Imagine diving and photographing beautiful marine life at every opportunity for work… Well, that’s exactly what award winning duo Bert and Chandy de Wit from WOW Underwater Photography do – and according to Chandy it is every bit as magical as it sounds.
Both experienced divers, Bert started shooting underwater in 2007 followed by Chandy in 2013. After living in Bali for almost a year and photography marine life almost daily, their spectacular range of images evolved into a business.
When asked what they love most about what they do, Chandy said, in a word “everything!”
“We love absolutely everything about it!! Most of all the challenge to photograph the unique creatures we encounter to show them in their best light,” she said.
For Bert and Chandy, it is about far more than just photography though and their passion for marine life shines through in all of their images. They hope to be able to increase awareness of the delicate balance of our marine environment and the need for it to be respected – which is exactly what “Look Beneath the Surface” is all about.
“We want to be able to show others just how much beauty there is beneath the ocean’s surface and how important it is for life on this planet that we try in any way we can to help preserve it,” Chandy said.
“The state of the oceans is an incredible indicator of the health of our planet.”
While she loves each and every image they have captured and they are all linked to an incredible diving experience, her personal favourite is “Caught in the Act” (below). The photo of mating cuttlefish scooped up an award within the Best Show & Sex category in the Underwater Project 2015-16.
“This image is particularly special as I won an amazing Ondina Liveaboard trip along with the award to explore the waters of Raja Ampat,” Chandy said.
And if she had to pick a favourite diving destination, she said it would be Tulamben in Bali.
“This would have to be a favourite of ours – it is an area rich with diverse sea creatures and habitats so is an underwater photographer’s dream,” she said.
She is hoping one day they will take WOW Underwater Photography out to the Bahamas to shoot Spotted Dolphins and Great Hammerheads. We are looking forward to seeing those images!
