Piti Channel in Guam is a shallow dive site often overlooked by recreational divers. With a maximum depth of only 15 feet, it is typically used for training and receives very little traffic. For Tony Cherbas, however, this quiet shore dive became a personal retreat. The shallow depth made it ideal for long solo dives, especially at night, when he could explore the area undisturbed. Over time, the channel revealed itself to be a haven for unique macro life rarely seen elsewhere around the island.
Cherbas frequently encountered a wide range of subjects here—leaf fish, frogfish, conger eels, mantis shrimp, juvenile sweetlips, flatheads, and large pipefish. He even spotted an eagle ray that visited regularly during high tides. Despite its modest appearance, the site proved to be rich in photographic potential and became his favorite local dive.
A Milestone in Underwater Photography
The award-winning image, Narciss, was captured shortly after Cherbas upgraded to his first DSLR camera. It was also his first time diving with a dual strobe setup, which played a critical role in the shot’s success. Before this, he had used a single strobe mounted directly over his housing. While functional, the single-light approach lacked the balance and range necessary for more dynamic compositions.
His switch to using two Inon Z240 strobes allowed for greater creative control. For the shot, he mounted one strobe on each side of the housing and positioned the camera vertically to frame the squid in a classic portrait orientation. One strobe was directed underneath the subject to bring out the mirrored reflection in the water.
Chasing the Perfect Reflection
Capturing the perfect image was not a simple task. Cherbas followed the squid for an extended period in only three feet of water. As he moved, he continuously adjusted his composition and strobe angles, searching for the ideal alignment. The moment required patience and care, especially to avoid startling the subject. Once satisfied with the images and conscious of not stressing the animal, he allowed the squid to drift off.
The swirling green hue in the water was created by light reflecting off algae-covered dead coral beneath him. Rather than distract from the photo, it added an atmospheric texture that enhanced the contrast between the squid and its mirrored form. The final result was a surreal and elegant portrait of a nocturnal subject in motion.
Lighting Techniques for Macro Excellence
Cherbas relied on S-TTL mode triggered via fiber optics, which offered consistent exposure without needing manual adjustments. For macro photography, this method proved to be both cost-effective and reliable. The balanced lighting from both strobes ensured that the squid and its reflection were evenly lit—something that would have been difficult to achieve with just one strobe.
He later attempted similar compositions at Piti Channel using a single strobe but found it nearly impossible to achieve the same evenness of light across the frame. The experience reinforced the importance of using dual strobes, especially in shallow water where lighting angles are more limited.
Camera Settings and Equipment
The photo was taken using a Canon T2i housed in a Sea & Sea system. Settings were F/18, 1/160s shutter speed, and ISO 100. The small aperture allowed for a deep depth of field, keeping both the squid and its reflection in sharp focus. A low ISO ensured minimal noise, which is especially important when shooting dark backgrounds during night dives.
Some backscatter caused by floating particles was later removed using Adobe Lightroom. However, the original RAW file was also submitted to the contest judges to confirm the image’s authenticity. The only significant drawback of the Canon T2i was its lack of manual flash output control. This made strobe adjustments and recycle times slower when using S-TTL. As a result, Cherbas later upgraded to a Nikon D7000 in a Nauticam housing, which offered more manual control for his preferred style of shooting.
Gratitude and Growth
Winning the "Novice DSLR" category was a major milestone for Cherbas. It validated his efforts and marked his transition from casual shooter to serious underwater photographer. He expressed deep appreciation to the photography community that helped him learn lighting, composition, and camera techniques. He also thanked the contest judges for awarding him the top prize—a photography trip to Papua New Guinea.
This win was more than a personal achievement. It symbolized the culmination of practice, experimentation, and creative growth that took place in a location few others would consider remarkable.
Reflections on a Simple Dive Site
Piti Channel may be shallow and unassuming, but it provided the foundation for a winning image and a growing passion. Cherbas’s story shows that underwater photography is not just about exotic locations or advanced gear. It is about vision, patience, and the willingness to return to the same quiet place night after night to uncover something extraordinary.
