Navigating The Depths: Where A Photographer Meets The Ocean - Part I
Building Connections, Patience & Sustainability
Allow me to take you on a journey into the depths of my aquatic world, where the saltwater breeze and the rhythmic whispers of the ocean have become the threads that weave through the fabric of my life. My connection with the ocean traces back to my childhood, spent amidst the stunning landscapes of coastal Southern Norway. Thanks to my Norwegian mum, our family holidays were an annual getaway to our cabin nestled next to the ocean. It was here that the seed of my connection with the ocean was first planted, resulting in my biggest passion.
Lemon Shark - Southern Great Barrier Reef - Heron Reef, Australia | Sony Alpha 7 III & Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM
While my extreme fascination with animals has been a constant in my life, it wasn't until I made my way to the East Coast shores of Australia that my obsession with the ocean truly expanded. The turquoise waters, teeming with life, became my muse, and it was in this place that I discovered the art of capturing the underwater world and the thrill it gave of sharing these special memories with others.
I owe a debt of gratitude to one of my dearest friends and underwater photography maestro, Ross Long. He not only shared his knowledge and became a sort of mentor, but most of all an unwavering pillar of support along this creative journey.
For me, the water is more than just a medium; it's a source of tranquility and unbridled joy. Whether swimming, snorkeling, or embracing the depths with freediving, I find solace in the embrace of the ocean. The immersion is complete when I bring my camera along, capturing fleeting moments of marine magic. The excitement and joy I feel when reviewing these snapshots is beyond words — each image holds not just a visual record but a vivid imprint of some of the most remarkable experiences of my life. Marine life photography, I must confess, is no walk on the beach. It's one of the most challenging forms of photography I've encountered, rivaled only by the unpredictable dance of surf photography. Yet, the challenges fade away in comparison to the rewards. Stepping into this underwater realm feels like returning home, surrounded by a world so different and enchanting.
As you plunge into the depths of marine life photography within the lines of this blog, my hope is that you too will find the solace, joy, and sense of home that the ocean has given me. So, let's dive in together and explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface. Welcome to the extraordinary world of marine life photography!
Build A Relationship with The Ocean
This is one of the most important, maybe even the most important part in underwater photography if you’d ask me. Growing up by the ocean in Norway, family holidays meant more than just beach days - they were a gateway to a deep connection with the sea. Our cabin, snug by the water, became the starting point of my journey into understanding the ebb and flow of the ocean.
The ocean plays a huge part in my daily life in both physical and emotional aspects. It provides a source of adventure, relaxation and joy. The rhythmic sounds of the waves, the salty air and the vastness of the ocean have therapeutic effects on the well-being. I believe this becomes even stronger when diving deeper into the unknown and when you discover more. In places like Byron Bay, Australia, where the ocean’s pull intensified, I started to explore its depths. The more I started to explore, the stronger the positive impact it had on my mental health. I wanted to see and experience more. I fell in love.
Versuriga Jellyfish - Offshore Byron Bay, Australia | Sony Alpha 7 III & Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM
Find out what the ocean does and can do for you. Explore the shallows, the depths and the unknown. Sit at the water edge while the sun rises or the sun sets. Spend time under the waves - first without a camera. Start to understand what the world under the deep blue line is like and how that can impact your life.
As my connection with the ocean strengthened, I started to realize that our connection with the ocean extends beyond personal satisfaction; it’s a lifeline essential to our existence. Our connection with the ocean involves responsibility. Awareness of ocean conservation and sustainable practices is crucial to ensuring the health and vitality of marine ecosystems for future generations. Building a relationship with our oceans is not just important, but needed. Caring for our oceans is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a commitment to the preservation of our shared home.
The Power of Patience
In the realm of marine life photography, patience isn't just a virtue; it’s the name of the game. I gently remind those starting their photography journey that when it comes to wildlife encounters beneath the waves, staying behind is never an option. You always need to try one more time. I have come to accept that patience is my constant companion. The ocean dictates the encounters. Sometimes, our efforts pay off with amazing encounters. Sometimes, it doesn’t. Sometimes, you will be coming home with the most breathtaking visuals, while other times, you come home with photos that are all out of focus. Marine life photography is kind of a gamble. It is a beautiful uncertainty where patience becomes supporter and opponent. Waiting and patience becomes an art.
Photos you may see online from your favourite marine life photographers aren’t just taken in a split second. At times, these photos represent days, months, or even years of diligent effort. We face weather conditions that would send others running. It is at those times where you go out, even though you are questioning the sanity of being out there. That second that subject emerges you have been wanting to encounter and capture, that’s when all doubts vanish. Straight away. It’s as if in that moment, the world disappears, and the pursuit becomes the very essence of living.
Lemon Shark & Golden Trevally - Southern Great Barrier Reef - Heron Reef, Australia | Sony Alpha 7 III & Sony FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM
It took me almost 4 days of hours of diving before being able to capture this particular Lemon Shark like this. I had observed the shark for days so I could understand it’s behaviour and movements better. It resulted in this photograph.
There are times you will have the feeling you are trying to find a needle in a haystack when it comes to marine life photography. Placing yourself in the optimal geographical spot, being there at precisely the right moment, mastering your camera equipment, adjusting your settings based on light and visibility, post-processing techniques.
So, if you are willing to start with marine life photography, understanding the relentless dedication, time, and energy behind each captivating photograph is a must. It is a journey where patience is not just a good quality; it’s the anchor that keeps us connected to the fascinating world below the surface.
Sustainability Is The Go
When engaging in activities like diving, snorkeling, or underwater photography, it's crucial to be mindful of how your actions impact the marine species inhabiting the environment. As a responsible marine life photographer, it's essential to exercise caution and recognise that you are a guest in someone else's home.
Here are some tips for practicing sustainability underwater:
Marine Conservation & Research: Sharing your photos can inspire others to connect with the ocean and contribute to protecting our marine world. Your images can also play a role in marine conservation and research efforts.
Understanding Marine Life Behaviour: Conduct research on the species you plan to photograph. Remember, you are a guest in their habitat. Familiarize yourself with basic marine biology, understanding the habits and movements of your subjects. This knowledge allows you to predict behavior, increasing the chances of capturing unique and authentic moments. Dedicate time to observe without the camera, fostering a deeper connection with the environment reflected in your photographs.
Snap, Don’t Touch: Never touch marine life or corals. Touching them can put the creatures in danger, and corals are sensitive and easily damaged. Be mindful of your fin movements while diving to avoid accidentally kicking reefs or stirring up sand. This is what often happens with divers that can’t maintain buoyancy control.
Don’t Feed: Feeding marine life can disrupt their natural feeding habits. Research tour providers to avoid those that engage in feeding practices to attract marine animals.
Minimise Disturbances: Avoid stressing out animals to capture an impressive shot. Stress can alter their natural behaviours and disturb the balance of the ecosystem.
Go Slow: Approach your subjects slowly, giving them ample space to minimise stress and discomfort. If marine creatures exhibit signs of stress, it's crucial to leave them undisturbed.
NAVIGATING THE DEPTS - PART II - Coming soon…
We dived into the personal connection between LI.SEA and the ocean, explored the challenges and joys of marine life photography, and underscored the importance of sustainability. The journey has just begun, and we invite you to stay tuned for Part II, where we’ll delve into essential topics like buoyancy, gear, equipment, and camera settings.
