News
Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Zac Macaulay
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: Zac Macaulay
ZM: I am a lighting underwater cameraman and photographer shooting film sequences for dramas, feature films, music videos, TV and commercials for advertising agencies and the movie industry. My inspiration is great imagery which is truly been thought about and crafted.
I live in Brighton with my wife and three kids (now teenagers) but was originally from Richmond in Surrey. When I was small my father and I (who lived in Swanage in Dorset) used to stare at the big burly divers venturing into the water and I knew somehow I wanted a part of that.
I started in photography specialising in underwater work from 16 years old signing up to several Martin Edge photography courses and getting my first major professional break in 1997 when Diesel Jeans asked me to shoot a worldwide campaign for them.
On top of that Steve Weinman and Diver Magazine have been extremely kind, sending me all over the world shooting wildlife and allowing me to hone my eye over the years practicing my craft as well as lounging about on some really fabulous beaches.
Since then I have shot loads of campaigns all over the world for clients as diverse as Guinness, The Royal Ballet, Take That, Myleene Klass for Littlewoods, The Disney Channel, Pantene Pro V, Fit Bit, The British Army, The BBC and The National Lottery amongst others.
- My website is – www.zacmacaulay.com and I run regular Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts.
- Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/zacmacaulayphotographyandfilm
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/zacmacaulay/
- Twitter – https://twitter.com/ZacMacaulay
Artist Statement
I consider myself a team player and like to use a strong graphic element in my photographic and film style, using colour and composition as a thread that runs through my work.
As a lighting underwater cameraman and photographer I enjoy the craft of shooting and lighting underwater and the extra dimension the medium gives you. Whether it be in the open sea, an underwater studio or pool for ultimate control, all present different and interesting challenges, but always enjoyable.
There is no secret to success in anything done well. Its just hard work, focus and a gene or two from your grandparents.
Water allows me to have space to shoot creatively and in three dimensions like no other medium.
Finally my aim is to make it much more interesting…
Awards
I have won three international awards for my work including the prestigious Winner, Palme d’Or, Advertising category for best stills image, Antibes Underwater Film and Photography festival.
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
ZM: I started when I was 16 learning to dive and running my interest in photography alongside. I soon found a job in a London advertising studio making the tea and asked who was the best underwater photographer at the time. Mike Portelly came back the answer, so I called him 100 times till he gave me a job.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
ZM: Today I own and shoot with a Nikon D800 and Seacam housing for stills, and a Seacam / Panasonic GH5 and Red Epic Dragon / Gates Deep Weapon housing for film.
My oldest and proudest working system is one of 10 Peter Scoones built housings for a Mamiya RB 67 roll film camera. On 220 film you can have as many as 20 exposures up your sleeve!
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
ZM: Enter it as an exciting hobby that will take you all over the world. Professionally underwater photography today is very challenging and extremely difficult to make a living from if you have a mortgage and family.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
ZM: Mike Portelly
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
ZM: My ad for Diesel because it launched my career.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
ZM: Cuba, well yes and no, great Rum and a travellers destination.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
ZM: Personally I haven’t done it.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
ZM: Learn to see and not just to look.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
ZM: It’s in the blood, the 3 dimensional movement the calmness and the creative buzz from doing something difficult.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
I would go back to Sipadan in Malaysia.
To see more of Zac’s work click here.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
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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