Understanding the Environment
Underwater photography always begins with understanding the environment in which one is shooting. Piti Channel in Guam may be a shallow dive site, but its unique characteristics create both advantages and challenges. The relatively low depth of about 15 feet means that ambient light from the surface can still play a role, especially during twilight dives. However, during full night dives, like the one where Narcissus was captured, artificial lighting becomes paramount.
Shallow water also affects the behavior of marine subjects. Species are more alert and responsive to movement, and the reflective qualities of the surface become more prominent. It is this mirror-like surface reflection, rarely used to its full potential, that Tony Cherbas capitalized on in his image. Mastering this environment required repeated visits and careful observation, allowing him to anticipate when and where subjects were likely to appear.
Another advantage of the Piti Channel is its low traffic. Because it is often ignored by other divers, the site is relatively undisturbed. This quietness allows marine life to flourish and feel secure, enabling photographers to get closer to their subjects. Cherbas found that creatures in the channel seemed more comfortable around divers, allowing for longer observation and better photographic opportunities.
Selecting the Right Camera System
When Cherbas decided to upgrade from a compact camera to a digital SLR, he chose the Canon T2i—a model known for its balance of image quality and affordability. At the time, it offered one of the best entry points into underwater DSLR photography. Although not perfect, it provided full manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and high-resolution image capture.
The housing system was equally critical. He selected a Sea & Sea housing, which provided sturdy build quality and reliable sealing. Although the housing had some limitations in ergonomics, it gave him the confidence to dive without worrying about leaks or mechanical failures. The straightforward layout of the controls helped him adjust settings on the fly, even in the dark.
One of the more frustrating limitations of the Canon T2i was its lack of manual control over flash output in S-TTL mode. When firing strobes rapidly, the camera would struggle with recycling time and consistent exposure. This eventually led him to upgrade to a Nikon D7000 in a Nauticam housing, which allowed for full control of lighting parameters. But at the time of shooting Narcissus, Cherbas had to work around the limitations of his gear and rely on careful strobe placement to achieve the result he wanted.
Lens Choice and Optical Considerations
For macro photography, the choice of lens is a critical factor. Cherbas used the Canon 60mm macro lens, which is a popular option for cropped sensor dSLRs. The 60mm focal length offers enough working distance for shy subjects but is short enough to make focusing easier in low-visibility or murky water conditions—typical of shallow muck sites like Piti Channel.
The lens’s sharpness and minimal distortion made it ideal for capturing detail in small subjects, like the squid in Narcissus. The relatively fast aperture also helped with autofocus performance in the dark, though most macro photographers rely on manual focus when shooting at night. Cherbas focused carefully on the eye of the squid, using a focus light to assist in composition and sharpness.
Another advantage of the 60mm lens is its ability to work well with reflection shots. The distance between the camera and the surface, as well as between the camera and the subject, plays a major role in whether or not a good reflection is possible. Longer macro lenses, such as 100,, mm tend to compress reflections and make alignment difficult. The 60mm’s moderate working distance allowed Cherbas to compose both the squid and its reflection cleanly, keeping both elements in focus without distortion.
Strobe Selection and Positioning
The addition of a second strobe was a significant technical milestone. Cherbas chose two Inon Z240 strobes, known for their reliability, compact size, and versatile power settings. Each strobe was mounted on flexible arms attached to the housing, giving him full control over their angles and distances.
In the Narcissus shot, one strobe was placed below the subject to illuminate its underside and the reflection, while the other was positioned to the side to provide even fill light across the body of the squid. The dual-strobe configuration allowed Cherbas to balance shadows and highlights carefully. Without two strobes, the reflection would have appeared uneven or been partially lost to shadow.
Both strobes were triggered via fiber optics and operated in S-TTL mode. This automatic exposure system, while not as precise as manual power settings, allowed for quicker adjustments and more rapid firing. Given the unpredictable nature of squid movement, this automation helped Cherbas capture the moment without constantly readjusting power levels.
Lighting the Reflection
One of the most challenging aspects of Narcissus was lighting both the subject and its reflection evenly. Water is rarely a perfect mirror, and even small waves or movement can distort a reflection. Cherbas had to remain still, control his breathing, and make minor movements with extreme care.
