If you're like me, you love diving, traveling, and discovering new underwater photographs. This feature showcases a collection of spectacular underwater images captured this past winter—December 2012 through February 2013—by ten exceptional photographers from across the globe. Each image reveals a unique moment beneath the surface, presenting both the artistry and diversity of underwater life. Whether you're planning your next dive trip or seeking inspiration for your underwater photography, these stunning visuals offer a window into the incredible world just below the waves. Dive season is always in full swing somewhere on the planet, and these photos prove that beauty and adventure await in every corner of the ocean. Commentary is provided by Scott Gietler.
Tube Anemone by Kevin Lee, California
Kevin Lee captures a beautifully simple yet dramatic macro shot of a tube anemone. The lighting is balanced and elegant, highlighting the delicate tentacles with just the right amount of depth and clarity. The image stands out not just for its subject but for the precision in focus and composition. The background fades into a blur, isolating the anemone perfectly and guiding the viewer’s eye into the soft folds of the creature.
Photographic details: Nikon D800, 60mm lens with 1.4x teleconverter, dual strobes, ReefNet fiber optic snoot, shutter speed 1/250, aperture F/32, ISO 100.
Turtle by Jeffrey Milisen, Hawaii
This image of a Hawaiian green sea turtle gliding above a reef is a wide-angle masterpiece. The front flipper acts as a dynamic leading line, while soft rays of sunlight penetrate the water, giving the image depth and atmosphere. The natural textures of the reef are balanced against the smooth shell of the turtle, and the simplicity of the composition gives the photo a tranquil, meditative feel.
Photographic details: Canon T1i, Tokina 10-17 lens, dual strobes, shutter speed 1/160, aperture F/8, ISO 100.
Anthias with Parasite by Mark Strickland, Australia
Mark Strickland presents an extraordinary natural history moment with this photo of a hawk anthias hosting a parasitic isopod. The striking detail and bokeh make it both biologically fascinating and artistically appealing. The parasite is visible, sparking a mix of curiosity and discomfort, while the overall exposure and composition offer a polished final result.
Photographic details: Nikon D7000, Seacam housing, Nikon 70-180mm macro zoom, ISO 200, dual strobes, shutter speed 1/125, aperture F/14.
Humpbacks by Craig Dietrich, Socorro
Craig Dietrich captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment—a humpback whale and her calf underwater in Socorro. Although humpbacks are common topside during February, it’s rare to encounter them at depth. The image conveys a powerful sense of connection between the two mammals and between the viewer and the sea. There’s a gentle stillness in the composition that enhances the emotional impact.
Photographic details: Canon 7D, Tokina 10-17 lens, shutter speed 1/125, aperture F/9.
Leafy Sea Dragon by Ken Thongpila, Australia
Ken Thongpila's image of a leafy sea dragon is an exemplary composition of form and finesse. Using careful strobe positioning, he achieved a striking balance that highlights the dragon’s eyes while keeping the background clean and uncluttered. Patience was key in capturing the subject in a dynamic posture, showcasing its full range of movement and unusual beauty.
Photographic details: Shot at Rapid Bay Jetty in South Australia, shutter speed 1/100, aperture F/16.
Wolf Fish by Lill Haugen, Norway
In the cold waters of Oslo Fjord, Lill Haugen photographed two wolf fish in an intimate, expressive pose. The wintry dive conditions were challenging—low visibility and strong currents—but the reward was this unique shot that speaks to the emotional side of marine life. The couple’s connection is visible, and the surrounding environment frames the scene like a natural stage.
Photographic details: Nikon D300, Nikon 12-24mm lens, dual strobes, shutter speed 1/100, aperture F/16.
Filefish Eye by Ron Watkins, Florida
Ron Watkins takes an artistic approach with a close-up of a filefish’s eye. The vivid blue patterns and textures are mesmerizing. Originally planning to shoot wide-angle, Ron switched to macro mid-dive after noticing the exceptional visibility. This decision paid off with a photo that blends curiosity and abstraction. The unusual perspective turns a simple eye into a focal point of visual storytelling.
Photographic details: Nikon D300, 105mm macro lens, dual strobes, shutter speed 1/100, aperture F/16, ISO 200.
Cenotes by Jo-ann Wilkins, Mexico
Jo-ann Wilkins captures an ethereal underwater scene in a Mexican cenote. A diver suspended in rays of sunlight beneath the surface adds scale and mystery, while reflections create a mirror-like surface above. The atmosphere is serene yet dramatic. The photo evokes a feeling of exploration and the spiritual silence found in these subterranean waters.
