Born and raised in Hungary, far from the coasts of any ocean, I didn’t grow up with the sea. For most of my life, the underwater world was a mystery beyond reach. It wasn’t until I was well into my twenties that I first tried diving — and from that moment, I was captivated. Every dive since feels like stepping into a new galaxy, a world so different and inspiring that words alone can’t describe it. Taking photos quickly became my way of sharing these alien landscapes with friends and family, and soon, I was on a path from curious diver to photographer.
A Morelet’s crocodile floats motionless in a cenote after nightfall, using stillness and the cover of darkness to ambush unsuspecting prey. The species is native to the quiet freshwater systems of Mexico and Central America, where it often remains hidden just beneath the surface. © Balázs Fodor
"Every dive since feels like stepping into a new galaxy, a world so different and inspiring that words alone can’t describe it."
As I pursued my passion for underwater photography, I realized there was more to capturing these incredible sights than simply being there. It became a relentless quest to understand marine life and habitats, to learn the behaviour of creatures, and to study the unique environments they call home. Each trip I undertake is preceded by extensive research and careful planning, hoping to align my limited opportunities with perfect timing. From the unpredictability of wildlife to the ever-changing conditions of the sea, I can only improve the odds by being prepared — but even with the best planning, nature’s magic relies on a blend of season, weather, and a touch of luck.
A pod of orcas cruises along the coastline of Baja California Sur. Cooperative hunting and tight social bonds define orca society, and different pods specialize in unique hunting strategies shaped by culture rather than genetics. © Balázs Fodor
My work gravitates toward wildlife behaviour and the relationships between animals and their environments. From crocodiles to sharks and orcas, I focus on apex predators that are often misunderstood, using photography to challenge assumptions, shift perception, and spark emotional connection. I am a proud member of the Mexico League of Conservation Photographers, an initiative supported by Cristina Mittermeier that brings together leading visual storytellers and conservation-focused photographers working to protect Mexico’s land and marine biodiversity.
Two olive ridley sea turtles engage in a mating hold near the surface of the open ocean. During courtship, males clasp females for prolonged periods, often drifting with currents and occasionally becoming vulnerable to predators and vessel strikes while occupied. © Balázs Fodor
"From crocodiles to sharks and orcas, I focus on apex predators that are often misunderstood, using photography to challenge assumptions, shift perception, and spark emotional connection."
A Caribbean reef shark patrols a coral garden in the waters of Cuba. As apex predators, reef sharks shape the health and balance of marine ecosystems, and their presence often indicates a thriving, well-protected reef environment. © Balázs Fodor
A blue shark inspects my dome port in the clear offshore waters of Baja California. Its slender body and cobalt dorsal coloration make it unmistakable in the pelagic zone, where it roams great distances in search of cephalopods and schooling fish. © Balázs Fodor
A swirling aggregation of mobula rays rises toward the surface in Baja California Sur, Mexico. These seasonal gatherings can number in the thousands, as rays migrate along the peninsula following rich upwellings of plankton. Their synchronized flight-like movements create one of the ocean’s most spectacular and rarely witnessed spectacles. © Balázs Fodor
A silky shark glides just beneath the surface off Baja California Sur, its sleek body reflecting faint shafts of sunlight. Named for their smooth skin, silky sharks are wide-ranging oceanic predators whose populations have declined due to longline fisheries targeting their fins. © Balázs Fodor
A trio of humpback whales travels along a deep-water channel in French Polynesia. These migratory giants return annually to warm tropical waters to breed and give birth, navigating vast oceanic distances guided by memory and acoustic cues. © Balázs Fodor
Three Galapagos sharks drift upward through suspended particles that shimmer in the sunlit water column, creating the illusion of a night sky off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. © Balázs Fodor
Balázs' Gear
- Sony a7 IV inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing
- DL 8 inch Dome Port
- Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L USM Fisheye Lens with Sigma MC-11 Adapter
- Vacuum Pump
- Trim Weight System
- USB-C Charging & Data Transfer Bulkhead
Additional Viewing
Sony a7 IV Underwater Housing Photos and Review
Tips for Shooting Split Shots with Your Underwater Housing [VIDEO]
Behind the Lens: Pelagic Sharks in Cabo San Lucas with Josh Blank
Diving into Conservation: The Importance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Advice from the Pros // Photographing Sharks Underwater [VIDEO]
Freediving with Orcas // Following a Dream To Norway [VIDEO]
Born and raised in landlocked Hungary, Balázs Fodor didn't start scuba diving until he was in his 20s but then he was instantly hooked. What started as a way to share his underwater adventures with friends and family has now turned into conservation-focused photography and a membership with the Mexico League of Conservation Photographers. Balázs meticulously plans and researches his trips in effort to see and learn the most while he's underwater. Balázs' award-winning work has had his work featured in many international exhibitions. You can keep up with Balázs on Instagram @balazsfodor_photo and his website.