To light the reflection properly, he angled one strobe beneath the subject, pointing slightly upwards at an angle that would bounce light off the reflective surface. This not only lit the underside of the squid but also ensured the reflection was bright and defined. The top strobe acted as a fill light to eliminate harsh shadows and provide balance.
Because the water was only three feet deep, any movement could disturb the reflection. Cherbas kept the camera close to the surface, shot vertically, and waited for the moment when the squid paused mid-water column. At that moment, the lighting and the alignment were ideal.
Composition and Vertical Framing
Most underwater photography tends to be horizontal, especially for wide-angle or reef scenes. However, Cherbas made the deliberate choice to shoot vertically. This portrait-style framing allowed him to align the squid and its reflection in a single, balanced composition.
The reflection created a natural symmetry. The subject appeared to be floating between two worlds—the real and the mirrored. Cherbas kept the squid centered within the frame, using negative space around the edges to emphasize the subject. The greenish tones of the algae-covered bottom added depth and atmosphere without distracting from the focal point.
Shooting vertically underwater is physically more difficult, especially in shallow water. The photographer must manage buoyancy, strobe angles, and composition while avoiding stirring up sediment. It takes planning and discipline to maintain the necessary control in such a restricted space.
Exposure and Camera Settings
The final image was taken at F/18, 1/160s, and ISO 100. These settings reflect a depth of field and a desire for maximum image clarity. The small aperture helped keep both the squid and its reflection in focus, while the relatively fast shutter speed froze the motion of the subject. The low ISO ensured that the image remained clean and free from digital noise.
In a shallow muck environment, particles suspended in the water often cause backscatter, especially when using artificial light. Cherbas addressed this during post-processing by carefully removing the most distracting particles using Adobe Lightroom. However, he maintained the overall integrity of the image, which was verified by submitting the RAW file alongside the processed version for judging.
Patience, Timing, and Respect
Photographing wildlife—especially at night—requires patience. Cherbas didn’t just spot the squid and take one photo. He followed it for an extended period, watching its movement and behavior. He waited until the animal calmed and hovered steadily, allowing for a clear reflection.
Importantly, he also knew when to stop. After several minutes of shooting and composing, he recognized that continued strobe firing could stress the subject. With respect for the animal, he ended the session, allowing the squid to swim off unharmed. This balance of artistic ambition and ethical awareness is part of what gives Narcissus its integrity and impact.
Learning Through Trial and Error
The winning image did not come from luck. It came from repeated dives, failed attempts, and a constant refinement of technique. Cherbas had previously visited Piti Channel many times, observing its conditions and experimenting with different lighting setups. Some dives yielded nothing usable, while others produced interesting but incomplete results.
Over time, he learned how to anticipate the behavior of his subjects, position his strobes for maximum effect, and control his movements in tight, silty spaces. Each mistake became a lesson. Each small improvement brought him closer to the shot he envisioned.
The Role of Post-Processing
Though most of the creative work happened underwater, post-processing played a role in the final presentation. Cherbas used Adobe Lightroom to fine-tune contrast, color balance, and remove minor backscatter. He avoided over-editing, maintaining the natural look of the image.
The green tone of the water, caused by the light bouncing off algae, was kept intact. Rather than neutralizing it, Cherbas embraced the tone as part of the composition’s atmosphere. The careful balance of editing and restraint ensured the photo remained both artistic and truthful.
Growth Beyond the Shot
Winning the Ocean Art Contest gave Cherbas confidence and recognition. It validated his efforts and pushed him to continue exploring underwater photography more seriously. The award—a photography trip to Papua New Guinea—opened the door to new locations and more complex photographic challenges.
But more than the prize, the experience proved that even modest locations could yield world-class imagery. With focus, discipline, and creativity, a shallow training site like Piti Channel could become a stage for artistic expression.
Closing Reflections
The image Narcissus stands out not only for its technical excellence but for its quiet beauty. It does not rely on vibrant coral or charismatic megafauna. Instead, it invites the viewer into a still, reflective world captured with care, precision, and intent.
