My name is Tommy Pera and I am currently living on the beautiful island of Bonaire, nestled just off the coast of South America.
I moved here in 2022 where I completed a Divemaster Internship at Buddy Dive Resort. During this time I was offered a position working as a divemaster at the resort where I have been working ever since. I truly love being a dive professional and interacting with fellow dive enthusiasts and guests.
I have always been an avid photographer since high school, so once I completed my open water certification, this underwater photography hobby was a perfect fit for me. Through the years I have been able to shoot with several camera setups prior to settling on my current rig which is the Canon R5 II inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS230 Strobes paired with either the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens, Canon 15-30mm lens, or the Canon 100mm macro.
I enjoy all aspects of underwater photography, however my favorite images to try and capture are over/unders (aka split-shots).
As soon as we dropped down from the mooring pin my friend Dana pointed out into the blue where we were greeted with this amazing bait ball, comprising of bigeye scad fish. As we moved closer they enveloped us, almost as if to provide a protective barrier from the nearby predators within this amazing marine cathedral like coliseum. © Tommy Pera
This photo was taken while Course Director Lars Bosman was was carrying out Reef Renewal maintenance. This is an amazing and rewarding initiative, while giving back to the diving community. Lars is meticulously checking on the wellbeing of these infant corals. © Tommy Pera
While concluding a night dive I saw the precious Caribbean Reef Squid hovering just below the surface. As I crept in for a closer pic she appeared to slow her omnidirectional movements, thus allowing me to snap her in all her beauty. The darkness provides the perfect backdrop for this photograph. © Tommy Pera
As the sun was setting I had Vanessa swim towards me in hopes of capturing her and the sunset, within an "over/under" photograph. I had my Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens attached and 8 inch dome, while executing this shot. I really like how she "pops" combined with the subtlety of the sun, marking the close of an amazing day. © Tommy Pera
This photograph depicts my friend Vanessa diving within the shallow depths, just beneath the Buddy Dive dock area. These prisms of light, coupled with the reflective ambient glows, facilitated the most incredible mirror like aura. © Tommy Pera
While approaching the drop off area of the reef, this gorgeous spotted Eagle Ray entered into my field of vision and began to pose for me while showcasing its talents for locating a snack. It was a very special moment, while capturing this image. © Tommy Pera
Living on Bonaire we are gifted with the opportunity to dive on the east coast of the island where "Turtle City" is located. The company of "Bonaire East Coast Diving provides guests with the chance to dive with Turtles, Eagle Rays, Sting Rays with the occasional Shark and Manta Ray sighting. This photo was taken during one of these dives. © Tommy Pera
Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the Hilma Hooker ship wreck. I wanted to document her final resting place, located within the southern portion of the island, by trying to capture the mysterious allure surrounding her sinking. © Tommy Pera
Additional Viewing
Featured Customers | Tommy Pera Fulfilling a Dream (2022)
Planning a Shore Diving Trip to Bonaire
Coral Reef Restoration Program in Bonaire
Split Shot Editing // Balancing Exposure Underwater and Above in the Lightroom [VIDEO]
Underwater Wreck Photography Settings and Technique
Since Tommy Pera's last Featured Customer publication he has completed his certification as a Dive Master and currently lives and works on beautiful Bonaire as a full-time dive professional. Tommy shoots the Canon R5 II inside an Ikelite Underwater Housing with dual Ikelite DS230 Strobes. After two decades in law enforcement Tommy spent time traveling the world with his camera. After trips to Roatan, Belize, Curacao, and the Philippines, he's finally settled down in one of his most favorite places, Bonaire. In his capacity as a dive professional he hopes to share the beauty of Bonaire with visiting divers and to encourage them to savor their memories with underwater photography. You can follow Tommy on Instagram @tommyjohn.7 and Facebook.
