Beneath the Surface: Marine Photography and Conservation
There's a moment that happens when you're floating above a reef, camera in hand, waiting. The ocean breathes around you. Light dances through the water in shifting patterns. And then—a Hawaiian green sea turtle glides into view, ancient and unhurried, completely at home in a world that feels both alien and sacred.
That's when it hits you: this beauty is fragile. It's worth protecting and worth sharing.
A lone Hawaiian Honu I came across while snorkelling in South Maui that just seemed so friendly and welcoming. I must've spent at least 20 minutes swimming with this turtle and it's always so amazing how gracefully they seem to move through the water.
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Underwater Nature Photography
The ocean covers 70% of Earth's surface, yet remains largely unexplored. Most people will never experience what lies beneath the waves firsthand. That's what makes marine photography so special. Not just as art, but as a bridge between two worlds.
Living on Maui, I'm surrounded by some of the most incredible marine life on the planet. The waters here are part of my daily inspiration, and increasingly, my responsibility to document and protect.
It's important that we celebrate the beauty of underwater photography while understanding its vital role in ocean conservation.
Swimming with the Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtle), always blows my mind. They move so gracefully through the water and it's so much fun to capture the beauty of these amazing creatures. In Hawaiian culture, the Honu symbolizes good luck, endurance and long life
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The Camera as a Conservation Tool
Most of us will never scuba dive. We won't experience the weightlessness of hovering above a coral reef or the thrill of a manta ray passing overhead. But photography brings the underwater world into our homes creating emotional connections that raw conservation statistics simply can't match.
Those connections matter now more than ever.
- Approximately 90% of all large predatory fish (including tuna, sharks, cod, and marlin) have been depleted over the past 50-100 years.
- Coral reefs, which support an estimated 25% of all marine life, are disappearing at an alarming rate.
- Right here in Hawaii, coral reefs experienced significant bleaching events in 2014 and 2015, with up to 50% of the reef dying in some locations.
When I capture an image of a healthy coral system or a thriving sea turtle, I'm documenting something that might not exist in the same way tomorrow.
Marine photography creates a visual record of what we stand to lose. It also reminds us of what's worth fighting for. When we celebrate our oceans, we're really celebrating our connection to the largest, most vital ecosystem on Earth.
Capturing Beauty in an Alien World
Underwater photography isn't just technically challenging—it's working in an environment that constantly reminds you you're a visitor, not a resident.
Light behaves differently beneath the surface. You're also working against limited time with dive duration, weather windows, and the brief moments when a creature swims into frame.
The ocean sets the schedule, not you.
Then there's the gear, like housings and lenses designed for underwater use. But more important than any equipment is respect for the animals, for the reef systems, for the delicate balance of these ecosystems.
My very first whale encounter was totally by accident when this mother and calf decided to come check me out. An absolutely unforgettable experience and one I will cherish forever
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Malama Approach
In Hawaiian culture, there is a word: malama, which means to care for and protect.
That concept guides every one of my shoots. I never chase wildlife. I don't touch or disturb coral. The shot isn't worth the cost if it comes at the expense of the environment I'm trying to celebrate.
I've learned that the best images come from respect, not force. When you approach the underwater world with malama in your heart, perfect moments reveal themselves.
Through My Lens: Photos of Marine Animals
Let me tell you about one of my favorite encounters with Hawaii's most beloved marine resident—the Honu, or turtle.
"Honu Selfie" captures a moment that still makes me smile. I was swimming in Maui's crystal-clear waters when this Hawaiian green sea turtle decided to get curious. Instead of swimming away, she came closer, seemingly interested in the strange creature with the camera.
The result was this intimate portrait. A true selfie with one of the ocean's most graceful beings.
A super fun angle I was able to capture here where it appears as if the turtle is taking a selfie. One of my most popular underwater images
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Swimming with the Turtles
Swimming with the Honu here on Maui is an amazing experience. The sea turtles are so graceful in the water, and it's truly a thing of beauty. They move with an unhurried elegance, completely comfortable in their environment, and it's so much fun to capture the beauty of these amazing creatures.
The Honu symbolizes good luck, endurance, and long life in Hawaiian culture. They have been navigating our oceans for millions of years. These Hawaiian green sea turtles were once endangered, but thanks to dedicated conservation efforts and protective legislation, their populations are recovering.
I've had many collectors choose marine photography for their spaces, and they've often shared with me that they feel they're bringing home more than beauty. The art brings the world that lies beneath the surface of the ocean alive and keeps it visible in their daily lives. It becomes a conversation piece with friends, exposing the incredible beauty of marine life with others so they too become a part of the conservation story.
You can explore more of these underwater moments in my Ocean Life Hawaii gallery.
A lone Honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle) I came across in the middle of crystal clear turquoise Maui waters. So peaceful to observe as they glide so gracefully through the water.
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Bringing the Ocean Home
Underwater photography is incredibly calming. Maybe it's the connection to nature, the soothing blues and teals that dominate ocean color palettes, or the sense of being transported to another world entirely.
Marine images also work beautifully in almost any space. In living rooms they become conversation starters. In bedrooms they create tranquil retreats. In bathrooms where the water theme feels natural. Even in office spaces, they provide moments of escape during busy days. The key is choosing the right size and presentation to create impact.
Why Metal Is Recommended for Marine Photography Prints
Metal prints are particularly striking for ocean imagery. The medium enhances the natural luminosity of underwater photography. The effect is almost three-dimensional, and the water seems to shimmer.
Incredibly durable, resistant to moisture (perfect for bathrooms), metal prints have a modern aesthetic that complements both contemporary and coastal design styles.
You can learn more about why metal works so well for marine photography in my guide to metal photo prints.
What is the Best Size for Underwater Photography Art Prints?
Size matters just as much as the material. Underwater photography often looks better in large format. The immersive quality of these images increases with scale. A 40x60 or larger piece doesn't just decorate a wall; it creates a window into another world.
Not sure how a piece would look in your space? Use my wall art visualizer tool to preview different sizes and placements. It takes the guesswork out of choosing art and helps you see the transformative effect these images can have in your home.
Marine Photography: Become Part of the Story
Marine photography captures moments that are both timeless and urgent. Every image is a reminder of what we stand to lose, and what's worth protecting.
The ocean has given me so much: adventure, inspiration, a sense of purpose, and endless opportunities to capture its magic. Photographing these waters with respect and reverence, with malama guiding every decision, is my way of giving back.
When you bring marine photography into your space, you're joining that effort.
You're saying these creatures matter, these ecosystems matter, and their beauty deserves to be seen and protected.
I invite you to explore the beauty beneath the surface. Dive into my Ocean Life Hawaii gallery and discover the incredible marine life that calls these islands home.
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During a whale watch off of Lahaina, I caught a beautiful fluke off into the distance perfectly framed with the clouds and horizon. The humpback whales that visit Maui are really extraordinary.
Collector's Edition of 100
