Originally London based, shooting advertising, cosmetics and beauty in studio and on location, my underwater photography developed into something wonderful by 97, and by 2004 I had returned to the islands to escape the big bad city. Assisting many of the best big shooters in London for 6 years, I started my own studio at 27, shooting for Vanity Fair to Cosmopolitan; it's a far cry from my life now. Sharks and things with gills are more common these days. Having not picked up my Mamiya for many months, not able to power up some large lighting in-studio and restricted by tiny slr's and small lighting rigs, I am still able to get what I want underwater - respect for the visionary... whatever your camera.

Recently I have shot for NOVA PBS, WGBH, Belgian Television, Shark Diver magazine, Sport Diver, Scuba Diving, Germany's Next Top Model with Heidi Klum, and am in the process of shooting a special underwater project.

I also currently manage the photography and creative affairs of UNEXSO in the Bahamas, my graphic design and photography at work in lots of dive mags and all of our advertising. A good life in the islands.

I am the Vice President for 2011/2 of the Grand Bahama National Trust, and have been trying to pay something back to my island, here in Grand Bahama where I was born.

We had a terrific response here in the Islands to help save the sharks from the export threat, and sharks have now been officially banned from fishing, export or import, whether meat or by-product. The Bahamas is a shark-safe zone! Thanks to you all for signing the petition!

What I look for in a Dive Operator:

Diving is a tool for us, it fulfills our job and passion - I myself refer to being underwater as being at 'the office' as many do! Dive operators only have to have patience and knowledge for us photographers [and film makers] and the key to being a successful dive operator is to have a fast boat, plenty of space and attentive enthusiastic staff. A large rinse bucket and a table is always helpful...
During a trip to Mexico recently I realized that my boat captain Arturo was special. He took one look at my face as I broke the surface not 5 mins after my 120ft drop, grabbed a towel and reached out for my Subal housing. The camera had dislodged from it's shoe on the bumpy trip out. He made my diving stress free, even when things went wrong.
That's the crew you need!

Underwater Photography of Eddy Raphael

Gallery One

Latest Eddy Raphael's Comments

Aug 8, 2009

Digital Nikonos Industry Design Challenge

There is a Nikonos V out there which has been modified for Jeremiah Sullivan in CA, the maker of Neptunic Shark Suits, and from my understanding it is fully digitized and does not vary in appearance from the original. He spent a bit of cash getting it done by a company there, and takes it around with him everywhere.. very cool- will see if I can get any shots of it.