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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Mike Bartick
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown talk to underwater photographers from around the world that they admire. In this blog: Mike Bartick…
Originally, I’m from the Southern California coast of the US, where I also learned to dive. I currently reside in Anilao, Philippines and dive almost every day.
At the core, I think I’m a pretty simple guy, I love the ocean. Our planets oceans are full of mystery, beauty and real life drama that is always in the mode of change. I draw inspiration from what I see on land and in the ocean. I enjoy trying different things underwater and experiment with different techniques heavily. I’m a self taught photographer that has had strong mentoring. I believe this has helped me to form my own methods of shooting.
I’m the Photo Pro for Crystal Blue Resort in Anilao, Philippines where I conduct about 15 workshops a year in addition to private coaching. I love to mentor others and to pass along what I have learned, in turn, I also have a chance to learn from others.
My most favorite achievement was being named one of the 101 worlds most inspiring U/W photographers in 2016 by Scuba Diver Australasia + Ocean Planet magazine, I’m so honored.
N&C: How did your underwater photography start?
MB: Well, it started on a family vacation with my dad. I borrowed a friends Minolta sport and set off to shoot the reefs of Hawaii. I was a bit surprised that there was such a disconnection between the images I thought I was shooting and the reality of the images. Lets just say, I mastered backscatter and fish-butts first.
N&C: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
MB: I’m currently shooting a Nikon D500 in a Sea and Sea MDX D500 housing. I use the Sea and Sea YS-D2J strobes. I also use different snoots for different results. For macro and supermacro images I use the Kraken sports +15 diopter with my 105mm lens, CMC with my 60mm and INON diopters. I use off camera lighting quite often and use the Kraken Hydra 1000 for back-lighting.
I live and work in one of the worlds best place’s for Macro photography and even though there is great wide angle ops here, I love macro. The APSC sensor on the D500 offers clean images with greater magnification then a full frame camera. I’m a die-hard Nikon guy so the D500 is currently the best in its class, for me.
N&C: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
MB: Enjoy the process of learning, ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to try something different.
N&C: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
MB: My mentor, Joe Liburdi has inspired me in many ways. I hear his voice often when I’m shooting asking me, “whats the story here” or the best, him shouting, “It’s a chance of a lifetime, don’t blow it”!
N&C: What image are you most proud of and why?
MB: That’s a trick question. This might sound odd but to say I’m happy with any of my images would be a stretch. I can say, I’m amazed at what can be achieved with a simple set up underwater. I just try to make the best image i can while challenging myself to try something different.
N&C: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
MB: Anilao is by far my most favorite place in the world. There are a few other places that i love to visit like Lembeh, Sea of Cortez, Monterey California, even Point Loma. I love macro and I love drifting in the open ocean.
N&C: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
MB: I don’t like it but it happens all the time. Communication with your guide is very important. I think as a new shooter I didn’t really mind, my ego just wanted to get the shot. In time I’ve sensitized to it big time. It’s important that we respect our dive sites and the subjects that live there, even if just visiting an area.
N&C: What do you look for when you are making your images?
MB: I like strong lines, color, behavior, patterns. I often have images in my mind that i want to try and shoot or some kind of goofy method I want to try. So when I see an opportunity I try to make the most of it. It’s not uncommon for me to spend 90 minutes with a single subject just watching and waiting for the brief moment in time to capture something truly special.
N&C: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
MB: I love the challenge of shooting in the open ocean at night. I love day dives and making images but diving in the open ocean at night is the ultimate. There is no possible way to set up a shot or to manipulate. You need to hunt down the subject or that subject finds you. It’s up to you at that very moment to do the best you can relying on your skills as a photographer and as a diver.
N&C: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
MB: Place – I think I would love to dive in the polar regions of our planet. As far as photographing any one thing, I have no idea, maybe spawning Rhinopias?
To find out more about Mike, visit his website by clicking here.
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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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