Growing up on a small farm in Wales, UK, I spent much of my time outdoors, surrounded by nature, and constantly discovering new animals to identify. Despite relocating to Australia in 2010, my fear of water persisted, and it wasn't until 2017 that I summoned the courage to undertake my Open Water course, bravely diving into the cold, murky depths of Sydney's winter waters.
Initially, my diving experiences primarily consisted of boat dives in Sydney during winter, as well as a few overseas trips to Thailand, the Philippines, and South Africa, where I captured videos and photos using a GoPro. It wasn't until 2020 when I purchased my first underwater housing for my camera that my passion for diving and photography truly blossomed.
A baby green sea turtle enters the water for the first time at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. © Rowan Dear
Having seen so many stunning images of baby turtles in the water, I had wanted to capture something like that for many years. Heron Island was the best place for that, with countless eruptions of baby turtles every night of our trip. This image was taken as the sun was setting on our first evening, as the turtles came down the beach there were countless birds trying to have a cheap dinner. Those turtles luck enough to make it into the water were then faced with the countless reef and lemon sharks waiting for their turn at the turtle buffet. Id like to hope this little one made it and will return one day to the waters It was born in.
Although I once believed myself to be a competent photographer, upon reflection, I now struggle to recognize my earlier photos as my own. The turning point came when I participated in a beginner photography course with Matty Smith, who taught us to break free from Auto mode, shoot in Manual, and grasp the basic principles of composing underwater shots of animals. This revelation spurred me to practice tirelessly, honing my skills and gradually expanding my gear with additions like strobes while learning to master their use.
While content with my progress, I felt the need for further guidance to elevate my photography to the next level. Consequently, I enrolled in Matty Smith's Advanced course, where I discovered the importance of planning the desired images in advance, especially when diving at familiar sites. This approach allowed me to enter the water with a clear vision of the style and type of images I aimed to capture from the marine life encountered.
A male giant cuttlefish squirts ink at a rival male during the annual mating season in Whyalla, South Australia. © Rowan Dear
Over the years I have been very fortunate to travel to some incredible places to dive and witness some of the oceans most unique marine animals. From Humpback Whale encounters in Niue, swimming with Fevers of Mobula Rays in Mexico, Manta Rays in Hawaii, Southern Right Whales in Patagonia and Leafy Sea Dragons and Giant Cuttlefish right here in Australia.
A Seal swims through the beautiful sea grass at Montague Island, where hundreds of seals enter the water to play with their human toys. © Rowan Dear
A large fever of Mobula Ray, La Venatana Mexico. © Rowan Dear
Two Leopard Sharks cross over one another at different depths in the blue waters of Julian Rocks, Byron Bay. © Rowan Dear
The first time I dived at Julian Rocks in 2020, was the most magical dive I had done- with Manta Rays, leopard sharks, eagle rays and much more all crossing over one another. It was what inspired me to purchase my first underwater setup. So armed with a proper camera I went back in 2021 hoping to get some shots I could print and put on my wall. Unfortunately the weather didn’t play ball, so I returned in 2022 and got perfect conditions and on the last day we had 15-20 leopard sharks all in one spot and I finally got the image I wanted. I have been back every year since, and I am sure I will continue to do so for many years.
A smack of jellyfish blubber, at Shelly Beach, Sydney. © Rowan Dear
These Jellyfish had been seen in their hundreds each of the last 3 years gathering in the bay at one of Sydney’s popular beaches. This particular year, there were more than I had ever seen, with some sections being several metres deep and densely populated. Swimming into the smack and shooting downwards into the deepest concentration of the jellies I was hoping to create this otherworldly image and show plenty of depth and show just how may there were of them.
Cenote Maravilla, Mexico. © Rowan Dear
When I was younger, I was quite claustrophobic and also not very comfortable with water, so the idea of Cavern diving back when would have been impossible.
Maravilla is a stunning sinkhole, where at the right time of day you get this incredible shaft of light coming through about 30m into the cavern. Whilst I was scuba diving with a private guide, his partner happened to be running a freediving course that day and dived decided to dive down and pose for these photos for me.
Two Male Giant Cuttlefish battle out for territory during the annual mating season in Whyalla, South Australia. © Rowan Dear
The annual Giant Cuttlefish mating season, is truly one of those David Attenborough "Great Events" of nature, and we are fortunate to have this happen in Australia.
This was my second year here, and I had a clear plan for each dive of the shots I wanted and the behaviours I wanted to capture. Here two males are flaring their colours from the chromatophores in their skin and extending their arms and tentacles out to make themselves look as big as possible and then they just go side by side until one gives in. Occasionally this isn’t enough, and you get the males fighting and rolling around with each other.
Swimming with the gentle giants of Southern Right Whales in Patagonia was an incredibly unique experience, being one on one with such large animals and watching the bond between mother and baby was mind blowing. © Rowan Dear
A southern blue devil at Rapid Bay Jetty, South Australia. Taken during a night dive. © Rowan Dear
A Manta Ray opens its mouth wide to swallow up all the plankton in the water attracted by lights on Hawaii’s famous Manta Ray Night Dive. © Rowan Dear
A green sea turtle swims through a school of glass fish over the shipwreck at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef. © Rowan Dear
A male Leafy Sea Dragon, taken at Rapid Bay Jetty, South Australia. © Rowan Dear
One of the most fascinating looking animals on the planet, I had wanted to see one since I learnt of their existence, and had desperately wanted to get a perfect front on shot.
Having spent several days shooting the leafies and their habitat, I decided to switch to the Sony 90mm macro lens for a night dive. Whilst shy at first, this male leafy- who was also carrying eggs- eventually became more comfortable in my presence. Using a red video light to help focus and not scare away the leafy, it finally turned and momentarily paused and looked straight at me, head on to create this perfect portrait.
Rowan Dear grew up in Wales, UK where he fostered a love of the outdoors and discovering new animals to identify. In 2010 he relocated to Australia and seven years later overcame his fear of water and took an Open Water course. After a few years of diving in Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines, Rowan purchased an underwater housing for his camera and his passion for underwater photography truly blossomed. He took a course with Matty Smith which taught him how to break free from Auto mode and grasp the principles of composition. His love of discovering new animals and the outdoors has remained intact and has informed much of his photography. Rowan continues to travel the world shooting underwater and remains steadfast in learning new photography techniques and building upon his solid photography foundation. Rowan shoots underwater using the Sony a7IV inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing. Follow Rowan on Instagram @rdearphotography and visit his website www.rdearphotography.com to learn more.
Additional Viewing
Leafy Sea Dragon Photography 101: Styles, Tips, and Technique
Behind the Shots: World Shootout Photo Competition 2024
Cuttlefish Underwater Camera Settings and Technique
An Insider's Guide to Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
