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In case you haven’t noticed, the Philippines not only has some of the world’s best diving, but it also has some of the world’s most talented macro shooters. Sure, these lucky individuals have countless miles of coast from which they can do a lot of really superb shore diving, but let’s not discount this culture of excellence that has sprung up around these world-class sites.

One such shooter whose work I first noticed last year during the Anilao Underwater Shootout is that of Penn De Los Santos. Penn, like many of his fellow photographers, has a certain knack for lighting and animal behavior. From his images, it is quite clear that he has studied his subjects, and understands their movements.

What's even more fascinating about Penn’s photos is that he shoots a lot of his subjects with a compact. So anyone who says they could shoot better pictures if they had a bigger camera should take a look at his images. But being able to shoot with a compact rig so well just proves you have a fine eye for photographic details. Combine that with an in-depth knowledge of animal behavior, and the result is prize-winning images—of which Penn has several.
 

This lionfish portrait won second place in the “Fish Portrait” category at the 2016 Anilao Underwater Shootout
 

A tomato clownfish tends to its developing eggs, Anilao
 

Up close with a Halgerda nudibranch, Anilao
 

Timing is everything: A painted frogfish yawns on cue, Anilao
 

The intricate eye of a toby pufferfish, Anilao
 

Careful lighting brings out the color and detail of an orange cup coral, Anilao
 

Dumaguete Pier, shot with a wide-angle wet lens in ambient light
 

A hawksbill turtle glides freely around the reefs of Anilao—turtles are good indicators of a healthy marine ecosystem
 

A shortfin lionfish stares down the photographer, Anilao