29-year-old Pu Wen started out with a passion for scuba diving, which unknowingly led him down a path to underwater photography. An avid ocean enthusiast, Pu Wen continues to learn his craft under the blessed guidance of many renowned underwater photographers. As he continues to refine his imagery and techniques, he describes the greatest joy he gets from underwater photography as “sharing ocean wonders with my family and friends”.

Where do you live?

PW: On a beautiful dot named Singapore.

How long have you been diving? Where did you start?

PW: Short six years till date. My virgin dive was in East Malaysia waters.

When did you start shooting underwater? What was your first camera setup?

PW: I started shooting in 2009, with my 1st camera Canon G9 in a borrowed OEM housing.

What camera system do you use now?

PW: I’m currently using Canon 5D mk3 in a Sea&Sea housing and Sea & Sea YS250 strobes. I’m still a canon user.

What is your most memorable moment underwater?

PW: The first time I peed in my wetsuit! Jokes aside, the most memorable would be my encounter with a juvenile manatee in Florida. I had such a fun time with it that I forgot to shoot! They're like puppies!

What type of photography do you prefer (wide-angle, macro, etc.)?

PW: I started out with macro, but I must prefer wide angle in general, especially fish-eyed shots.

Any scary or funny moments underwater?

PW: I would rather it be called adrenaline moments than scary! In the Bahamas, I had a head-on encounter with a rouge tiger shark that pushed off the seabed. I was still shooting photos frantically!

Any awards or honors?

PW: In a few local competitions and the most recent Ocean geographic Pictures Of The Year 2013. I’m still learning!

Where have you been published?

PW: Singapore Zoological Gardens newsletters and materials, Scuba Diver Australasia (Singapore), Asian Diver (Singapore) and Ocean Geographic Magazine.

What are you proudest of?

PW: Assisting in the “No sharks-fin Singapore” campaign by Ocean Geographic.

Are there any underwater photographers you admire and why?

PW: Michael Aw and Amanda Cotton, both, who has open up my horizon, guide and broaden my knowledge vastly. So far they’re the only two with enough patience towards a slow learner like me!And also Ernie Brooks who's a master of black and white imagery.

What advice do you have for beginning photographers?

PW: You’re a sponge, absorb and learn from everyone, everything, create and materialize your vision. Shoot what you want the world to see, not what the world wants to see. Be true to yourself.

Where are you going next?
PW: I’ll be heading to Baja Mexico and I’m working towards an Arctic expedition soon.