Cherbas’s story reminds us that great photography does not require exotic travel or rare animals. Sometimes, it begins with curiosity, a quiet dive, and the decision to look a little closer at what lies beneath the surface.
The Transition from Documentation to Expression
Underwater photography often begins as a process of documentation. A diver sees a fascinating creature or vibrant coral and captures it with a camera, hoping to preserve a memory. But with time and experience, the approach begins to evolve. The camera becomes more than a tool for recording; it becomes a medium for expression. For Tony Cherbas, this transition was gradual but deliberate. With the image of Narcissus, he moved beyond technical proficiency into the realm of visual storytelling and artistic intent.
Rather than simply recording what he saw, Cherbas set out to communicate a feeling. The image was meant to evoke stillness, duality, and quiet wonder. The squid’s reflection was more than a compositional trick—it was a metaphor for symmetry in nature, for introspection, and the often-overlooked beauty of nocturnal marine life. This deeper level of meaning distinguished Narcissus from other macro photos, helping it stand out in competition.
Emotional Impact Through Simplicity
One of the most striking features of Narcissus is its simplicity. There are no distracting background elements, no coral clutter, no visual noise. The image consists of a single subject and its mirrored form, suspended in a moody green frame. This minimalist approach draws the viewer’s eye directly to the subject and creates space for emotional interpretation.
Simplicity in photography requires confidence. It means knowing when to stop adding elements and start removing them. Cherbas achieved this by choosing a calm, shallow environment and shooting at night, when the background naturally faded into darkness. By positioning his strobes carefully, he eliminated shadows and hotspots, allowing the form and symmetry of the squid to carry the entire frame.
This visual quietness invites a viewer to pause, to contemplate. It transforms the image from a biological record into a moment of suspended animation—something that feels as if it exists outside of time. Such emotional resonance is rare in underwater photography, where the temptation often leans toward colorful chaos.
The Role of Symmetry in Visual Design
Symmetry is a powerful compositional tool. In underwater photography, it’s often hard to achieve due to the unpredictability of subjects and the limitations of movement in a three-dimensional space. However, when used intentionally, symmetry can lead to incredibly striking images.
In Narcissus, symmetry is created through both the subject and its reflection. The squid’s orientation and position in the frame mirror almost perfectly across the horizontal plane of the water’s surface. This alignment required precision in buoyancy, camera positioning, and subject tracking. Cherbas followed the squid until its movement slowed and it hovered evenly in the water column.
The resulting symmetry creates a sense of balance and calm. It also plays with visual perception—inviting viewers to question which side is real and which is reflection. This optical ambiguity adds depth to the image and encourages longer viewing. Viewers return to the photo again and again, not because it is complex, but because it is deceptively simple and emotionally balanced.
Color and Mood in Night Photography
Color plays a subtle but crucial role in Narcissus. Rather than featuring bright hues or dramatic contrast, the image is bathed in a muted greenish tone. This color comes from the algae-covered substrate reflecting light into the water column. In most situations, photographers would try to neutralize or remove this green tone during editing. But Cherbas chose to embrace it.
The green color creates a mood of mystery and otherworldliness. It is both natural and unnatural, familiar and alien. It sets the image apart from the traditional blue tones commonly associated with underwater photography. By allowing the ambient character of the location to shape the color palette, Cherbas created a signature look for the image.
Lighting also plays a role in enhancing color. The soft, even light from the dual strobes brought out subtle variations in the squid’s body—its transparency, inner texture, and eye detail. These elements might have been lost with harsher lighting or uneven exposure. The balance between the technical control of light and the natural coloration of the environment resulted in a distinctive atmosphere.
Framing the Subject With Intention
The decision to shoot Narcissus in a vertical orientation was not just a technical choice—it was an artistic one. Vertical framing is less common in underwater work, as it’s more difficult to achieve a stable composition, especially when tracking a moving subject. However, the vertical format allowed Cherbas to emphasize the relationship between the squid and its reflection. A horizontal frame would have made this symmetry less impactful.
The framing in Narcissus creates a strong vertical axis running down the center of the image. This compositional spine provides structure and anchors the viewer’s gaze. Cherbas left space above and below the subject to create breathing room. This negative space is important—it gives the subject room to exist within the frame, enhancing the image’s contemplative tone.
