Underwater photography has always been my favourite part of diving. Based in Niagara, Canada I have been involved in the dive industry for almost twenty years, working as an Instructor for the last 18 years and Dive Travel Agent for the last 7 years.
Working at one of the oldest and most established dive shops in Canada has many perks, but the constant opportunity to dive locally or internationally with my camera is by far the best. I work in the dive industry because I love diving and I love being part of the industry. I am grateful to have a found a career path that I truly enjoy within a large, vibrant, local dive community.
Diving under an old train bridge in the former Welland Canal. © Fawn Messer
As much as I love international dive travel, I have a soft spot for the unexpected beauty in our local freshwater lakes and rivers. Often the small, quiet moments underwater is what I am looking for in my photos. Ambient lighting in fresh water can be fantastic against the green water and harsher background. I enjoy placing a diver in my photos as often as possible, I like the contrast and scale a diver brings to underwater photos.
As a Travel Agent I primarily organize group trips for divers around the world, often leading the trips. As much as love to photograph top diving destinations, it is the shots I capture in my local environment that really delight me.
Trinkets left on the bow of a wreck by divers. Thousand Islands, St Lawrence River. © Fawn Messer
Mom protecting her eggs tucked under a wreck in Lake Erie. © Fawn Messer
My favourite subject for practicing on is ones that don't move (anymore). © Fawn Messer
Humber Bay, downtown Toronto. © Fawn Messer
Keystorm, Thousand Islands, St Lawrence River. © Fawn Messer
SS Wexford, Lake Huron, offers great ambient lighting with it's open decks and hallways. © Fawn Messer
Fawn's Gear
Additional Viewing
Freshwater Underwater Camera Settings and Technique
Wide Angle Fisheye to Macro on the Same Dive with the OM TG-7, Olympus TG-6
OM System TG-7 in Ikelite Underwater Housing for Olympus Tough TG-6, TG-5 [VIDEO]
How To Get the Best Shots When Shooting Wrecks
OM System TG-7 Underwater Wide Angle Settings for FCON-T02 Fisheye Lens [VIDEO]
Fawn Messer has been working in the scuba industry for nearly two decades as an instructor and dive travel agent with one of Canada's most renowned dive shops - Dan's Dive Shop. When Fawn isn't busy planning or leading an international dive trip, you can find her at one of her local freshwater dive spots. But wherever she is, she most values the small and quiet moments underwater and enjoys using her camera gear to capture that essence. Learn more...
