Featured Underwater Photographer – Alex Permiakov

One of the best ways to learn photography is to see other photographers’ work. Mozaik looks for some of the best underwater photographers in the world, and showcase their work, along with the gear they use, to help other aspiring photographers improve, learn new skills and get inspired.

This week we will feature the talented Alex Permiakov!

About Alex

My path in UW photography started in 2016 at Panglao island, Philippines. After I became a diving instructor in 2015, at one point I felt an urge to share what I see underwater with my friends and followers. Getting an uw setup was a game changer in how I dive, how I plan my vacation and also allowed me to know more about sea creatures, behavior and marine life overall.

Since I was working in diving, I was able to dive a lot with my camera, so progress was quite fast and in 2017 I was lucky to win my first award in contest. It was a great motivation to keep practicing and learn new techniques.

My favorite theme is macro and for the most of my shots I’m using a snoot, which allows me to separate subject from background and make the final result more dramatic. Its also makes easier to handle a backscatter, so I spend less time editing, more time shooting 🙂

One more reason for shooting macro more often than wide angle its availability of subjects. You can dive every day on the same spot and still have opportunity to meet new critter or shoot your favorite one in a different pose, light etc. Wide angle subjects often require you to travel and most of the time its quite far and pricey.

Alex’ Gear

Nikon D850, Nauticam housing, Nikkor 105mm 2.8 VR, Nikkor 16-35 f4, Sigma 15mm, Inon z-240, Backscatter mf-01, Nauticam SMC, Inon UCL-165, Retra snoot. Minigear ms-03. Divepro video lights. Various arms and clamps.