By Grant Thomas
Some of the best moments in underwater photography aren’t the ones you meticulously plan—they’re the surprises that unfold when nature decides to write its own script. On a recent dive, I set out with a clear focus: to capture the elusive garden eels that retreat into their sandy burrows at the first sign of movement. I didn’t expect to end up with a self-portrait, let alone one featuring a school of razorfish. Yet, thanks to a bit of patience, a timed shutter, and the reliability of my Ikelite housing, that’s exactly what happened.
"That accidental selfie has since become one of my favourite images—not because it was technically perfect, but because it captures the spontaneity, creativity, and joy that make diving with a camera so rewarding. Sometimes, the ocean gives you something better than what you set out to find."
My plan that morning was simple. Garden eels are notoriously shy, and approaching them with a camera in hand often results in nothing more than a bare patch of sand as they vanish below the surface. To outsmart them, I placed my camera securely on the seabed using a some dive weights, set the timer to capture an image every ten seconds, and carefully backed away. The idea was that if I gave them enough time, the eels would relax and rise again from their burrows, allowing me to capture them in their natural behaviour without interference.
A couple shots from the self-timer series Grant captured of the schooling razorfish. "The timing had to be precise–the interval shots meant I only had a split second to make it work." © Grant Thomas
Split Second Magic
As I floated nearby, waiting for the eels to reappear, something unexpected happened. A school of razorfish drifted in camouflage across the sandy bottom. In that moment, I realised the scene unfolding in front of me was far too good to waste.
With the camera already shooting on autopilot, I decided to take a chance. I finned quietly into position behind the razorfish, careful not to disturb their natural rhythm, and lined myself up with the school. The timing had to be precise—the interval shots meant I only had a split second to make it work. As the countdown clicked in my head, I slipped into the frame just as the razorfish shimmered past, creating an image that looked entirely deliberate.
Grant's partner, Sara, in a planned shot of schooling razorfish. © Grant Thomas
Happy Accident
What I love most about the photo is that, at first glance, most people don’t realise it’s a selfie at all. It looks like a carefully planned shot, but in reality, it was pure improvisation and luck. It’s a reminder of why I love photography—not just for the chance to document the extraordinary creatures of the ocean, but for those playful, unscripted moments that catch you off guard.
That accidental selfie has since become one of my favourite images—not because it was technically perfect, but because it captures the spontaneity, creativity, and joy that make diving with a camera so rewarding. Sometimes, the ocean gives you something better than what you set out to find.
Balicasag Island, Bohol, Philippines. The spot Grant captured his accidental selfie is located just off this shoreline. © Grant Thomas
Dive with Grant
Join Grant underwater in Bohol, Philippines in June 2026 for a week of underwater photography workshops. Bohol is known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, it's the ultimate setting for both wide-angle and macro shooting to sharpen your underwater photography skills.
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Grant Thomas left Scotland with a degree in Engineering and a desire to travel. His travels developed into a passion for photography, a PADI SCUBA Instructor certification, and an underwater housing. Since then he's established himself as an award-winning underwater photographer including a distinction as British Underwater Photographer of the Year in 2018. He now works as a freelance photographer and expedition guide, leading tours and workshops to encounter and photograph animals like humpback whales and orcas. Read more...
