I'm 30 years old and live near Taunton in Somerset where I work for my family's company selling motorhomes. I have a degree in Photographic Art and an enjoyment of taking holiday snaps whilst snorkelling led me to scuba diving 4 years ago and then 2 years ago into more serious photography.
Originally I had a Sea & Sea MX-10 "point-and-click" which I sometimes miss the simplicity of; now I use a Canon EOS 5D in Sea & Sea housing, which is considerably more fiddly! I was actually dragged into the digital world, since after my years at Uni I preferred the more traditional darkroom, but I was soon converted and my underwater photography has since shown a speedy rate of improvement, thanks to the ability to review in-situ.
I'm a member of the Bristol Underwater photography Group and my favourite travel destination is the Caribbean, particularly more remote areas off the beaten track. My last excursion took me to the Bahamas on the Wetpixel-organised livaboard trip where I couldn't help but absorb useful hints from the other photographers on the boat. Jim Abernathy, the owner of the dive operation, was almost aggressively helpful, even so far as to appear from nowhere on a dive, adjust my strobes for me, and swim off again! This was my first experience of sharks, and one never to be forgotten.
I felt that my entry for the this competition was taking a bit of a risk, being composed mostly of black and white images. However I always prefer to try something different, and this portfolio represents my preference for 'arty' over documentary. I am particularly interested in the way light and shade work differently underwater, and the interplay between the two, as well as patterns and symmetry. Which is probably why I enjoy using high-contrast black and white, as it tends to give a stronger sense of shape and form. To see more of my images, both underwater and topside, you can visit www.teup.co.uk
Top left: Lemon Shark, Bahamas, July 2007. I have a soft spot for ambient light photos, especially bold silhouettes, and the symmetrical curves in this shot appealed to me. This wasn't a planned shot, just a lucky one. Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 17-40mm lens
Top middle: Caribbean Reef Squid, Bequia, the Grenadines, November 2006. It's the shallow dives at this destination that are the most rewarding, as they're a haven for small critters. This was one of a small group of squid who allowed me to drift close enough for some nice portraits. Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 100mm macro lens
Top right: Juvenile Spotted Trunkfish, Bequia, the Grenadines, November 2007. I took this photo whilst snorkelling just before dusk. This tiny chap was at about 5ft and it was hard work repeatedly ducking down to take the pictures, but the end result was worth it. Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 100mm macro lens
Bottom left: Nassau Grouper, Bahamas, July 2007. I like this shot of a grouper just emerging from the shadows; the bold stripes of light and dark. The Groupers in the Bahamas were all exceptionally friendly and seemed happy to pose! Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 17-40mm lens
Bottom middle: Flamingo Tongue, Bequia, the Grenadines, November 2006. Another shot taken whilst snorkelling. And again I was attracted by the bold shapes and this time, colours as well. Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 100mm macro lens
Bottom right: Tiger Shark, Bahamas, July 2007. This close encounter was a little intimidating! Equipment: Canon EOS 5D with 17-40mm lens
