I’m Kimia Shad, I'm living in United Arab Emirates with ten years of photography experience on land and just over a year exploring underwater photography. When I decided to make the splash into underwater photography, I chose Ikelite to protect my gear for the journey.
You’ll usually find me exploring the UAE’s East Coast every week. Whether I'm on a dedicated dive or just snorkeling in whatever safe water I spot along the way, the region has so much rich marine life and beautiful reefs, but shooting here definitely keeps you on your toes. Between scorching desert heat, unpredictable visibility, and shy wildlife, every single frame feels hard earned and that makes me value each capture even more.
Deeply inspired by the underwater photographers in the region who have spent years documenting these waters, my goal is simple: to keep diving, keep learning, and show the world the unexpected beauty hidden just beneath UAE’s coastlines.
Eye-to-eye with a curious green sea turtle banking up through the light. © Kimia Shad
A trio of batfish cruising in water. © Kimia Shad
Spotting this beautiful seahorse tucked into the soft coral. © Kimia Shad
Rays cutting through shallow mangrove waters. © Kimia Shad
A green sea turtle moving through the shallow waters of the East Coast reefs. © Kimia Shad
An upside down jelly floating like a wildflower over the seabed that is covered with jellies. © Kimia Shad
A slow shutter panning with a stingray over the sand. © Kimia Shad
A sea turtle swimming through shallow light rays. © Kimia Shad
Surrounded by a wall of schooling barracuda in open water. © Kimia Shad
Kimia's Gear
- Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera
- 200DL Underwater Housing for Nikon Z8
- NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 Lens
- Ikelite DS Strobes
Additional Viewing
Jellyfish Underwater Photography Camera Settings and Technique
Nikon Z8 Underwater Review // Josh Blank Ditches the D850 [VIDEO]
Incredible Encounters: Photographing Hawksbill Turtles in Grand Cayman
Split Shot Editing // Balancing Exposure Underwater and Above in the Lightroom [VIDEO]
The Art of Motion Blur in Underwater Photography
Kimia Shad is an underwater photographer living in the United Arab Emirates. Despite sometimes tough conditions, Kimia is dedicated to showing the beauty hidden beneath UAE's coastlines. Kimia shoots with the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera inside an 200DL Underwater Housing with dual DS Strobes. You can learn more about Kimia on her website www.kimcapture.com and you can follow Kimia on Instagram to see more of her underwater images @kimcapturedxb.
