I am a scuba instructor in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i where I guide for the world famous manta ray night dive.
In July of 2024, I got my Ikelite housing and finally began my dream of being an underwater photographer. I have been very lucky to photograph sperm whales, whale sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, and so many other amazing animals.
My passion has stayed with megafauna but I also love photographing beautiful landscapes and reefscapes underwater as well.
A Whale shark appears at the back of my liveaboard in the Maldives. © Max Kushner
An anemone with a single Blackfoot Clownfish shines on a drop-off around some gorgeous corals. © Max Kushner
A Tiger shark decides to come and hangout at a safety stop in Fuvahmulah Maldives. © Max Kushner
Two Manta rays gracefully glide through a deep cleaning station in the Maldives. © Max Kushner
A Green sea turtle taking a rest before going on with its day! © Max Kushner
A Tiger shark comes up from the deep and swims right over top of me! © Max Kushner
A field of pristine coral in the Deep South of the Maldives. © Max Kushner
Additional Viewing
Underwater Photography in Kona, Hawaii with Douglas Klug
Close Encounters: Photographing Tiger Sharks in the Maldives
Shooting Manta Rays at Night Without a Strobe
The Atlantic Manta Ray Confirmed as a New Species: A Breakthrough in Manta Research
Advice from the Pros // Photographing Sharks Underwater [VIDEO]
Max Kushner is an underwater photographer, scuba instructor, and dive guide based in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Max shoots the Sony a7 III inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with a 16-35mm F/4 lens. When he's not diving you can find him shooting portraits topside or hosting dive trips. You can learn more about Max and find out how to join him underwater on his website. Follow Max on Instagram @maxconservation.
