Growing up in the West, the ocean was a distant mystery, seen only during occasional family road trips. Those early glimpses of the coast sparked a deep curiosity in me, eventually leading me to move across the Pacific to further my education in the Hawaiian islands.
The first underwater photograph with my camera, Oʻahu. © Erica Sarters
I recently reached a major milestone in that journey, earning my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. While my classes taught me the science of the sea, I found another way to connect with the water through a camera lens. What started as a self-taught hobby on land quickly transformed into a mission to document life beneath the waves. I realized that photography was the perfect way to bring the beauty of my work home to my family and friends, showing them a world they might otherwise never see.
Two green sea turtles on the Leeward side of Oʻahu. © Erica Sarters
Now, whether I am snorkeling through the shallow reefs or scuba diving in the deeper waters of Hawaiʻi, I rarely head into the water without my camera. I love capturing all marine life, and I especially love finding the ocean’s rare and cryptic species; photographing the animals that are hard to come by or easily missed. To me, seeing and photographing these species is incredibly special because they offer a secret look into how complex and diverse the ocean really is.
A bustling coral head in Moʻorea. © Erica Sarters
Sharing these photos is about more than just art; it is about community. I want to show people why the ocean is worth our wonder and our protection. It is my hope that by sharing these glimpses of life under the surface, I can inspire others to be curious about the natural world and care for the blue spaces that connect us all.
Moʻorea ray of sunshine. © Erica Sarters
Omilu, bluefin trevally, in Moʻorea. © Erica Sarters
An endangered Hawaiian monk seal on the Leeward side of Oʻahu. © Erica Sarters
A fever of spotted eagle rays, Oʻahu. © Erica Sarters
Additional Viewing
Underwater Photography in Kona, Hawaii with Douglas Klug
From Research to Outreach: Underwater Photography as a Tool for Science
Featured Customers | Marjorie Cohen Magic in Moorea
Protect Sea Turtles with a Postage Stamp! [VIDEO]
Natural Light Photography Underwater
Erica Sarters is an underwater photographer and recent Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology graduate. Erica shoots with the Nikon D5600 with 18-55mm and 10-20mm wide angle lenses. Erica grew up in the American West but now resides in O'ahu, Hawai'i where she enjoys shooting both topside and underwater. Erica hopes that her underwater photos can be a source of inspiration for others to create a sense of community and conservation. You can follow Erica's photography journey on Instagram @sarters.photo.
