Articles

A slow-shutter snooted shot of a female ribbon eel, Anilao, Philippines
 

Brenden Burkholder is an emerging photographer whose photographic journey is deeply inspired by his experiences underwater. Countless hours spent beneath the surface have shaped not only his technical skills but also his perspective. What began as a desire to share amazing and often strange marine creatures with friends and family has evolved into a focused creative pursuit centered on storytelling through imagery.

As is evident from his feature here, Brenden specializes in macro photography and prefers images that reveal the intricate details of small, often overlooked marine life. From the iridescent shimmer of a nudibranch to the alien-like features of tiny crustaceans, Brenden doesn’t discriminate. He is especially energized by the thrill of discovering rare or elusive species, using his camera to document their presence and underscore their ecological importance. At the same time, he finds equal satisfaction in presenting common species in unexpected ways, highlighting patterns, behaviors, and perspectives that challenge viewers to see the familiar with renewed wonder.

When not photographing close to home, Brenden travels to explore diverse marine ecosystems and document endemic species unique to different regions of the world. Each destination offers new challenges and opportunities to learn, reinforcing his belief that every dive holds the potential for discovery. Through his work, Brenden aims to bridge the gap between people and the underwater world, fostering a deeper connection to the oceans and the extraordinary life they sustain.
 

A pair of stunning little sea goddesses (Felimida binza) hanging out together, Florida, USA
 

The yellow hairy goby is a sought-after macro subject in the tropical Pacific, Anilao, Philippines
 

One of the most difficult fish in the world to photographer properly, the black striated frogfish, Florida, USA
 

An adorable little bobtail squid perched on the sand at night, Anilao, Philippines
 

A beautiful Coryphellina marcusorum nudibranch crawling along some seagrass, Florida, USA
 

There is no cuter slug than Shawn the Sheep, Florida, USA
 

A close-up portrait of a crinoid squat lobster, Anilao, Philippines
 

The world’s most spectacular (and toxic) cuttlefish, the flamboyant, Anilao, Philippines
 

A beautiful ornate ghost pipefish stands out against a black background, Anilao, Philippines
 

A ghost goby eyes the camera from its perch atop a coral head, Anilao, Philippines
 

A common octopus hogs the snooted spotlight, Florida, USA
 

Starfish often host a variety of commensal creatures, such as this small shrimp, Anilao, Philippines
 

A pair of soft coral squat lobsters engaged in what is ostensibly mating behavior, Anilao, Philippines
 

To see more of Brenden’s work, please give him a follow on Instagram.