Where are you from?
Cape Town, South Africa
How long have you been practicing photography?
I've been taking photos since 2016 and underwater since 2020
How long have you been diving?
I’ve been a diver since 2019, I have an advanced diver certificate.
Is photography your full-time job?
No, I have started a company called Kelptown, leading snorkel experiences into the kelp forest. But I do use my images for advertising as well as turning them into large-format cyanotype fine art pieces.
What’s your favorite camera?
My trusty Canon 5D Mark IV
Have you won any awards before?
This is my first international award. I have won a national contest before.
How did you get started in underwater photography?
I used to travel as a guide on expedition cruise ships and picked up photography there. I was in Fiji on a surf trip and the swell was very small, so I decided to do my PADI dive certification there. Funnily enough, one of the travellers I met in Fiji told me how amazing the diving was in Cape Town. When I got home, I went and bought freediving gear and went for a look. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was more colorful than any coral reef I'd seen. I first bought a GoPro but soon got bored of the quality and invested in a proper camera housing.
Related Reading: How to Master Underwater Fluoro Photography
Favorite place to shoot underwater?
By far the kelp forests in Cape Town.
What's your most unforgettable moment underwater?
Probably encountering a humpback whale feeding on small fish within the kelp forest. Seeing such a giant animal gracefully moving through the thick kelp was so unique and thrilling.
What inspires your photography?
I fell in love with the kelp forest ecosystem, especially with how diverse and colourful the reefs are. Since I grew up and didn't know about it for so long, I really wanted to show others how special this ecosystem is so that more people would appreciate it and give it the protection it deserves. I think that's really started happening now, which is amazing.
How would you describe your photography style?
I love natural light, backlit kelp forest scenes. I try to draw in the viewer by creating mystery using composition and natural light. I was critiqued by a photographer that I really respected, who told me my photos were a bit obvious and that really changed the way I took photos. I started focusing less on finding an animal subject and more on capturing really well-composed scenes. The engagement in my images really took off after I started doing this.
What's your #1 bucket-list dive destination?
I'd love to do some more diving in South Georgia. There are beautiful kelp forests, blue water, thousands of king penguins and seals. I got a taste of it snorkelling this year, but felt like I only just scratched the surface.
What's your advice for underwater shooters entering their first photo contest?
Looking at past winners can be a bit overwhelming, since the competition is so high. Submit the images you are most proud of, you never know what will stand out to the judges.
Where can we follow your work?
instagram @james_kelptown
Related Reading: How to Master the Motion Blur Photo
James LoweGrand Prize
Behind the Shot This image was taken in about 3 meters of water on a bright sunny day with very good visibility for Cape Town’s standard. I had been leading a snorkel experience with guests when I saw this shot. As soon as I dropped them off, I headed back out and spent some time composing the image. It worked in my favor because the sun was a little lower by that point and the tide a bit higher, which allowed more sun to break through the kelp canopy and light up the reef. When the conditions are perfect, the light refracting though the kelp makes beautiful iridescent rays, which made certain parts of the reef pop. My goal is highlighting how beautiful this ecosystem is in the hopes that more people will appreciate and want to protect it.
Location of Photo Cape Town, South Africa
Camera Gear Canon 5D Mark IV; 15mm fisheye lens; Aquatica housing with 8-inch glass dome
Settings f/7.1; 1/250; ISO 1000
Prize Komodo Aggressor and $1,000 cash
