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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Thomas Ozanne
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown talk to underwater photographers from around the world that they admire.
This week’s interview is with Thomas Ozanne.
Nick and Caroline speak to Thomas Ozanne after meeting him at the DEMA show in Las Vegas in 2016.
N/C: How did your underwater photography start?
TO: I went on holiday and needed to do something to fill the time so I thought I’d try diving. Fell in love with it immediately. Ended up sticking around much longer than I intended and did my Divemaster course. Almost immediately I landed a job working for the resort I trained with and fairly quickly realised I wasn’t cut out for working the resort reception or taking scuba reviews in the pool. I needed something that could keep me in the water on my own terms and the people I saw around me that had that were making videos, so I took up videography. From there I managed to blag my way in to a job on board a Liveaboard with absolutely no idea what I was doing. After a successful season of shooting videos I realised that it was far too much work (6am till midnight 4 days out of 5 for 6 months) so in the off season I decided to concentrate on shooting stills with my compact camera. I ended up buying an Inon fisheye and close up lenses and a strobe and quickly started getting results I was pleased with. Before too long I realised I hit the limits of the gear I had so decided to sell my video rig and bite the bullet and buy a DSLR set up. After that I took myself off to Sipadan and Palau and shot like crazy. Again with no clue, making it up as I went along. I then made it back to my old Liveaboard and managed to convince the owner to let me shoot photos instead of videos. And based on that I built up a ton of experience diving and shooting. And I think that’s what allowed me to develop my skills and do the kind of work I love to do.
N/C: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & Why?
TO: Probably top of the list is my Inon 45 degree viewfinder. I had to dive without it once and I was the worst dive of my life. If you buy a DSLR you need to get yourself a magnifying viewfinder of some sort. Craning your neck and squinting through a tiny viewfinder is not going to get you very far.
Secondly I‘d have to say my Tokina 10-17mm fisheye lens. It’s perfect for the way I like to shoot, up close and personal. Super fast to focus and has never missed a beat after being poorly treated for years.
And last but not least would have to be my Subal housings, past and present. They are built like a tanks and just work. No messing around. Thousands of dives and no problems. (Apart from that one time where I wasn’t paying attention during set up and had a slight leak, but that’s totally on me.)
N/C: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
TO: Be the best diver you can be. Don’t rush in prioritising the photography if you haven’t nailed your diving, particularly your buoyancy. You’ll stress yourself out, you’ll put yourself and the environment at risk and you will struggle to fully embrace the photography if the diving isn’t second nature to you. That’s it.
Actually there’s more to it than that. Build up lots of diving experience first and then apply the photography. Unfortunately this isn’t always easy, as doing this requires a lot of diving experience that you might not be able to build up if you only dive a handful of times a year. Understandably people want to get on with shooting and maximise every minute of their time under water but I think time spent becoming a good diver will benefit you more in the long run. And without exaggerating too much it could even be the difference between life and death. Diving isn’t an activity to be taken lightly and sadly I see far too many photographers diving like they are invincible. That’s going to bite you in the arse one day.
N/C: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
TO: Alex Mustard’s work is a continuing inspiration. He is in a league of his own. Technically and artistically there aren’t many who come close, at least not with his consistency. And Martin Edge’s book was my bible when I started out – I think he owes me some commission for the number of copies I have convinced people they should buy over the years!
N/C: What are your boundaries on post-editing image manipulation?
TO: I have come to realise that less is more. I never add, and only remove and then only within reason. I don’t use Photoshop, but I think there is a place for it to really polish an image with more control than Lightroom offers. I’m not averse to tweaking the colour of the water column and using dodge and burn techniques with gradients and brushes. And I will not shy away from the spot heal tool to clean up the water column and any of that pesky backscatter, but you are better off learning how to control your lighting than you are spending time clicking away at thousands of sots.
One thing I would say is images need to look natural and balanced. When you are new to post production it’s easy to be a bit heavy handed with your adjustments. I know I was guilty of that when I started. As I have progressed I find myself doing less and less to my images, and I feel this is really the ultimate aim for my photography, to get the shot as best I can in camera and then use the post production to add a final polish to an image. If you spend more time editing images than shooting I think that’s a little back to front. But saying that, skilled use of software to finalise an image is an integral aspect of photography that needs to be embraced. Just be critical of every element of your final image.
N/C: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
TO: The best diving I have done was in Papua New Guinea. Hands down. Way out in the Coral Sea is an atoll called Easter Fields. It had everything: incredible visibility, amazing pristine corals, huge numbers of schooling fish, and more sharks than I have seen anywhere else (sadly that’s an indictment of the impact humanity has had on sharks more than anything else, in all my diving in Asia I have seen hardly any sharks). And a close joint second comes Palau, Raja Ampat, and Komodo. All incredible places.