The use of negative space also allows for focus on the subject’s form. The gentle curve of the squid’s body, the subtle translucency of its skin, and the clarity of its eye become points of focus. Nothing in the frame competes with these elements. This is the result of both compositional awareness and the discipline to exclude distractions from the shot.
Storytelling Through Timing and Behavior
The subject of Narcissus is not posed. It is a wild animal in its natural environment, reacting to its surroundings. What elevates the photo is the moment of pause Cherbas captured—a moment where the squid is calm, still, and perfectly aligned. This is not just a display of technical timing but an understanding of animal behavior.
Cherbas’s familiarity with Piti Channel and its nocturnal inhabitants gave him the patience to wait for this behavior. He knew how long to follow the squid, how close he could get without causing it to flee, and how to move slowly enough to keep it calm. This knowledge only comes from experience and repeated visits to the same site.
By capturing a subject in a moment of natural stillness, Cherbas told a story not of action, but of presence. The squid is not hunting, hiding, or fleeing. It is simply existing. This moment of tranquility, enhanced by composition and lighting, becomes a visual narrative about the peaceful side of marine life that is rarely seen.
Competing in the Novice Category
Although Narcissus won in the "Novice DSLR" category, the quality of the image demonstrates a level of artistic sophistication well beyond the beginner level. The novice category is meant for photographers who are still building experience with DSLR systems. Cherbas had only recently made the transition from compact to dSLR, but his approach already reflected an understanding of composition, lighting, and emotion.
Competing in this category allowed Cherbas to challenge himself while also recognizing the gap between technical capability and artistic vision. The win confirmed that even as a relatively new DSLR shooter, his images could compete based on vision and originality.
Judges look for more than just sharp focus and good lighting. They seek images that evoke emotion, that display originality, and that communicate something more than just a record of a subject. Narcissus succeeded because it was different—it did not rely on vibrant color, rare species, or dramatic action. It relied on mood, restraint, and precise execution.
Learning From Competition and Critique
Participating in photography contests offers more than prizes—it offers feedback, exposure, and a chance to evaluate one’s work against a global standard. Cherbas submitted Narcissus with both hope and humility. He knew the image was different from typical contest entries and wondered whether the judges would respond to its quiet nature.
The win came as both a surprise and a validation. It confirmed that a simple composition could hold power if executed with care. More importantly, the process of preparing the image for submission—selecting, editing, titling, and describing it—forced Cherbas to reflect on his creative process.
He learned the value of clarity, intentional framing, and ethical shooting. He saw how even a single photo could speak volumes when aligned with a clear artistic vision. And he recognized that contest feedback, both formal and informal, could guide future work by highlighting strengths and areas for growth.
Title and Interpretation
The title Narcissus carries significant weight. It references the Greek myth of a young man who falls in love with his reflection. In the photograph, the squid and its reflection create a similar visual metaphor. While the animal is not interacting with its reflection, the alignment evokes a sense of introspection and duality.
Choosing the right title is an important part of photographic storytelling. It frames the viewer’s interpretation and invites deeper thought. Without the title, the image might be appreciated for its technical execution alone. With the title, it becomes a poetic statement—a fusion of myth, nature, and personal vision.
Titles are not always necessary in photography, but when used with care, they can elevate an image. Cherbas’s choice of Narcissus was not pretentious but deliberate. It guided the emotional tone of the image and gave viewers a conceptual framework through which to experience it.
Inspiring Other Photographers
Since the image was published and awarded, Cherbas has received feedback from other photographers inspired by his approach. Many were struck by the simplicity and serenity of Narcissus—a contrast to the high-energy, color-saturated photos often associated with contest-winning work.
For new photographers, Cherbas’s journey is especially instructive. He showed that it’s possible to create award-winning images without traveling far, without the most expensive gear, and without relying on spectacle. What matters more is intent, discipline, and a willingness to return to the same place again and again until the moment reveals itself.
The idea that a shallow training site could become the setting for a globally recognized image encourages others to look closely at their environments. It shifts the narrative from gear and location to vision and execution.
