Photography dive buddies for Spirit of Freedom (August 2020)

[TheDolphin]

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to ask if there are any interested photographers potentially looking to buddy up on the Spirit of Freedom Liveaboard for the purposes of photography and video and looking for leisurely and slow pace diving?

I'm planning to book for the 4 Day / 4 Night: Coral Sea & Ribbon Reefs Adventure departing on one of these dates: 6, 13 or 20 August 2020. There is a 10% discount for booking by the end of Jan 2020.

Reason for looking for another photographer is that I plan to capture images and would ideally like to buddy up with someone who is looking for a similar goal. I'll be taking things nice and slow.

I did the four-day live aboard back in 2007, 13 years later the experience has not been topped (particularly in ocean clarity and big animal life). Been promising myself to get back on Spirit of Freedom and see Osprey again.

Thanks for reading!

 

[FettSolo]

I'm booked on the 7/23/20 trip with Mike Ball. Far north Coral Sea expedition and dwarf minke whales. If there's space, you should come along! I'd love a photography buddy there as well.

 

[TheDolphin]

Looks interesting! Currently there are bunks available (club and budget only).

Is this the trip?
7 Night Coral Sea Exploratory
Departure Date: 23/07/2020
Arrival Date: 30/07/2020

Mike Ball are rated very well and perhaps more suited for dedicated photographers since they have camera stations.

Have you done this trip before? Since it is a special expedition, I need to find out more and will contact the company.

 

[FettSolo]

That is the trip! I'm in a budget room.

I've never even been to Australia before! But Mike Ball was well-reviewed here and elsewhere on the Internet, and this trip seemed to be the best IMHO.

 

[btscott]

I just got back from Australia and did the 7 day trip with Mike Ball. Excellent trip. I had DSLR camera setup and the boat was well suited for photography. Will post a trip report when I settle back in at home.

 

[TheDolphin]

That is the trip! I'm in a budget room.

I've never even been to Australia before! But Mike Ball was well-reviewed here and elsewhere on the Internet, and this trip seemed to be the best IMHO.

OK, will look into it and come to the decision in the next week or so.

I just got back from Australia and did the 7 day trip with Mike Ball. Excellent trip. I had DSLR camera setup and the boat was well suited for photography. Will post a trip report when I settle back in at home.

Excellent! I assume it was a full boat and the deck probably got a bit crowded? Would like to read your trip report when you are ready. Safe trip back home!

 

[btscott]

Excellent! I assume it was a full boat and the deck probably got a bit crowded? Would like to read your trip report when you are ready. Safe trip back home!

It was a full boat, but while the dive deck was at times a little busy, it was still very manageable. I have been on Spirit of Freedom as well. You can't go wring with either.

 

[TheDolphin]

It was a full boat, but while the dive deck was at times a little busy, it was still very manageable. I have been on Spirit of Freedom as well. You can't go wring with either.

Thanks. I was on Spirit of Freedom back in 2007, it was my first live aboard and I think this level of liveaboard and the sites around Osprey Reef definitely spoilt me.

Mike Ball will be very similar, very much looking forward to it in 2020.

That is the trip! I'm in a budget room.

I've never even been to Australia before! But Mike Ball was well-reviewed here and elsewhere on the Internet, and this trip seemed to be the best IMHO.

Looks like we will be meeting each other in person. After much thought, I've booked on the same trip (23 July 2020). Will send you a private message.

Thanks to @Aquapro Dive Services (Kevin was monitoring this thread).

 

[TheDolphin]

@FettSolo, well got the email from Mike Ball. Looks like our July-August 2020 trip is likely canned.

Thank goodness I only paid a deposit and not the full booking. Mike Ball is not in a position to offer any refunds, that was a surprising discovery.

 

[FettSolo]

I know, sounds like we are definitely dead in the water. I was surprised about the lack of refunds as well - I only paid the deposit, same as you fortunately.

Such a bummer. I'll be cancelling the rest of my Australia trip and hopefully have better luck next year.