Photographic details and technical specs were not provided, but the visual impact of the image speaks for itself.
Artistic Vision Beneath the Surface
The underwater world presents both challenges and opportunities for photographers seeking to capture life beneath the surface. Each dive offers a unique opportunity to frame subjects in ever-changing light conditions, water clarity, and marine behavior. From macro to wide-angle, the possibilities are endless, and the gear choices, shooting techniques, and post-processing strategies greatly influence the final image.
Photographers often rely on instinct and experience to determine their approach on any given dive. Will it be a day for patient macro work with nudibranchs and shrimps nestled among the coral, or a wide-angle composition featuring a diver framed by dramatic sunbeams? The light can shift within minutes. Water clarity might turn a brilliant reef scene into a clouded mystery. It's this unpredictability that drives so much creativity underwater.
Developing an artistic vision begins long before entering the water. Photographers scout locations, study marine life behavior, and assess weather and tide charts. Many carry logs of dive sites, documenting past success and conditions, refining their craft through trial and error. This preparation helps them anticipate moments before they unfold, from a passing manta ray to the exact moment a goby pops out of its burrow.
The ocean's canvas rewards patience and curiosity. Some of the most captivating images happen when photographers slow down, hover motionless, and wait for the life around them to settle. In those moments, fish return to their routines, patterns of behavior reveal themselves, and compositions emerge organically. A pair of mating cuttlefish, a feeding sea star, or a school of glassfish swirling around a coral head — each moment offers a story, waiting to be told.
Color theory plays a critical role in underwater photography. Water absorbs different wavelengths of light at various depths. Reds and oranges vanish quickly, followed by yellows and greens. Photographers compensate with strobes and filters, manipulating artificial light to restore natural hues. Knowing how to balance ambient light with strobe output can make the difference between a flat, dull frame and a vibrant masterpiece.
Additionally, post-processing has become an integral part of underwater imagery. While some purists prefer minimal edits, others embrace tools like Lightroom or Photoshop to correct white balance, fine-tune contrast, and remove distracting particles. The key lies in using software not to fabricate a scene, but to bring it closer to how the photographer experienced it in the moment.
Exploring Iconic Locations Around the Globe
From tropical coral reefs to icy fjords, the diversity of underwater ecosystems offers an endless array of subjects and scenes. Each region presents its challenges and treasures, requiring local knowledge and tailored photographic approaches. The coral triangle, encompassing Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, remains a top destination for macro enthusiasts. The density of species, color diversity, and shallow dive profiles create ideal conditions for close-up work.
Wakatobi, Anilao, and Lembeh are renowned for muck diving, where the ocean floor yields unexpected finds—tiny frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and psychedelic nudibranchs hidden in seemingly barren sediment. Photographers searching for these elusive creatures train their eyes to spot motion or color variations in the sand, honing a sense of visual anticipation that develops over time.
On the other side of the spectrum are destinations like the Red Sea, Galápagos, and Socorro Islands, which offer thrilling wide-angle opportunities. Walls of schooling hammerheads, patrolling reef sharks, and graceful manta rays provide scenes of scale and movement. Here, timing, buoyancy control, and a keen eye for composition are vital.
Cenotes in Mexico offer a completely different palette. These freshwater sinkholes carved into limestone present surreal lighting scenarios, where sunbeams slice through overhead openings and illuminate ancient stalactites. Photographers visiting cenotes must balance low-light exposures with ambient rays, often using minimal or no strobe light to retain the natural drama of the scene.
Cold-water destinations like Norway, British Columbia, and the fjords of New Zealand are often overlooked but offer a haunting beauty. Giant kelp forests sway like underwater cathedrals. Wolf eels peer from crevices. Colorful sea anemones bloom in contrast to icy water. While the gear demands are greater—thicker suits, more insulation, and custom housing for cameras—the results can be truly breathtaking.
Each destination carries its rhythm and visual language. Local guides often serve as invaluable translators of this language, pointing out not just the locations of marine life, but how to approach them, how to read their body language, and when to press the shutter.
The Role of Gear in Crafting the Image
Equipment plays a defining role in underwater photography. Choosing the right camera body, lens, housing, strobes, and accessories determines not just image quality but shooting style. DSLR and mirrorless systems dominate the professional landscape, offering fast autofocus, high dynamic range, and the ability to change lenses. Compact cameras remain popular for beginners and travelers who prioritize portability.
