Articles

Sea turtle sunburst, Saxon Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, one of the six images comprising Guzman’s entry in the “Portfolio” category that was crowned “Best of Show” in the Underwater Awards Australasia 2024
 

The ocean is a great source of inspiration, and as an underwater photographer, I feel super privileged to see creatures and scenes that most will never get the chance to see. But this journey didn’t start with a camera; it began with a passion for the sea, a dive instructor job, and a dream to one day create images that would tell the stories of the underwater world. I am originally from Chile, and I left my homeland in 2009 to pursue a career as a dive instructor. Over the next few years, I had the opportunity to work in several countries, sharing my passion for the ocean with people from all walks of life. It was during this time that my interest in photography began to grow.
 

Stingray in the golden hour, Lady Elliot, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, from Guzman’s winning portfolio
 

Pink skunk clownfish, Saxon Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
 

As an instructor, I would often see clients with large, impressive cameras, capturing the same underwater landscapes I’d grown to love. Watching them shoot, I told myself, “One day, I’ll have my own camera and take photos like that.” That moment marked the beginning of my underwater photography journey. In 2016, I made the decision to move to Cairns, Australia, to turn my passion for the ocean and photography into a career. It was here in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef that I started to fully immerse myself in the art of underwater photography. I’ve lived in Cairns for the last eight years, finding both a home and a professional path.
 

Eye of a humphead wrasse, Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
 

Marine iguana, Galápagos Archipelago, Ecuador

Developing a Passion for Marine Life

Living in Australia has given me the opportunity to witness some of the most awe-inspiring marine life. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep fascination with the creatures that call the ocean home. From the tiniest shrimp to the largest manta rays, I’ve learned that the ocean is full of surprises, each species offering a new challenge and a new story to tell.

This passion for marine life has led me to travel across different seasons, observing and photographing various species in their natural habitats. The more I explored, the more I became captivated by the diversity of the underwater world. Along the way, I honed my skills in macro photography, wide-angle shots, and other challenging techniques that require patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the environment.
 

Humpback whales, Vava’u, Tonga
 

Love bite, Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Love Affair with Sunburst Photography

While I experimented with many styles, one technique, in particular, caught my attention—sunburst photography. A sunburst image, where rays of sunlight radiate through the water, creating a dramatic effect, can be incredibly difficult to achieve. There are so many factors at play, like sunny weather, a glassy windless day, and the subject in the right place at the right time. Perfecting the camera and strobe settings adds another layer of complexity.

The challenge of capturing that perfect sunburst, with the sun positioned just so and the subject blocking the rays, became an obsession. Over the years, I dedicated myself to improving this technique, gradually adding new creatures to my portfolio. It took several years and countless attempts, many of which didn’t turn out as expected, but I eventually captured six images that represent my all-time favorites. These are the images I submitted to the Underwater Awards Australasia competition—and to my surprise, they won!

Winning the Underwater Awards Australasia competition was a recognition of my patience, persistence, and ability to capture the beauty of the ocean in a unique way. I’ve entered some competitions before, and while I’ve never had the same level of success, I’ve learned from each experience. I’ve come to realize that participating in these events pushes me to grow, refine my skills, and keep improving.
 

Titan triggerfish sunburst, Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, from Guzman’s winning portfolio
 

Manta ray sunburst, Nusa Penida, Indonesia, from Guzman’s winning portfolio

The Technique Behind the Sunburst Shot

Capturing a sunburst underwater can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires patience and careful technique. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Pick the right time and place: Sunny days with clear skies and calm water are crucial. The light has to filter through the water, and a glassy surface helps avoid disturbing the rays.

• Position your subject: Your subject, whether it’s a fish, turtle, or manta ray, needs to be in the right spot in relation to the sun. Ideally, the subject should be between you and the sun, helping to block the light and create the burst effect. However, if it’s somewhere behind, just close enough, it could work too. In general, the shallower, the better.

• Use the right settings: Aperture plays a key role in achieving the sunburst effect: A smaller aperture (higher f-stop) is ideal. Adjust your strobe settings accordingly to balance the ambient light.

• Patience is key: The ocean is unpredictable, so be prepared to wait for the perfect moment. The right subject, lighting, and water conditions don’t always come together easily.

Humphead wrasse sunburst, Norman Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, from Guzman’s winning portfolio
 

Lionfish sunburst, Coral Bay, Western Australia, from Guzman’s winning portfolio

Final Thoughts

While I’m proud of the recognition I’ve received, I also recognize the incredible talent in the underwater photography community. There are many photographers whose work far surpasses mine, and I’ve learned to appreciate and be inspired by their achievements. I share my work on Instagram mostly, and I hope that my unique perspective and passion for the ocean will inspire others to explore and protect our planet’s most precious resource.

Hunting spangled emperors, Sudbury Cay, Great Barrier Reef, Australia