Legacy of the Shot
Narcissus represents a turning point in Cherbas’s creative life. It marked the beginning of a deeper engagement with underwater photography, moving from hobby to serious artistic pursuit. The shot is still one of his most recognized works and continues to resonate with audiences because of its mood, message, and minimalism.
It also stands as a personal reminder of what is possible when time, patience, and creative risk intersect. The image began as an experiment—with new gear, in a familiar place, with an ordinary subject. It became something greater because of how it was seen, lit, and framed.
Looking Ahead
As Cherbas continues his journey in underwater photography, the lessons from Narcissus remain with him. Each new dive brings fresh challenges, but also new opportunities to find beauty in simplicity. Whether in Guam, Papua New Guinea, or elsewhere, his approach is rooted in observation, respect for marine life, and a desire to share emotional stories through imagery.
Ethical Foundations of Underwater Photography
One of the most important, and often understated, pillars of underwater photography is ethical responsibility. As photographers enter the ocean with cameras in hand, they become not just observers, but participants in a delicate ecosystem. Every flash, every fin kick, every inch closer to a subject can have consequences.
Tony Cherbas, in capturing Narcissus, demonstrated a deep respect for the marine environment. The squid in his image was not chased, cornered, or coerced into position. The reflection was not manipulated post-capture. Instead, the image was a result of patience, understanding of animal behavior, and subtle movements within the water column. This level of awareness is essential for anyone hoping to capture authentic, meaningful underwater photos.
Ethical photography includes more than just how a subject is approached—it also encompasses how the reef is treated, how long a subject is illuminated, and even how the final image is shared. Misrepresenting behavior or conditions can spread misinformation. For example, overly saturated colors or aggressive post-processing may set unrealistic expectations for what the ocean looks like.
Photographers carry the responsibility of telling true stories without harming. And increasingly, the diving community is recognizing ethical conduct not only as a moral obligation but also as an essential skill. Judges, editors, and fellow photographers are attuned to these nuances. An image, no matter how technically brilliant, loses its value if the process behind it is irresponsible.
Gear Mastery vs. Creative Intuition
Underwater photography is gear-intensive. From housings and strobes to lenses and lights, there’s a long learning curve just to get comfortable with the equipment. But a common trap for photographers—especially those starting—is to focus too much on gear and too little on vision.
In Narcissus, the gear was not the hero—the idea was. Cherbas used tools that allowed him to execute his vision, but it was his control over those tools that made the shot possible. The camera and strobes functioned as extensions of his eye and instinct. When gear becomes invisible—no longer distracting the shooter but enabling the art—that’s when real creativity begins.
This mastery is built through repetition, not through buying newer equipment. Cherbas had practiced night diving in Piti Channel many times before this image. He was familiar with the water’s color, the squid’s behavior, the best times to dive, and the challenges of buoyancy in the shallows. This repetition honed both technical skills and creative clarity.
For new photographers, the takeaway is clear: learn your equipment inside and out. Practice until camera settings are second nature. Then turn your attention to light, space, motion, and story. This balance between technical and creative is where truly compelling photography is born.
Developing a Personal Style
One question often asked of photographers is: How do you develop a personal style? The answer is both simple and elusive—style comes from consistency in choices. It grows from repeated decisions about framing, color, subject matter, lighting, and even titles. Over time, a pattern emerges, and that pattern becomes your voice.
For Cherbas, his style is one of minimalism, quiet mood, and thoughtful composition. Narcissus didn’t come out of nowhere—it came from a photographic philosophy shaped by his background in science and art, his time spent in the water, and his growing interest in emotional storytelling. He didn’t try to mimic the bright, chaotic reef scenes popular in many competitions. Instead, he trusted his instinct for balance, subtlety, and stillness.
Personal style also reflects one’s relationship to the ocean. Some photographers are drawn to wide-angle reefscapes, others to behavioral documentation, and others still to macro textures. There is no single “correct” way to shoot underwater. But developing a unique style requires letting go of trends and tuning into your creative values.
