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Featured Underwater Photographer – Piers Baillie
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 Piers Baillie!
About Piers
Like with many other underwater photographers, my fascination with the ocean and what it holds stemmed from a young age. A true passion for the marine world was later ignited when completing my divemaster and instructor courses in Thailand and Indonesia – after having recently finished school. With a desire to open doors that might allow me to further explore the underwater world, I returned to the UK in order to complete a marine biology degree at the University of Plymouth.
During my three years at university, I quickly realised that it was the behaviours of marine animals that captured my interest. After graduating, I returned to the island of Koh Tao, and tried to observe the things I had learnt about occurring naturally on the reef. I completed a photography course, picked up a second hand camera and housing and began shooting. Not long after, I realised that underwater photography was going to become a big part of my life.
A year later, I went on to become the program director of a marine conservation program called the Roctopus ecoTrust, and with the help of many talented interns, established a number of research, monitoring, and conservation projects. In between surveys and teaching, the rest of my days were mostly occupied by diving with a camera in hand… and to this day, still are!
Two years ago, a good friend and well-established photographer in the industry, Alex Tyrrell, introduced me to blackwater diving, which has since become something we try to do around the island as often as we can. Some of the photos captured during these dives are included in my portfolio below. Along with a collection of other long-term photographers on the island, we also spend much of our time searching the deeper muck for macro critters – something that often allows for more creative lighting techniques to be adopted – in my case, usually involving the latest version of a homemade snoot light (much to everyone’s amusement)!
Piers’ Gear
Sony RX100V with Nauticam housing
2 x Inon z330 strobes
Weefine WF068 Smart Focus 1000
Wet lenses: Nauticam CMC1, Inon UCL, AOI UWL400
Home-made snoots
Piers’ Work
Follow Piers
Instagram: piersbailliephotography
Piers’ Blog
- Featured Underwater Photographer – Becky Kagan Schott – March 20, 2023
- Featured Underwater Photographer – Florian Scarlat – March 13, 2023
- Featured Underwater Photographer – Martin Nobs – March 5, 2023
5 comments
amazing photos Piers, missing your gorgeous Leopard shark shot though…
Amazing selection Piers but I’d love your leopard shark included in it. it was also a beautiful shot!
Awesome photos, the nudi is my favourite!
Love your pictures! Since I am an always learning photographer I would love to know the settings on your pictures.
I love your photos! Since I am an always learning photographer, I would love to know the settings on you pictures.