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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Josef Litt
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown talks to underwater photographers from around the world that he admires. In this blog: Josef Litt.
Photo: Dr Alex Mustard
I grew up in Czechoslovakia, and we now live with my family in a small town called Twyford, west of London. I dreamt of adventures in faraway lands and in the ocean since I was a little boy, although my interest in technology took over in my early teenage years. Computers became the subject of my studies and later occupation. However, the romance with adventure and nature grew stronger and stronger. The decision to go diving was inspired by my dad becoming a diver in the local army organisation in the late 1970s.
‘Build a house, father a child, become a diver.’
I managed these goals and also planted some trees in 2006. The decisive moment arrived when I brought a borrowed Canon S90 in an underwater housing to my second diving trip. The photos were dreadful, but the bug has bitten.
I like photography, but I love the stories and the adventure more. Which explains why I’d rather write an article than prepare images for competition. Winning is a great feeling but so is to see an article published in a magazine with a photo on the cover page. The most rewarding feeling though was to receive fantastic reviews of my book GALÁPAGOS from readers and magazine editors.
Nowadays I enjoy leading trips to the Galapagos and other destinations, taking photographs, writing articles and working on my next book. Juggling this, family life and my work as a business transformation consultant keeps me busy every minute.
My website www.joseflitt.com covers all about the trips, GALÁPAGOS and my photography. Follow me on Facebook (Josef Litt and Photography by Josef Litt) and on Instagram (@jlittphoto).
Check out the 2020 Galapagos trips on Scuba Travel’s website by clicking here.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
JL: The first camera I ever used underwater was a Canon, and I stayed faithful ever since. I own a Canon 5D Mark IV in Nauticam housing, and I am loving it. The dynamic range and the low noise of the sensor allow me to take pictures in difficult lighting situations. The ergonomics of the housing is impressive. I feel I have everything I need at my fingertips.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
JL: Firstly, have fun! Learn as much as you can, read about photography, book an underwater photography workshop. Bite the bullet and learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop properly. Your ability to develop underwater images is as important as the ability to take them.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
JL: The word ‘single’ in the question puzzles me. The natural history TV series featuring the underwater world formed my interest. But there was no such a thing as a single biggest inspiration. I am privileged to have a chance to learn from the grandmasters: Martin Edge and Alex Mustard, and also be part of an awesome community of underwater photographers around the world.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
JL: My most favourite dive locations are in the Galapagos. Darwin and Wolf are fantastic dive sites. Diving with marine iguanas at Cabo Douglas on Fernandina is also an unforgettable experience. Galapagos is not an easy location to take photographs, but results can be stunning with perseverance and careful lighting techniques.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
JL: I am against harassing marine life. One could say that the act of flying to exotic destinations has a much more significant impact than moving a candy crab to the top of the soft coral. Also, one flash may not harm a pygmy seahorse but a queue of keen photographers taking ten or more shots each probably will. A healthy respect for the environment and the creatures living in it is critical. Awarding a manipulated image means blacklisting the competition for me.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
JL: I look for the background, the decisive moment, composition, play of light and an interesting foreground subject. I am usually pleased with clean, uncluttered images.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
JL: It is the desire to illustrate the stories about a place, an animal or an event with a view from another angle. Same reason why I enjoy taking split photographs and taking images with a drone.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
JL: A gathering of whales. If I were limited to a single place, I would stay in the Galapagos.
To see more of Josef Litt’s work click here.
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Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
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DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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