N/C: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
TO: Honestly I can’t say that I haven’t encouraged a few creatures to move slightly using a finger or a poker in the past, never actually touching, just corralling gently, but even that is something I have come to feel is unacceptable. I don’t think manipulation has a place in wildlife photography. We are representing nature, and nature doesn’t exist for our convenience. I regularly see shots that most reasonable people could tell are not natural and couldn’t have been achieved without interference. We know the shot must have been gotten with dubious methods, and so does the person that took it, and they have to live with themselves. But then that’s one of the problems isn’t it? Those kind of people just don’t care. They’ll lap up the praise regardless and continue to exploit nature for their own ego.
Over time I have come to realise that my photography is opportunistic. I shoot things that happen in front of me. I don’t want a shot in my portfolio that would never have happened without deliberately interfering with a creature.
That people proudly display such images and even win awards for them occasionally is a shame, and I’m glad that often judges of competitions are hard on an image when this kind of behaviour is suspected. But saying that, some still slip through the net.
N/C: What do you look for when you are making your images?
TO: A nice composition. More than anything else a well composed and structured image is what I look to get. Having complete control of your buoyancy allows you to position yourself in the water column and a decent viewfinder on your housing will allow you to consider every square mm of the frame. One thing that stuck with me from an old teacher of mine was the idea that if something isn’t adding to an image it is taking away. He was referring to design in general but I find is a great thing to keep in mind when shooting images. Everything in your image should be there for a reason. Consider the foreground and the background. Of course there is the subject to consider but don’t forget the horizon, the sun’s position, Snell’s window, the blue gradient of the water, the clouds in the sky, the silhouette of the reef…. all of these elements are yours to control with your positioning in the water. At least for wide-angle they are. For macro it’s all about the subject and a clean or interesting background as something to aim for.
N/C: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
TO: New experiences, and continuously striving to improve my photography. I really enjoy getting wows out of people. And the shots that seem to have that effect are shots that were taken when I myself was thinking “wow, this is so cool”. I love the adventure of diving and the beauty of nature and the skill of good diving and photography and I love that there is always something new to see, something new to learn, and more amazing images to be captured with improved technique.
N/C: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
TO: High on my list is more big stuff, and I guess the ultimate would be whales. A trip to Tonga to meet the humpbacks is calling to me. That and working more with models. I have had some great experiences shooting free divers and intend to do more. I love the sport of free diving and there are some very cool images to be made with the right collaborations.
I just re-read the question and see that you said “any one thing”, so I guess I’ll have to choose. It’s going to have to be whales, isn’t it?
See more of Thomas’ work at www.arewedreaming.com. Find him on Instagram at @arewedreaming
Welcome to Day 5 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
SlipIns DiveSkins
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
DiveSkins are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, paddling, surfing, and all water sports. It shows up beautifully in pictures under water.
This tight-fitting, tailored lycra suit offers maximum comfort. stretchy, breathable, fast-drying fabric with the world’s best sun and stinger protection.
SlipIns are:
*Ultimate 50+ UPF sun protection
*Abrasion protection.
*Quick dry, breathable, soft fabric
*The ultimate stinging critter protection
Save 10% on your order if you mention you saw this ad in Scubaverse in your order note!
SAVE YOUR SKIN…WEAR OUR SKINS
Team@slipins.com / www.slipins.com / SlipIns Facebook / SlipIns Instagram / SlipIns Pinterest
Diving Books from Miflex Hoses
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
We stock a great range of Diving & Underground book titles, ideal to add to any order or simply buy as a gift for a friend.
Titles we have include:
Shipwrecks of the Dover Straits, Adventures Underground, Pioneers Beneath the Peak, Dive Truk Lagoon, Underwater Potholer, Images Below & many more.
From Authors including:
Stefan Panis, Martyn Farr, Duncan Price, Ron Young, Rod Macdonald, Chris Howes
Visit our website for more details.
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Diving-Books.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
OrcaTorch D710 Dive Light – now available in pink!
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Already available in Black, Green, Red and Blue, the D710 Dive Light from Orcatorch is now available in Pink too.
Whether you’re a recreational or a professional diver, you’ll find the OrcaTorch D710 dive light useful in your underwater activities.
With max 3,000 lumens, the D710 is one of the strongest torches in its class. You also have plenty of brightness settings to choose from if you prefer less power.
It runs on one OrcaTorch 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery with a Type-C charging port, easier for you to charge it anywhere. Now it offers five exterior colour options: Black, Green, Red, Blue, and Pink, to satisfy your diverse needs.
