I have always enjoyed photography and learnt a lot of my skills early by studying it at school in Adelaide and mentoring from my father. I was also fascinated by what it would be like to take a camera underwater.
In 1990 I went all in by doing my open water and buying a Minolta 7000, two lenses, and an Ikelite housing with two strobes. My first dive out of my course was on a trip to Cairns where I got to christen my new camera and got a taste of things to come. On return to Adelaide I thew myself into my new passion diving every chance I got.
In 1994 I got a four page spread in Sportdiving magazine so I packed up and moved to Cairns with the dream of becoming a photojournalist. Suffice to dreams don't always come true but I did get the chance to dive the Great Barrier Reef regularly and travelled to other iconic dive sites around Australia.
Recently I have returned to my roots in Adelaide and continue to dive on a regular basis.
When deciding what to include in my portfolio I decided to concentrate on the Great Southern Reef and give it the love it deserves.
This little Blenny has found a home in a rusted old pipe. © Aaron Bermingham
Leafy Sea Dragons always swim away from the camera so I was delighted to grab this portrait. © Aaron Bermingham
Dumpling Squid are quick to bury themselves in the sand but I was happy to see this one happily swimming around during a night dive (not actually a squid but a cuttlefish). © Aaron Bermingham
I love taking pictures of the colourful life on the pylons under the numerous southern piers. © Aaron Bermingham
Wobbygong sharks are great to photograph as they are often found just waiting on the bottom ready for their closeup. @ Aaron Bermingham
Shaking hands with this octopus was the most incredible experience. © Aaron Bermingham
Many parts of the Great Southern Reef are easily accessible for divers, snorkelers and swimmers. © Aaron Bermingham
The simple beauty of nature. © Aaron Bermingham
Additional Viewing
Featured Customers | Jason Milligan Underwater in Australia
Leafy Sea Dragon Photography 101: Styles, Tips, and Technique
An Insider's Guide to Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Octopus Underwater Camera Settings and Technique
Blenny Underwater Camera Settings and Technique
Australian underwater photographer Aaron Bermingham has been shooting with Ikelite gear for over three decades. He began his underwater photography career in Cairns in northeastern Australia. Now he's returned to his roots in southern Australia and shoots primarily in Adelaide. Today Aaron's gear consists of the Canon R6 with the RF 14-35mm and RF 100mm lenses partnered with dual Ikelite DS strobes. Follow Aaron on Instagram @sharkyspics.
