My diving journey began 2009 because of my love for the ocean and my yearning to help the Community. This urge to help evolved into becoming a volunteer EMT and then receiving my certification as a Public Safety Diver in my home state of New Jersey. This foundation provided me a an opportunity to dive in all types of conditions. Over the past decade I have advanced my diving career by becoming a PADI certified Open Water Scuba Instructor so I can show others the joy of exploring underwater. Most of my diving has been off the coast of New Jersey exploring wrecks but because of my love to travel and unique career in the US Merchant Marine, I have had the opportunity to visit many dive sites around the world.
“I don’t like the way this tastes.” Yellowhead Jaw Fish. | Eleuthera / Bahamas | Canon Rebel XTi • 60mm • 1/200 sec • f/8 • ISO 100 © 2022 Nick Grippo
This hawksbill turtle saw his reflection in my dome port and got pretty curious. He bumped right into me! | Cornelius Bay / Curaçao | Canon Rebel XTi • 11mm • 1/60 sec • f/9 • ISO 100 © 2022 Nick Grippo
Macro photography allows you to see the true beauty of a creature and brings you to their level. The smallest animal can have the most detail. | Cozumel / Mexico | Canon 70D • 60mm • 1/125 sec • f/5.6 • ISO 100 © 2022 Nick Grippo
Home Sweet Home: A tiny blenny fish has makes his home in a brain coral. | Grand Caille / St. Lucia. | Canon Rebel XTi • 60mm • 1/60 sec • f/1.4 • ISO 100 © 2022 Nick Grippo
Sea Horses are always so patient with photographers; I think they secretly like to be photographed. | Blue Herron Bridge / Florida; | Canon 70D • 60mm • 1/250 sec • f/8 • ISO 100 © 2022 Nick Grippo
Once a year something beautiful happens under a full moon; this brittle star has released its future spawn into the sea. They will drift in the vast ocean hoping to collide with either sperm or egg cells. | Anse Chastanet Reef / St. Lucia. | Canon Rebel XTi • 60mm • 1/60 sec • f/3.5 • ISO 100. © 2022 Nick Grippo
Lighting effects everything; I love manipulating the strobes to get that perfect shot with vibrant colors. This beautiful green anemone is a great example of that using a macro lens. | Cozumel / Mexico | Canon 70D • 60mm • 1/60 sec • f/4 • ISO 100 . © 2022 Nick Grippo
This Pederson Cleaning Shrimp lives in harmony with a Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone. These curious creatures will usually venture out and see if you’re a suitable candidate for cleaning. | Andrea 1 / Bonaire. | Canon Rebel XTi • 55mm • 1/60 sec • f/5.6 • ISO 200. © 2022 Nick Grippo
Underneath piers you can find all sorts of creatures hiding from the daylight waiting for dusk to come out and explore. | Tugboat Pier / Curaçao. | Canon Rebel XTi • 10mm • 1/80 sec • f/5.6 • ISO 100. © 2022 Nick Grippo
The Blue Herron Bridge is a must for all divers. It is a super easy and shallow dive making it a wonderful place to learn or just get your feet wet. It’s great for macro shots. | Blue Herron Bridge / Florida | Canon 70D • 60mm • 1/60 sec • f/2.8 • ISO 100 . © 2022 Nick Grippo
In the Bahama’s it is illegal to spearfish while scuba diving. If your craving lobster, conch, crawfish, or any other marine life you better be able to hold your breath! | Eleuthera / Bahamas. | Canon Rebel XTi • 21mm • 1/400 sec • f/3.5 • ISO 100. © 2022 Nick Grippo
Nick Grippo's underwater diving experiences evolved and his passion for underwater photography became a big part of his diving endeavors. After learning to dive and seeing how beautiful this world is, Nick wanted to learn how to share it. He started out with the Canon Rebel Xti and one DS125, and taught himself how to take underwater photographs. Recently, he upgraded to the Canon 70D inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual DS125 strobes. He says he loves this set up because it gives him the flexibility to adjust all aspects of the camera and the lighting. Check out more of "Nick's Pics" on Instagram @nickspics91.
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Additional Reading
Macro Close-Up Underwater Camera Settings
An Insider's Guide to Diving the Blue Heron Bridge, Florida
Turtle Photography Underwater Camera Settings
Canon EOS 70D Underwater Photos
Reflections: Manipulation with Mirrors and Light for Behavioral Images