Featuring:
* Uses Luminous LED, max 3000 lumens
* Uses 1 * 21700 Li-ion battery
* 6° beam angle
* Offers four exterior colour options: Black, Red, Green and Blue
* Easy operation with side titanium alloy push-button switch
* Safe lock function, prevents mis-operation
* Intelligent Over-Heat protection
* Battery indicator
* Water pressure resistant construction, depth rated to 150 meters
* Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation
* Over-discharge protection function
* Constructed from high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum
* Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish for durability and corrosion resistance
* Two sides coated toughened glass with high water pressure resistance under deep water
Sea & Sea is the home of OrcaTorch and other leading diving brands in the UK.
sales@sea-sea.com / www.orcatorch.com / OrcaTorch on Facebook / OrcaTorch on X / OrcaTorch on YouTube
Scubapro Luna 2 AI Dive Computer
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
SCUBAPRO, the world’s premier manufacturer of high-quality scuba diving equipment, introduces its second generation Luna 2.0, an easy-to-read, intuitive dive computer loaded with easy-to-use features and available in two versions, the Luna 2.0 and Luna 2.0 AI with wireless air integration.
Designed for new and casual recreational divers, the low-profile Luna 2.0 sits comfortably on the wrist. Its oil-filled plastic housing helps ensure reliable performance to depths of 120 meters. A large widescreen display features a high-contrast black and white matrix-segment LCD with full-sized characters for easy reading in all dive conditions. An intuitive menu and simple two-button interface lets the diver navigate the system with ease, aided by clearly marked screen prompts. The LUNA 2.0 offers two algorithms – Predictive Multi-Gas Bühlmann ZH-L16 ADT MB PMG or ZH-L16 + GF PURE, plus 21-50% nitrox compatibility and three selectable gasses for open circuit diving. Three dive modes are available – Scuba, Apnea and Gauge – to suit a range of diving activities.
The Luna 2.0 AI (air integrated) offers the same easy-to-use features and functions as the standard Luna 2.0 plus adds wireless air integration. This not only enables to easily monitor ythe tank pressure, it also provides true remaining bottom time (RBT) and allows the air consumption to be factored into the decompression calculation. Also available with the Luna 2.0 AI is an optional integrated heart rate monitor that lets visually track the heart rate and skin temperature to help staying in the personal target zone.
Both Luna 2.0 models include personalized dive management functions like PDIS (Profile Dependent Intermediate Stops) which calculates an intermediate stop based on N2 loading, current and previous dives and breathing mixes, and Microbubble levels that give the option to adjust the level of conservatism in the algorithm to match the individual experience level, age and physical conditioning for a more enjoyable dive.
The soft silicone arm strap offers a comfortable fit on the wrist, plus bungee mounts on the corners of the housing allow for alternate attachment methods. A Bluetooth Low Energy interface enables the download of the dive data to any iOS or Android device or PC/Mac (firmware can be user-updated), and the CR2450 battery is rated for up to two years or 300 dives.
Scubapro Europe Website / Scubapro USA Website / Scubapro on Facebook / Scubapro on Instagram / Scubapro on YouTube
35% off Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene in Spring 2025
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Embark on the ultimate diving adventure aboard the Scuba Scene, the luxury liveaboard offering an unforgettable Red Sea experience. Known for its exceptional service, safety, comfort, and world-class dive sites, Scuba Scene is the ideal choice for divers of all levels.
Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. From the stunning Ras Mohammed National Park to the famous Thistlegorm wreck, Scuba Scene brings you to the heart of the Red Sea’s best sites. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and a dedicated crew that ensures every detail is perfect, this liveaboard guarantees relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
Now is the perfect time to book! Save a massive 35% on any sailing between 3rd March and 28th April 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or taking your first plunge, Scuba Scene promises an experience you’ll cherish forever.
Don’t miss this chance to dive the Red Sea in style and at an incredible price. Book your adventure today!
Tel: 0800 699 0243
info@oysterdiving.com / www.oysterdiving.com / Oyster Diving Facebook / Oyster Diving Instagram
Welcome to Day 4 of Scubaverse.com’s week-long Christmas Gift Guide!
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that special scuba diver in your life? Read on for Team Scubaverse’s pick of this season’s must-have Christmas gifts.
Every day this week, we are publishing a special Christmas Gift Guide full of different gift ideas that are all ideal for divers, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect. Take a look at today’s selection below…
Thalassas Ocean-Inspired Apparel
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
Dive into comfort and style with Thalassas! Featuring T-shirts, hats, leggings and more, each piece is designed to bring the tranquillity and beauty of the sea to your everyday life. Whether you’re lounging by the coast or exploring city streets, our gear has you covered.
Your purchase has a purpose! A portion of every sale supports beach cleanup initiatives and organizations.
HOLIDAY BUNDLE PRICING STARTS NOVEMBER 18th!
This holiday season, we’re offering bundle discounts on our best-selling tees, hats, and leggings! Mix and match to create your perfect set – and enjoy savings when you buy more. It’s the perfect time to stock up on ocean vibes for yourself or the diver in your life.
