Photographer Spotlight: Boogs Rosales

Boogs Rosales was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. He learned to love the ocean at an early age, often traveling by sea and spending a lot of time in the water. He discovered his passion for nature through reading books and watching wildlife documentaries. Rosales began photographing underwater when he started diving in 2009. He learned to dive in Anilao, Batangas.

His work has been featured in magazines such as Scuba Diver Through The Lens and Ocean Geographic, and also in both local and international exhibits. His close proximity to Anilao, one of the world’s premier marine biodiversity hotspots, allows him to spend most of his weekends underwater honing his craft and learning more about marine behaviour.

When not underwater, Rosales works as an IT consultant and is also a co-founder of the Network of Underwater Digital Imagers, Inc. – a non-stock and non-profit association based in Manila, Philippines, that is composed of scuba divers who aim to promote underwater photography and videography in support of environmental consciousness and conservation. To see more of his work, visit his web site.

Sport Diver Asia Pacific is pleased to present this talented photographer's work. We also asked him a few questions:

Sport Diver Asia Pacific: What was your first camera setup?

Boogs Rosales: I had a housed Sony Cybershot with me during my first dive.

SDAP: That's a fun compact camera to take underwater. What camera system do you use now?

BR: I gave a Nikon D7000 in a Sea & Sea housing with Sea & Sea strobes.

_SDAP: _What is your most memorable moment underwater?

**BR: **My most memorable moment would have to be my first encounter with a sea lion, in California. I was setting up for a shot of the kelp forest when a lone sea lion swam up to me out of nowhere and posed for a picture. Of course, my strobes weren’t set up yet so I missed it. Diving off California's coast was also my first time to dive in colder temperatures.

SDAP: You have shared both macro and wide-angle images.** **What type of photography do you prefer?

**BR: **I am lucky that I live near some of the best muck-diving locations in the world, but I do enjoy shooting wide-angle more. I find that shooting wide-angle lets me express the diving experience in a picture and also allows viewers to immerse themselves in the scene.

_SDAP: _You mentioned the experience of being surprised by a sea lion. Have you had any scary moments underwater?

**BR: **I’ve been swept away by the current a few times. I always keep an SMB with me just in case I have to surface alone from a boat dive.

SDAP: We love your work. Have you received any awards or honors?

**BR: **In 2011, I won first place for Wide Angle in the Compact Camera category for an Underwater Photo Shootout in the Philippines called SNUPS. In 2012, I won 2nd Place for Overall Portfolio in the Open Category for the same competition. That same year, I was given an Image of Edition/Merit of Excellence Award by Ocean Geographic.

_SDAP: _Besides these awards, what are you proudest of?

**BR: **I am always proud to be able to help the local community with conservation efforts by spreading awareness through my photography.

_SDAP: _Which underwater photographers have inspired you?

**BR: **I am a huge fan of David Doubilet. I also admire the work of Alex Mustard and Keri Wilk, among others.

SDAP: _ _All wonderful photographers! You are one of the emerging new shooters in the industry. What advice do you have for beginning photographers?

**BR: **Spend as much time as you can underwater, and make sure your buoyancy is perfect before anything else.

_SDAP: _Where are you going next?

**BR: **I am looking forward to an upcoming trip to Maldives.