Lens choice is paramount. Macro lenses like a 60mm or 105mm allow photographers to focus on subjects smaller than a fingernail while maintaining sharpness and detail. Wide-angle lenses, including fisheyes and rectilinear zooms, excel at capturing vast reefscapes, wrecks, and large animals. Dome ports, essential for wide-angle work, help maintain the field of view and minimize distortion.
Strobes introduce artificial light to restore color and enhance detail. Proper strobe placement prevents backscatter—light reflecting off particles in the water—and enhances contrast. Photographers often adjust power settings manually, dialing in the precise balance needed for each scene. Some advanced setups use snoots or diffusers to shape light further, isolating subjects or softening shadows.
Buoyancy control remains the most overlooked piece of photographic equipment. Without stable positioning, even the most advanced camera becomes difficult to control. Trim, weight distribution, and breathing techniques are practiced as rigorously as f-stop and shutter speed.
Accessories like focus lights, wet diopters, color filters, and tripod arms offer even more creative control. These tools enable specialized shots, like super macro images or long-exposure ambient captures. The challenge is knowing when to use them—and when to keep things simple.
Storytelling Through Composition
A technically flawless image can still fall flat without compelling composition. Storytelling begins with framing, lighting, and subject positioning. Leading lines, negative space, symmetry, and the rule of thirds help guide the viewer’s eye and convey mood. Whether capturing a coral polyp or a shipwreck, the goal is to communicate something more than what’s present.
Photographers often scout angles ahead of time or rehearse approaches during early dives. They observe behavior, study how light falls across the reef at different times, and visualize the shot before raising the camera. Some subjects lend themselves to layered storytelling. A turtle grazing on seagrass framed by schooling fish above tells a different story than the same turtle seen in isolation.
Color also plays an emotional role. Blues evoke calm or melancholy. Reds and yellows, restored with strobes, add vibrancy and warmth. Shadows create mystery or tension. Movement—real or implied—adds energy. A swirling school of barracuda, a manta soaring overhead, or the stretch of a nudibranch mid-glide—all suggest narrative flow.
Backgrounds matter as much as foregrounds. Photographers aim for clean, uncluttered spaces that isolate the subject, avoiding distracting coral, bubbles, or diver fins. A thoughtful angle—shooting upward toward the sun, for example—can transform an ordinary moment into a powerful silhouette or ethereal composition.
Sometimes, the best stories are subtle. The delicate bond between two shrimp, the warning display of a jawfish protecting its eggs, or the mournful look of a seal alone on the seabed—each speaks to universal emotions, told in the silent language of marine life.
The Photographers Behind the Images
Behind every underwater photograph is a diver, an artist, and a storyteller. These photographers often spend hours or days preparing for a single dive, meticulously checking gear, studying marine behavior, and practicing underwater technique. The images featured in this article represent not just visual excellence but dedication, patience, and often luck.
Some photographers began their journey through scuba diving and only later picked up a camera. Others were trained visual artists who brought their eyes to the ocean. Despite their different paths, they all share a deep reverence for the underwater world and a desire to share its wonders with others.
Workshops, travel assignments, and competitions have helped shape many of their careers. Participating in international photo contests not only brings recognition but also encourages photographers to refine their skills and seek new perspectives. Others focus on conservation and storytelling, using their images to raise awareness about ocean health, endangered species, and the impact of climate change.
Each shot comes with its own set of challenges. Unpredictable currents, skittish marine life, gear malfunctions, and limited dive time all add layers of complexity. Yet these challenges are also part of the appeal. The reward is the rare image that resonates—both technically and emotionally.
Some of the photographers featured here use full-frame DSLRs with complex strobe systems. Others shoot with compact mirrorless setups. What unites them is their ability to see and translate the underwater world into powerful imagery.
The Importance of Community and Inspiration
Underwater photography thrives on community. From dive boats and liveaboards to online forums and international exhibitions, photographers share experiences, tips, and critiques. Collaborating with guides, researchers, and fellow divers often leads to better access, deeper understanding, and unforgettable moments.
Photographers frequently inspire one another. Seeing how a colleague approached the same subject differently opens up new possibilities. What one diver captured in ambient light, another might reinterpret with a snoot or colored filter. This creative cross-pollination drives the evolution of the craft.
Dive travel also fosters a global network. Photographers form lasting bonds with dive masters, boat crews, and local experts. These relationships often lead to return visits and deeper cultural connections. In this way, underwater photography becomes not just a creative pursuit but a bridge between people, environments, and stories.
