RF4 official picture maker Jason Brown, takes us for a candid, behind the lens tour of one of the most consequential rebreather events in the last decade.
“Malta really is a photographer’s dream. A jewel in the Mediterranean sea, the island just oozes history and is magical in so many ways. There really is a photo opportunity on every street corner – I challenge any photographer not to be inspired by its stunning limestone streets and the golden hue radiated by its fortress-like buildings.”
“Rebreather Forum 4 kicked off in style with a magical reception sponsored by Visit Malta in the luxurious splendour of the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Drinks and a delicious range of canapés were consumed as delegates, speakers and vendors all rubbed shoulders to discuss the days ahead.”
“Photographing divers on a rocking boat is always fun – simply framing a shot can be challenging when you’re being pitched from side to side. You just have to go with it and move with the boat and hope your stomach remains strong! Feeling sea sick is never conducive to the creative process…”
“I’ve always had a fascination with rebreather technology and Rebreather Forum 4 offered an irresistible opportunity to geek out over some of the cool innovations on show. If I hadn’t have been shooting images, I would have jumped in for a try dive on one of a number of sidemount rebreathers available to try dive.”
“Attendees found plenty of time to visit the many vendor stands that lined the historic hallways of the University of Malta. The eclectic mix of exhibitors covered all the major rebreather manufacturers, training agencies and a good selection of companies brands showing off their latest wares. It was kit heaven!”
“Shooting images of speakers is always challenging. How do you make a procession of speakers look uniquely interesting? I try to capture their personalities and energy by watching and learning their body language. Every time I capture an image that truly encapsulates a speaker’s personality, I know that shot is in the bag.”
“Visitors were kept well fed and watered with regular breaks for refreshments and, of course, a full buffet lunch. The central courtyard proved particularly popular with attendees take the opportunity to mix and mingle in the open air. Stories were swapped, friendships built and business was done.”
“Events like Rebreather Forum 4 bring together all manner of people from across the globe, all united by a common passion – our love for diving. It’s wonderful to see how this shared passion is such a great unifier. For instant harmony, just add water!”
“What really makes working an event like Rebreather Forum 4 so much fun is the stuff you don’t see and the crazy team of people that make it all happen.”
“The final day included some brisk discussion as delegates poured over the consensus statements under the watchful, no-nonsense guidance of Professor Simon Mitchell. This truly was democracy in action as everyone was invited to contribute, regardless of background, affiliations and experience”
“Everyone loves a good party, right? Rebreather Forum 4 wasn’t just about the academic discussions – it was also a great opportunity to let your hair down and have some serious fun! Divers know how to party and we certainly didn’t let the side down.”
“The social side of Rebreather Forum 4 was a real highlight for many including myself. After so many years of lockdowns and isolation, being reunited with so many great diving friends and colleagues from across the globe was a real treat.”
An experienced trimix rebreather and cave diver certified through Global Underwater Explorers, Jason Brown is an accomplished commercial and underwater photographer whose work has graced the pages—and covers—of numerous magazines across the globe. An experienced writer, with over 30 years of experience writing engaging features for a diverse range of publications, Jason now focuses his writing and photographic talents on his life aquatic. Jason is actively involved in a number of high-profile dive industry events. He is one of the lead organisers of both the acclaimed EUROTEK Advanced Diving Conference and the award-winning TEKCamp diving masterclass event in the UK.
