Beneath the Surface: 25 Years of Underwater Photography and Conservation
For the past 25 years, the ocean has been more than just a backdrop — it’s been my muse, my classroom, and my reason for picking up a camera. From pristine coral gardens to mysterious deep channels, I’ve documented marine life and ecosystems that few get to see firsthand.
Underwater photography has shaped who I am — not just as an artist, but as a conservationist. Every image has the power to celebrate life, raise awareness, and inspire protection for the world beneath the waves.
Interested in your own underwater photoshoot? Whether it’s for you, your family, or a unique experience, feel free to get in touch — I’d love to create something special together.
📸 My Essential Underwater Photography Gear
Over the years I’ve tested countless setups, but these tools have become my tried-and-true companions on every dive — balancing quality, portability, and rugged reliability:
👉 OLYMPUS Tough TG-7 Underwater Camera (Affiliate Link)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue my conservation work and bring you more underwater content.
🌊 https://amzn.to/4r5RSOd
👉 Underwater Housing for OLYMPUS TG-7 (Affiliate Link)
🛡️ https://amzn.to/3Miecpu
👉 Camera Tray + FLEX-ARM for Underwater Lighting (Affiliate Link)
💡 https://amzn.to/4qIiHaZ
👉 2 Underwater Video Lights (Affiliate Link) — Essential for bright, colorful shots
🔦 https://amzn.to/4bZqe1j
🎥 For Video: Action Cam Setup
For cinematic underwater footage, especially when I want dynamic movement and wide perspectives, I rely on:
👉 DJI Osmo Action 6 (Affiliate Link)
📹 https://amzn.to/4kKUy27
👉 Underwater Housing for DJI Osmo Action 6 (Affiliate Link)
🌊 https://amzn.to/4ar1HkB
The compact size of the Osmo Action makes it perfect for close-up behavior shots, swim-throughs, and fast-action scenes where nimbleness matters.
🌊 Why This Setup Works
Underwater photography is one of the most challenging forms of imaging — light behaves differently, subjects move unpredictably, and conditions can change in an instant. So having gear you trust is critical.
🐢 Reliable Still Photography
The TG-7 paired with solid housing gives me great image quality and intuitive control, even in low-light reef environments. It’s tough, dependable, and ready for adventure.
💡 Lots of Light = Better Color
Underwater, light and color disappear quickly with depth. That’s where video lights become game-changers. The two lights I use help:
- Illuminate colors that would otherwise look washed out or blue
- Freeze motion with crisp brightness
- Add depth and dimension to every frame
Good lighting is the difference between “underwater snapshot” and “breathtaking reef portrait.”
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Blacktip Reef Shark
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🎬 Cinematic Video with DJI Osmo
For video capture, the Osmo Action 6 delivers smooth footage, vibrant color, and durability, while its underwater housing keeps everything safe at depth. Combined with strong lights, it transforms dives into compelling visual narratives.
What I’ve Seen Through the Lens
Over 25 years, I’ve photographed:
- Turtle hatchlings sprinting toward the sea
- Schools of fish shaping and reshaping like living sculptures
- Elusive cephalopods camouflaging in real time
- Coral recovery in areas protected by conservation efforts
Every encounter is a reminder that the oceans are teeming with life — and also incredibly vulnerable.
Why Conservation Matters
Photography gave me a voice in conservation. It’s opened doors to:
- Collaborate with marine scientists
- Educate local communities and global audiences
- Advocate for protected marine areas
Each image is not just art — it’s evidence of what we can lose without action, and what we can protect if we choose to care.
Tips for Aspiring Underwater Photographers
📷 Know Your Camera Settings — Practice before diving so you’re not adjusting mid-water.
🌊 Respect Marine Life — Approach slowly and avoid disturbing habitats.
💡 Use Lots of Light — Natural light disappears fast; powerful video lights make all the difference.
🎥 Mix Still and Motion — Sometimes a quick video tells the story better than a single photo.
Thank You for Diving In
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a diver, or someone who loves the ocean, thanks for being here and caring about the world beneath the waves.
If you choose to support my work by using any of the links above, know that you’re helping make more storytelling and conservation possible — at no extra cost to you.
📸 Keep exploring. Ocean stories are everywhere — you just have to look beneath the surface.