Embracing Challenges and the Unexpected
Underwater photography demands adaptability. No matter how carefully you plan a dive, the ocean has its agenda. Currents can shift suddenly. Visibility can drop without warning. A well-framed subject might vanish in a swirl of sand or hide in a coral crevice. These moments test a photographer’s skill not just with their camera but with their composure and creativity.
Embracing the unpredictable often leads to unique photographs. A jellyfish drifting through a silted haze. A sudden school of sardines reflecting light in every direction. A whale shark unexpectedly cruises through a reef system. These fleeting events can’t be choreographed, but they reward those who stay alert, stay calm, and press the shutter instinctively.
Technical setbacks also challenge photographers—housing floods, memory card errors, fogging lenses. Each issue teaches resilience. The underwater environment is not forgiving, and neither are the deadlines of editorial or client assignments. Yet with every mishap comes growth. Photographers who spend years honing their craft develop a toolkit of responses—not just gear fixes, but mindset strategies for overcoming frustration and focusing on the next opportunity.
These hard-earned lessons shape underwater photographers into better divers, observers, and visual storytellers. They learn to predict animal behavior more effectively, refine buoyancy control for stable shots, and streamline their setups for efficiency. Experience brings not just better images but a deeper connection to the sea itself.
Conservation Through the Lens
Underwater photography plays a critical role in marine conservation. Images have the power to inspire action, raise awareness, and educate global audiences about the fragile beauty of our oceans. A compelling photograph can speak volumes where scientific data alone may struggle to connect emotionally.
Photographers are increasingly using their platforms to spotlight endangered species, habitat destruction, coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and the effects of climate change. Some work alongside NGOs, environmental organizations, or citizen science initiatives, providing visual documentation for campaigns and reports. Others publish photo books, host exhibitions, or participate in outreach programs for schools and communities.
The responsibility that comes with capturing marine life has grown. Ethical guidelines now shape how photographers interact with their subjects. Disturbing or touching marine life is widely discouraged. Avoiding coral contact, respecting animal boundaries, and minimizing strobe use are key principles. Many photographers advocate for a “leave no trace” diving style that prioritizes the health of the environment over the image.
Documenting ocean decline is painful, but essential. Bleached reefs, ghost nets, and polluted bays are increasingly common sights. Yet the visual record these photographers build helps ensure these stories are not lost. By blending beauty with urgency, their work becomes a catalyst for protecting what remains.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Underwater Photography
As technology evolves, so does the landscape of underwater photography. Mirrorless cameras continue to rise in popularity, offering powerful sensors in smaller bodies, with fast autofocus and silent operation. Advances in underwater housings provide better ergonomics, leak prevention, and port compatibility. Remote triggers, underwater drones, and real-time image review are reshaping what’s possible.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to play a role in image tagging, subject detection, and post-processing. AI tools can help sort hundreds of RAW files, identify marine species, and even suggest compositional enhancements. While purists may hesitate, many photographers welcome tools that streamline workflow and allow more time for creativity.
Environmental storytelling is also expanding into multimedia. Photographers are becoming filmmakers, drone pilots, and writers, creating immersive stories that combine stills, video, and audio. Platforms like social media, streaming services, and interactive exhibits offer new avenues to reach global audiences.
With these changes come questions. Will automation replace the artistic process? Can marine environments withstand increased human presence as dive tourism grows? How do we balance creative freedom with ethical responsibility? These are ongoing conversations within the photography and conservation communities.
What’s clear is that the ocean will always provide stories worth telling. New species, unexplored seamounts, shifting migratory patterns—all await the lens of those willing to dive deep and document with care.
Conclusion
The ten underwater photographs that began this feature are more than just beautiful images—they are windows into the dedication, skill, and heart of the photographers who took them. Each photo is a record of a fleeting moment, preserved through hours of preparation, the courage to face uncertainty, and a deep reverence for the sea.
Underwater photography is not simply about capturing what we see below the surface. It’s about translating the emotional weight of those encounters into something shareable, lasting, and moving. It’s about revealing the textures of coral, the gaze of a whale, the dance of light in a cenote—all in ways that spark imagination and awareness.
For aspiring photographers, this journey begins with curiosity. Dive often. Study marine life. Ask questions. Learn from others. And above all, a photograph not just for perfection, but for connection. The ocean has many stories. With care, respect, and a camera in hand, you can help tell them.