Delaney Sauer is a biologist and divemaster. Her goals are to promote conservation and increase awareness and compassion towards marine animals, especially those that are portrayed negatively in the media.
All of these photos come from a recent trip to Ancapa Island to see the kelp forests.
Delaney's Gear: Sony a7R III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing, Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8, Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, natural light.
Sea lion pupping season runs through June and July in the Channel Islands. This pup acted as her mom’s shadow as they maneuvered through the kelp forest. © Delaney Sauer
As the sea lions raced through the water, often only their trails of bubbles remained as evidence of their presence. © Delaney Sauer
A curious sea lion turned to investigate. © Delaney Sauer
In their wild play, the sea lions stirred up silt until their silhouettes were barely visible. © Delaney Sauer
Hundreds of anchovies danced near the surface, seeming largely unbothered by the chaos occurring all around them. © Delaney Sauer
A peek into the kelp forest surrounding the sea lions’ beach. © Delaney Sauer
A golden wall of kelp was illuminated as sunbeams shone down from above. © Delaney Sauer
Away from the commotion of the sea lions, a group of California sheephead worked to pry open a shell. One by one they dove in to take an attempt at reaching the meat inside. © Delaney Sauer
Once the sheephead realized I was not interested in their shell, they became quite friendly, swimming up to check their reflections in my dome. © Delaney Sauer
Delaney Sauer is a biologist and dive master. Although the majority of her diving has been tropical, she's been doing a lot of freshwater diving recently. The goal of her underwater photography and diving career is to promote conservation and compassion, especially toward the most misunderstood marine animals. Delaney shoots the Sony a7R III. Follow more of her underwater adventures on Instagram @delaneysauer.
Additional Reading
Colors in Cold Water: 6 Tips for Shooting Macro in Southern California
Underwater Cathedrals: Shooting Magnificent Kelp Forests
Sony Alpha A7R III Underwater Photos
Dive Diversions: On Safari in Uganda with the Sony Alpha A7R III
Kelp Forest Underwater Camera Settings and Technique