🌊 Holiday Bundle Discounts: Save More When You Buy More! 🌊
Don’t miss out, these deals won’t last long! FREE SHIPPING on all orders in the USA.
support@thalassas.com / www.thalassas.com / Thalassas Facebook / Thalassas Instagram / Thalassas tiktok
XDEEP Navy Signature Hoodie
info@nautilus.uk / XDEEP on nautilus.uk / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
The long-awaited XDEEP Signature hoodie is finally available! Apart from being super-trendy, it’s also quality stuff: made in EU of 100% premium cotton with solid japan-made YKK metal zippers.
The main features of this stylish hoodie are the following:
– 100% cotton
– Strong metal zipper
– High-quality print
– Made in EU
Furthermore, all XDEEP hoodies and t-shirts (including fabric) are manufactured in EU using top quality 100% cotton.
The XDEEP Signature Hoodie is perfect for keeping warm and looking trendy at the same time.
To find out more about XDEEP products, visit www.xdeep.eu.
Nautilus are the distributor for XDEEP and other leading dive equipment brands in the UK. Find out more about Nautilus brands at nautilus.uk/our-brands.
info@nautilus.uk / Buy in the UK / www.xdeep.eu / XDEEP on Facebook
Oceanarium Regulator Bags & Octo Holders
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Oceanarium products offer great gifts for all lovers of life underwater, including unique designs of regulator bags, octopus holders, gear tags & cloak towels.
This range brings fun & enjoyment to your dive making your kit distinctive.
Check out the very popular regulator bags available in 6 designs, including the Oceanarium Whaleshark design, as well as the two new designs of Octopus Holders; Pygmy Seahorse & Jellyfish.
Buy a Christmas gift for a friend and make them smile… Diving is Fun!
sales@miflexhoses.co.uk / www.miflexhoseshop.co.uk / miflexhoseshop.co.uk/acatalog/Oceanarium.html / Miflex Hoses on Facebook
Fourth Element Pelagic Dive Watch
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
The Pelagic dive watch from fourth element combines British design with Swiss-craftmanship in a hand-built automatic watch which captures the essence of classic scuba-diving timepieces.
Named after the vast reaches of the open ocean, the Pelagic combines exceptional craftmanship with high-specification engineering. Designed in the UK and hand-built in Switzerland, it is rated to a depth of 500m. The Pelagic features a stunning automatic movement, seen through the sapphire crystal glass case back, powered by a Swiss made precision self-winding movement. This is a watch suitable for the most extreme environments on Planet Earth.
The Pelagic has a brushed stainless-steel case with the choice of 22mm silicone/rubber strap or stainless-steel bracelet. It features a helium escape valve, positioned at 9 o’clock ensuring that this watch is even equipped for saturation diving. The watch features a unidirectional black ceramic bezel, allowing maximum dive times to be planned, luminous hands and markers and date function.
Design detailing includes ‘fourth element’ engraved on the rotor, buckle (on the silicon/rubber strap version) or clasp (on the brushed stainless-steel version). The crown features the fourth element icon representing the four elements earth, air fire and water.
The Pelagic watch is packaged using only recycled materials (recycled PET) and FSC certified paper and card, demonstrating fourth element’s continued commitment to its OceanPositive mission.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
– Movement: 26 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic with hacking function
– Water resistance: 500m / 1640ft
– Helium escape valve: 9 o’clock
– Crown: screw down locking
– Case width: 44mm
– Case thickness: 14mm
– Shatter and scratch resistant sapphire crystal
– Lug to lug: 52mm
– Case material: 316l brushed stainless steel
– Bezel: 120-click unidirectional with black ceramic insert
– Swiss Super-LumiNova C3 on markers and hands
– Strap: 22mm silicone/rubber strap or brushed stainless steel bracelet
– Warranty: 2 years
– Swiss made
RRP: GBP £1475 / USD $1975 / EUR €1795 / AUD $2950 / CAD $2595
info@fourthelement.com / fourthelement.com / Fourth Element Facebook / Fourth Element Instagram / Fourth Element tiktok / Fourth Element YouTube
Nautilus Seascape Mask & Clamshell Case
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
The Nautilus Seascape single lens mask builds on the experience of proven design with the latest technology.
The ultra soft liquid silicone skirt and strap ensure this frameless mask gives the best fit whilst ensuring a wide 120 degree field of vision.
The antislip buckles means the strap stays where set it and the ultra clear, high vision tempered glass means virtually all light passes through to your eyes.
A substantial nose pocket means that equalising is a joy and that, combined with comfort, makes this the ideal mask for most divers.
To find your nearest Nautilus dealer, click here.
info@nautilus.uk / nautilus.uk / Seascape Mask on nautilus.uk / Nautilus on Facebook
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