Anilao Dive Trip Report 2019 | Written by Trip Leader & Photo Pro Erik Lukas.
I had the privilege of running the annual Anilao, Philippines spring macro workshop for Bluewater Dive Travel the third consecutive year. It has been and will continue to be a location that I look forward to visiting again and again for the incredible opportunities it provides. This year was no exception.
The two workshops ran back-to-back from April 25 - May 12, 2019. Group number one came for a 10-day workshop, while group two was there for a 7-day workshop. One of the best things about this specific trip is the number of guests who return each year, which makes for a reunion of friends and the chance to meet many new ones.
As the groups arrived in Anilao after long trips from different parts of the world, it was time to set up and jump right in. Each workshop is packed with a high paced schedule that includes morning image reviews, four daily dives and afternoon workshop sessions. Meals, photo editing camera maintenance and sleep are squeezed into the remaining few hours before we do it all over again.
Image by trip leader Erik Lukas
One of the most rewarding parts of leading these workshops is seeing the incredible improvements of the attendees over the course of the trip as leaders Erik Lukas, Mike Bartick, Tommy Stylski and Bryan Chu cover various topics and concepts.
Each of the workshops concludes with a shootout style photo competition where we judge not only best images produced during a single day of four dives, but we look for how well the guests implement the skills they were taught during the workshop.
Image by trip co-leader Bryan Chu
This year's winners produced some incredible images. One of the highlights, and perhaps surprises from the first group competition were that both the “Macro” and “Nudibranch” category winning images were made with compact cameras (a Sony RX100 Mark 3 and the Olympus TG-4, respectively).
Shootout winning image by Christina Barringer for the Macro category.
Of course, it is difficult to understate the workshop going as well as it does without giving credit to the incredible staff of Crystal Blue Resort. From the dive team to the dining staff to the back-of-house team that keeps the resort running smoothly, we couldn’t ask for a better partner to host these workshops with.
If you are looking for an intensive macro workshop in one of the world’s top destinations, it is well worth considering our mid-2024 Anilao photo workshops.
ERIK'S PHOTO EQUIPMENT
In case you're wondering, here is the full list of Erik Lukas's photo equipment used on this trip!
- Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV
- Lens: Canon 100mm 2.8L Lens
- Housing: Sea & Sea MDX5D MKIV Housing
- Macro Port: Sea & Sea Macro Port 87
- Lighting: Sea & Sea YS-D2J Strobes
- Diopters: Nauticam SMC-1, Nauticam SMC-2, Kraken +6, Kraken +13, Kraken +23
- Snoot: Reefnet Fiber Optic Snoot
- Focus Light / Backlight: Kraken Macro 3500 Light
Anilao Underwater images
Below are images made by our guests and trip leaders.
Shootout winning image by Mike Mayfield. Shot with a Sony RX 100 Mark III.
Image by trip leader Erik Lukas
Workshop group one (left) & group two (right)
Shootout winner for the Nudibranch category Debi Daugherty. Halgerda batangas nudibranch with eggs shot on an Olympus TG-4.
Shootout winner for the Macro category Mike Mayfield. Thorny seahorse shot with Sony RX100 MIII.
Shootout winner for the Macro category Christina Barringer
Images by Sarah Vasend
Photos by Co-Trip Leader Bryan Chu (left) & Rhiana Roque (right)
Images by trip co-leader Bryan Chu
Image by Jonathan McWillie
Image by Jonathan McWillie (left) & Mike Mayfield (right)
Images by Arthur Borges
Images by Christina Barringer
Images by Susan McCready
Images by Ted Timmons
Images by Joanne Timmons
Images by Rhiana Roque
Images by Tim Nakada
Anilao from above, photo by Erik Lukas
Join OUR Next ANIlao Photo WORKSHOPS
Our annual macro photography workshops at Crystal Blue Resort sell out fast! Secure your spot before it's too late!
Anilao Macro Photography Workshop: Dec 2025
Can't join on these dates? Bluewater Travel can book you on a resort in Anilao for the same cost or less than booking any other way. We know the diving, seasons, boats and cabins and when to go better than anyone else!
Email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com to start planning your trip!
Underwater Photo Gear Links
- Sony A6400 Housings
Nauticam Housings
Marelux Underwater Housings
Sea & Sea Housings
Ikelite Housings
Isotta Housings
DLSR Underwater Housings
Underwater Strobes
Best Sony Lenses
Further Reading
Check out these useful resources from our sister companies the Underwater Photography Guide and Bluewater Photo.
Macro Photography Tips and Tutorial
Top Tips for Super Macro Photography
