UNDERWATER SCUBA PHOTOGRAPHER
In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.
Capturing Life Beneath the Waves
For Anup, documenting life underwater is more than a passion, it’s a purpose. Through his lens, he reveals a mesmerizing world hidden beneath the waves, a realm most will never see firsthand. It’s a vivid reminder of nature’s fragility and the deep interdependence of life above and below the surface.
A Life-Changing Encounter
One moment changed everything: an encounter with “Jenny,” a resident tiger shark in Jupiter, Florida. Fear dissolved into fascination as Jenny’s grace and soulful eyes sparked a journey of advocacy and storytelling. This transformation birthed a mission to challenge misconceptions about sharks and inspire ocean conservation.
Building a Community of Ocean Advocates
Through their brand, One Ocean One Love, they build a community of ocean heroes who share a profound respect for marine life. It’s a mission rooted in love, for the ocean and the people who connect with it. Every dive, every photo, tells a story, turning awe into action.
In conversation with Anup
What does it mean to you to document life beneath the waves, and how does it shape the way you see the world?
Documenting life underwater is my way of showing a hidden, mesmerising part of the Earth that most people may never experience firsthand. It reminds me of the vastness and fragility of nature, urging me to respect and protect the delicate balance that exists in the ocean.
In your experience, how does the underwater world compare to the worldabove in terms of beauty, mystery, and challenge?
The underwater world is a vital extension of the one above, working together in perfect harmony to sustain life on our planet. The ocean's beauty and mystery are amplified by how little of it we have explored, with vast ecosystems and creatures that remain undiscovered. Every glimpse beneath the surface reveals breathtaking life forms, colours, and behaviours that feel almost otherworldly.
What makes it truly remarkable is its connection to the world above. The ocean influences weather, supports countless species, and provides oxygen. The beauty of our planet lies in this seamless relationship, above and below water, each part is integral, interdependent, and awe-inspiring in its own right.
Can you share a moment that took your breath away during a dive, one that left an unforgettable mark on you as a photographer and a diver?
I will never forget the first time I swam with “Jenny,” the resident tiger shark in Jupiter, Florida. She was mesmerising. Her large, soulful eyes, her subtle movements, and the grace with which she glided through the water left me in awe. At that moment, any lingering fear transformed into admiration and curiosity. It wasn’t just a dive; it was an awakening.
This encounter sparked a deep desire to understand sharks better, leading me to pursue more dives with them. It also changed how I approached my work as a photographer and storyteller. I became a shark advocate, using my images and experiences to challenge misconceptions and highlight their importance in marine ecosystems.
Jenny was more than just a shark; she became the symbol of a journey that reshaped my perspective and purpose, showing me the beauty, vulnerability, and significance of life beneath the waves.
What is the story behind your brand, 'One Ocean One Love,' and how did it become a part of your life’s mission?
The story of One Ocean One Love began as a way to introduce close friends and family to the wonders of the ocean, a way to share its beauty, power, and mystery with those who mattered most. What started as a small, personal endeavor grew into a community of certified divers who share a deep respect for the ocean and a commitment to safety and skill. The journey has always emphasised getting the basics right, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also transformative.
The name One Ocean One Love reflects the belief that the ocean connects us all. It is not just a body of water but a source of life, beauty, and inspiration. Yet, for too long, the ocean has been "out of sight, out of mind," ignored and underestimated. This mission was born out of love, not just for the ocean itself but for the people who come to experience it, learn from it, and ultimately become its advocates.
As the community has grown, so has the purpose. It’s no longer just about diving but about inspiring a wave of ocean heroes, individuals who protect and cherish the ocean as the lifeblood of our planet. The journey is fuelled by a profound love for what lies beneath the waves and the hope that others will fall in love with it too. When people connect with the ocean, they care for it, and that’s the real heart of One Ocean One Love.
As someone so deeply connected to the ocean, what do you wish others could understand or appreciate about marine life ?
I wish for others to see marine life not just as a resource or scenery, but as a vibrant, interconnected web of life essential to the health of our planet. Every creature, from the smallest plankton to the largest whale shark, plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Understanding this balance helps highlight how closely our survival is tied to the ocean’s well-being.
I want people to appreciate the sheer diversity of marine life and how each species contributes to the magic of underwater worlds.
The ocean doesn't need us to control it, it needs us to respect and coexist with it.
What’s the most challenging aspect of photographing underwater, and how do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for those moments?
Photographing underwater comes with challenges that are vastly different from wildlife photography on land. I often tell my fellow wildlife photographers, “On land, you can sit in a jeep, munch on a sandwich, and wait for a tiger or elephant to pass by while breathing freely. But underwater, you’re working within a 45-minute dive window, and during that time, there’s a lot to consider.”
Underwater photography requires a constant balancing act. You’re monitoring the pressure in your tank, communicating with your dive buddy, assessing risks, and managing buoyancy—all while scanning the surroundings for that one perfect moment. The marine environment is unpredictable. Animals can be elusive, visibility may vary, and light behaves differently at different depths, often requiring adjustments on the go.
Mentally, preparation means staying focused and adaptable, ready to anticipate and react to unexpected movements of marine life. It also requires a calm mindset to deal with technical challenges like equipment malfunctions or environmental surprises. Physically, being in peak fitness is essential. You need stamina to handle currents, strength to manage gear, and controlled breathing to conserve air.
Despite the challenges, the rewards make it all worthwhile. Capturing an image that conveys the magic of the underwater world requires not just skill but also patience, respect for the environment, and a deep connection to marine life. It's a dance with nature, and when everything aligns, it’s pure magic.
How do you approach storytelling in your photography, especially in a setting where the subjects cannot speak for themselves?
Every fish has a story to tell, and through photography, I aim to spark curiosity about their incredible lives. Even now, when I encounter a fish I’ve never seen before, I dive into research to learn more and share its story. Each photo is an invitation for others to explore this world and ask, What’s that fish’s story?
I’ve always been fascinated by their quirky behaviors. Did you know all clownfish are born male, and some can change to female when needed? Or that parrotfish munch on coral and poop out the white sand that creates stunning tropical beaches? Gobies and shrimp have a symbiotic relationship where the shrimp digs a burrow, and the goby stands guard—like the ocean’s odd couple.
Photography helps bring these details to life. A single image can highlight the vibrant colors of a mandarin fish or capture the teamwork of a school of sardines swirling together like a living masterpiece. These photos make people curious, encourage them to ask questions, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
Through storytelling and images, I hope to bridge the gap between us and the ocean, turning fascination into action to protect this incredible ecosystem.
What advice would you give to someone who dreams of exploring the underwater world but feels hesitant or uncertain?
If you're hesitating about diving, remember this: the ocean doesn’t care if you’re graceful or don’t have too many Instagram followers. It’s too busy being awesome. Start with a beginner’s dive, find a good instructor. Take your time and just breathe. Let the magic of the ocean pull you in. It’s like discovering a whole new planet...but you don’t need a rocket, just a wetsuit!
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