera-drying area with low-pressure air nozzles. All scuba cylinders are filled with Nitrox and stored in an area designated for your boat. The staff are friendly and will take care of everything to ensure you have an excellent trip.
Arrive at one of the three Manila airport terminals (MNL) on the morning of October 1, 2026. After you get your bags and head outside, you will be greeted by staff from the Crystal Blue Resort. The land transfer to the resort takes approximately 2.5 hours in a large, air-conditioned van, accommodating 4-5 well-equipped photographers with dive gear. Group transfers will be coordinated with Ken from CIDA and arranged with Crystal Blue staff based on each guest's arrival time. Once at the resort, you can relax and get situated for the upcoming ten days of non-stop photo fun.
On October 9, 2026, it will be time to say goodbye to all your new & old friends. Then, early the next morning, on October 10, 2026, it will be time to depart the resort by van for the airport.