Photographers should ask themselves: What draws me to pick up the camera? What do I want the viewer to feel? What parts of the ocean do I most want to share? The answers, repeated over time, will form a visual identity.
The Importance of Patience and Repetition
Great shots rarely happen by accident. They are the result of many attempts, many failures, and many moments of silence underwater. Narcissus was not the first time Cherbas had photographed a squid. It was, however, the first time he captured one in such a way that all elements—light, behavior, composition, and emotion—aligned.
This alignment only comes with patience. Often, it means returning to the same site, swimming the same reef, or floating in the same bay over and over again. At first, this may feel monotonous. But with each return, familiarity grows. You begin to notice subtle changes in the environment. You start to anticipate animal behavior. And when the moment finally arrives, you’re ready.
This repetition builds confidence. It allows you to try new techniques in a controlled setting. It reduces stress and increases adaptability. Over time, your success rate improves not because the conditions changed, but because your understanding deepened.
Cherbas’s nightly dives in Piti Channel were as much about training as they were about photography. They allowed him to refine lighting techniques, test different strobe angles, observe subjects without disturbing them, and most importantly, let ideas incubate. Every shot that didn’t work brought him one step closer to the one that did.
From Hobby to Discipline
What began as a recreational activity for Cherbas gradually evolved into a disciplined creative practice. Winning in a photo competition wasn’t the end goal—it was a byproduct of commitment, vision, and persistence. The turning point came when he began to treat underwater photography not just as something he did while diving, but as the reason he dove.
This shift requires intentionality. It means planning dives around photographic goals rather than just hoping for serendipity. It means budgeting time for review, editing, and learning. And it means accepting the frustration that often accompanies creative work.
But the rewards are immense. When photography becomes a discipline, it deepens your connection to the ocean. You begin to see more, feel more, and care more. Your images move from being records of your dive to reflections of your experience. You become a visual storyteller with something real to say.
Navigating the Underwater Photography Community
Sharing work with the broader underwater photography community opens up opportunities for growth, collaboration, and feedback. Forums, competitions, and local dive clubs provide platforms for discussion, critique, and inspiration. But they also come with challenges—especially in the form of comparison and self-doubt.
Cherbas found value in participating in contests not just for recognition, but for learning. Seeing what others were shooting, understanding why certain images won, and reflecting on his own choices helped him improve. He also benefited from open conversations with more experienced shooters who were generous with advice and encouragement.
For newcomers, the community can be overwhelming. It’s easy to feel that one’s images aren’t “good enough” or that only exotic locations produce winning shots. But Narcissus proves otherwise. A small bay in Guam and a common subject—when seen through the right lens—can produce a world-class image.
The key is to approach the community with humility and curiosity. Ask questions. Share your failures. Celebrate small wins. In time, you’ll not only improve your craft but also contribute to the collective creativity of the field.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Shot
In the end, the story of Narcissus is not just about a squid and its reflection. It is about a diver learning to see differently. It is about an image made not with luck, but with vision, ethics, patience, and discipline. It is about how art can emerge from repetition and how meaning can emerge from simplicity.
The lessons extend far beyond underwater photography. They apply to any creative pursuit. Trust your instinct. Respect your subject. Practice until the tools disappear. Tell a story, not just a fact. And remember that what you choose to show the world says something about who you are.
For Tony Cherbas, this photo marked a turning point. It opened new creative paths and reaffirmed a quiet philosophy: that wonder exists all around us—often right beneath the surface—and that the most profound stories are sometimes the simplest ones.
Conclusion
Narcissus serves as a quiet revolution in underwater imagery. Its impact lies not in grandeur but in restraint, not in rarity but in resonance. It reminds us that great photography is not about chasing spectacle—it is about recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary, about crafting a frame that honors both subject and story.
For aspiring underwater photographers, the journey begins not with gear but with curiosity. It grows through patience, practice, and presence. And it culminates in those rare moments when vision and environment align to produce something truly unforgettable.
As you venture into your underwater explorations, remember: The ocean doesn’t need to perform for your camera. It is enough to be still, to be respectful, and to be ready. The magic will come. And when it does, let your image do more than capture it—let it share it.