Photographers from around the globe come to Anilao for its unmatched marine biodiversity. Anilao is the critter capital of the world with some of the best muck diving anywhere. Crystal Blue offers extraordinary underwater photo workshops to teach guests how to use their cameras systems and to develop life long skills.

On site Photo Pro Mike Bartick is one of the most experienced photographers in the Anilao area and offers workshops for individuals and groups.

Group workshops are also held monthly and are open to anyone that would like to join. These group events are usually organized with other professional underwater photographers and offer a comprehensive approach in a fun, educational atmosphere designed to encourage participants.

Macro Photography, Wide Angle Photography, Super Macro Techniques, Fluoro Photography and Natural History are just some of the topics usually discussed at any of these seminars.

Individuals or groups are all invited to come to enjoy the action and take advantage of our on-site photo pros.
Crystal Blue is a resort dedicated to underwater photography.
 

Crystal Blue's Camera Room

Crystal Blue Resort is focused on accommodating photographers as individuals or as groups. Our camera room is custom built and features:

  • 25 double wide camera bays
  • 4 large video camera bays
  • Dual socket 220v power points in each bay for charging+ power brick
  • Great lighting
  • Storage space for camera cases
  • Environmentally controlled
  • Restrooms
  • Night time lock down security

Our guides are hand picked and trained to provide the best in assistance while maintaining a healthy green fin approach.

May 2026 - Stephen Frink

February 2026 - Lorenz & Friedrich

May 2026 - Critterhunt

March 2026 - Backscatter Macro Intensive

January 2026 - Blackwater Week

January 2026 - Critterfest + Blackwater Safari

Testimonials from our guests around the globe

I was extremely fortunate to have been invited by a diving friend to attend my first “Critterfest” workshop in 2014. It was held at Crystal Blue Resort , Anilao, Philippines and hosted by Mike Bartick . Mike is both an excellent communicator and photographer, both above & below water with amazing innovative ideas & techniques. I was so impressed with the workshop on so many levels. Firstly , discussions and demonstrations provided by Mike were both interesting and so very informative . He demonstrated various examples of camera placement and lighting techniques . He showed a wide number of “critters” that we might encounter , what to look for and how to approach them to photograph what Mike called “the peak of the action” . The workshops were enhanced with mid- day discussions on computer use of Lightroom and conducted by his Critterfest workshop partner, Bruce Shafer. The workshops run like a fine oiled machine. This is due to the incredible staff Mike has backing him up. The dive boats, staff, guides and dive gear operation is second to none. The camera room where everyone has their own personal desk with lights & power boards are exceptional. The accommodation and meals provided are great made even better by the smiling staff. Crystal Blue even has its own commercial water business that supplies the best water to drink. The pick up from your hotel in Manila there and back is so professional and always on time. I am very happy to endorse all of Mikes workshops held at Crystal Blue and I know that I am looking forward to my sixth visit.

Jim Johnson

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Mike's Macro photography workshop at Crystal Blue Resort was a game changer for me, I've turned from someone who was struggling to light up a macro subject to choosing which technique to use, taking shots with multiple techniques, and then struggling, but this time to choose which picture is better than the other, because all of them are great to choose one over the other. Also Mike is a master instructor in lighting with a snoot, his teachings and daily follow-ups transformed me from about to shoot myself in the foot to mastering the snoot, shooting with a snoot is so hard, but Mike's teaching will help you break all the obstacles you will face during the learning process. If you want to master macro photography, Mike is the MAN.

Bishoy Mikhael

San Francisco, CA, USA