Underwater Photographer in San Diego: Surf, Wildlife, and Ocean Portraits
San Diego offers a wide range of ocean environments, from the beach to the kelp forests, making it an ideal place for both topside and underwater photography. My work focuses on photographing people and activity in the water, along with expedition-style documentation in more technical environments.
Underwater Photography in San Diego
Underwater sessions range from portrait work to in-water coverage of freediving, spearfishing, and SCUBA. Locations like La Jolla provide access to reef structure, sea grass, and kelp forests with good visibility and conditions that can support both controlled shoots and more dynamic sessions.
These shoots are built around comfort in the water and generally use natural light, with an emphasis on creating images that feel connected to the environment.
You can see more examples from recent underwater sessions here and here.
Topside Watersport Photography
Topside work includes long-lens surf photography as well as boat- and water-based coverage of paddling, surfing, and other ocean activities. San Diego’s coastline allows for consistent access to a range of conditions, from clean morning surf to more dynamic wind and swell.
Positioning, timing, and understanding movement in the water are key to capturing these moments effectively.
Recent surf sessions from Pacific Beach can be viewed here.
Expedition and Technical Photography
In addition to commercial and portrait work, I photograph expeditions and technical dives, including deeper reef environments and scientific-focused projects including wildlife-focused dives such as this recent session. This includes working with specialized equipment, planning for challenging access, and documenting environments that are not often seen.
This side of my work draws on experience in both diving and field-based research environments.
Portrait Work in the Ocean
Portrait sessions can be conducted both above and below the surface, depending on conditions and the desired outcome. These range from simple natural light portraits to more creative concepts that incorporate water movement, light rays, kelp structure, and the surrounding environment as part of the composition. Sessions may include individual portraits, family photography, maternity sessions, athlete and sports portraits, fashion-inspired and editorial-style imagery, personal branding content, and artistic ocean-based portraiture.
Final Thoughts
San Diego’s coastline supports a wide range of photography, from controlled portrait sessions to dynamic ocean conditions and more technical environments. The ability to work across these settings allows for a flexible approach depending on the subject and goals of the shoot.
What I Offer
If you're interested in working together, I offer:
underwater photography (freediving, SCUBA, spearfishing, portraits)
topside watersport photography (surf, paddling, boat-based, drone)
ocean and coastal portrait sessions
expedition and scientific photography, including wildlife documentation
Sessions are tailored to the environment and experience level, whether you're looking for a focused shoot or documentation of time in the water.