By Henry Pedroso
I’ve always been drawn to the ocean. Growing up in South Brazil, surfing was a huge part of my early life. Photography naturally became a way to capture those moments. When I eventually moved to Australia, where I started photographing surfing from the beach with a Canon 80D, I was fascinated by freezing split-second moments and learning how light, composition, and timing could completely change an image.
© Henry Pedroso
Australia was also where I discovered scuba diving. One random afternoon I decided I wanted to become a diver and booked my Open Water course. I was probably the worst student and diver ever, but somehow I stuck with it.
I quickly realized that while surfing had shown me the beauty of the ocean from above, diving revealed an entirely different world below the surface. That curiosity became an obsession almost immediately.
© Henry Pedroso
Becoming a Dive Instructor
After five years in Australia, working in construction and all kinds of different jobs, diving eventually took me around the world.
I became a Divemaster and later earned my PADI Instructor certification on Gili Air, Indonesia, in 2017. Over the following years I taught and guided dives in Indonesia, Mexico, Belize, and Brazil.
Every destination offered something unique, from vibrant coral reefs and incredible macro life to exciting pelagic encounters. Each place helped shape both my diving skills and my understanding of marine life.
© Henry Pedroso
At the time I became a Divemaster I was shooting with an Olympus TG-5 without any lights whatsoever. Looking back, that was actually a blessing. Lighting felt incredibly intimidating back then, almost like this impossible skill that only experienced photographers understood and underwater systems simply weren’t within reach when I started.
But, I think that was one of the best things that could have happened. Without interchangeable lenses or strobes, I had to focus on composition, buoyancy, approaching marine life, patience, and understanding animal behavior instead of relying on equipment. Those lessons still influence the way I photograph today.
© Henry Pedroso
Discovering Bluewater Photo
A few years later, in 2024, I joined Bluewater Photo, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. What began as a chance to help photographers choose the right equipment quickly became one of the greatest learning experiences I could ever have asked for.
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Every day I work with photographers ranging from complete beginners buying their first housing to award-winning professionals building expedition systems. That constant exposure to different cameras, housings, lenses, strobes, and lighting setups has expanded my technical knowledge enormously.
Just as importantly, Bluewater has encouraged me to keep learning, continue traveling, and begin leading underwater photography workshops and trips of my own.
Being able to combine education, photography, travel, and diving into one career is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
© Henry Pedroso
My Current Setup
Today I shoot with a Canon R5 inside the Ikelite 200DL Underwater Housing with two DS230 strobes, and I genuinely love both the equipment and the company. I’ve been shooting this setup for the past two years, and it’s never let me down. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about it is its reliability. Equally important has been how easy the Ikelite team is to work with, always approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive whenever I’ve had questions or needed assistance.
Another huge advantage is how lightweight the system is, especially when traveling or shooting while freediving and snorkeling. Even though I haven’t worked as a surf photographer for years, I still occasionally jump in the water with friends to body surf or swim.
© Henry Pedroso
What I Love Photographing
If I had to choose, my favorite subjects would be large marine animals and wide-angle scenes. There’s something incredibly special about sharing the water with sharks, rays, and whales. Every encounter is different, and every image tells a unique story. I especially love working with natural light, using it to create mood, depth, and a sense of connection.
© Henry Pedroso
I’ve also always been attracted to landscape photography, so creating wide-angle underwater scenes that combine marine life with the environment is something I really enjoy.
At the same time, I still love slowing down for macro photography. Years of working as a dive instructor taught me to appreciate the tiny creatures and the small world that many divers swim straight past.
Looking ahead, I’m especially excited to explore more wreck photography and continue developing my video work.
© Henry Pedroso
Life Today
Today I’m based in Portugal while working remotely with Bluewater Photo. Portugal has some incredible diving that’s often overlooked, and the Azores have become one of my favorite places to photograph. The combination of volcanic landscapes, blue sharks, mobulas, whales, and open-ocean encounters offers endless opportunities for storytelling.
Photography has evolved into something much bigger than simply creating beautiful images. My goal was always to inspire curiosity, encourage people to explore the underwater world, and help build a greater appreciation for marine life and the need to protect it. One of my biggest personal goals has always been to bring people who only know the ocean from above the surface into the underwater world in a responsible and sustainable way. Every dive is another opportunity to tell those stories.
© Henry Pedroso
Dive With Me
Join an upcoming photography workshop in Anilao or Sea of Cortez. Visit the Bluewater Photo Store website to learn more and book your spot.
My Underwater Photography Gear
Additional Viewing
Shooting a Surf Documentary in the Great Lakes with Matt Wagner [VIDEO]
Behind the Lens: Sardine Run in Mexico with Josh Blank
Return to Revillagigedo: A Research Expedition with Marine Megafauna Foundation
How to Overcome Photographer's Block: 6 Creative Strategies that Actually Work
How to Start Freediving with a Camera
Henrique "Henry" Pedroso is an underwater photographer, PADI Instructor, and Sales Consultant and Trip Leader with Bluewater Photo Store. Originally from Brazil, Henry now lives in Portugal, but he's called many places home between then. His real-world knowledge of photo gear and guiding dives has lead him to the success he has with Bluewater Photo Store and he's eager to continue expanding his knowledge base. Join Henry on an upcoming photography workshop or expedition with the Bluewater team. Follow Henry on Instagram @henrypedrosouw.
