A Clearer Vision Beneath the Surface: Don Silcock’s Photography Retreat Comes to Uepi
How one photographer’s experience at Don Silcock’s workshop reveals what’s waiting at Uepi Island.
When photographer and diver, Phillip Hawley @phillip.hawley.391, joined one of Don Silcock’s underwater photography workshops, he didn’t just come away with sharper images — he discovered a whole new perspective.
“I’d been diving and shooting for years, but I wanted a clearer, simpler way of approaching my images,” he explained. “Don’s workshop gave me that breakthrough where things finally clicked.”
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That kind of transformation is exactly what participants can expect when Don brings his Underwater Photography Retreat to Uepi Island — a pristine, family-run destination at the edge of the Marovo Lagoon in the Solomon Islands. Uepi’s coral walls, large pelagics, and macro-rich shallows offer the perfect natural studio for photographers seeking both challenge and inspiration.
During previous workshops, Don’s practical, no-nonsense approach made technical concepts instantly usable.
©Indo Pacific Images
“Don’s teaching style was straightforward and easy to understand. He broke down complex ideas into simple steps and was patient with questions. It made the learning process really smooth and encouraging.”
At Uepi, those same lessons will unfold in one of the South Pacific’s most photogenic environments — a place where crystal water clarity, marine life density, and relaxed dive schedules create time and space to perfect every shot.
The upcoming Uepi retreat will continue this small-group, highly personal format that Don is known for — ensuring every diver gets individual attention both in and out of the water. With Uepi’s limited guest numbers and expert local dive team, each day becomes a seamless blend of exploration, technical learning, and genuine island hospitality.
©Indo Pacific Images
“The advice Don gave was straight to the point — he helped me shift from just taking photos to creating intentional images. That changed everything.”
For photographers ready to elevate their craft, Don’s next workshop at Uepi offers the ultimate setting: calm tropical waters, world-class marine diversity, and an environment designed for focus, creativity, and connection.
