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Underwater photography is all about capturing the moment—even if that moment takes an entire dive to discover

For underwater Photographer of the Week, Christian Schlamann, capturing this photographic moment is worth the wait. In fact, Christian will even focus on a single motif or subject for 30 minutes just to get the shot. He says it’s quite a good way to meditate—and come home with some awesome shots.
 

Mother and calf humpback whales at the Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank
 

Giannis D: One of the most famous wrecks in the Red Sea, Egypt
 

In love: Mandarinfish, Buton, Sulawesi—a wonderful night dive at the Magic Pier

And Christian has some awesome images to show for his efforts. Whether it’s a lionfish perfectly poised in front of a sun ball or an underwater football player diving to catch a pass, Christian certainly has a knack for capturing “the moment.” This ability has helped him pocket countless photo awards, including our July 2014 monthly contest, with an image of a whale shark approaching a snorkeler at the surface.

Despite being born and bred in the flatlands of Northern Germany, Christian has amassed an impressive underwater portfolio—delving into marine life, conceptual, and fashion photography. Even when not out exploring some remote dive destination, the German photographer spends his free time with pool shoots or freshwater diving.
 

Eyes: Mantis shrimp in Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
 

Family: A large group of dolphins in the Red Sea, Egypt
 

Samaranger Lake: Great sweetwater diving in Austria
 

Sunblocker: Lionfish in the Red Sea—after many attempts, this lion was in just the right position
 

Dynamic: A school of mackerel in Makadi Bay, Egypt
 

A typical reef scene in the Red Sea
 

Face to face: Whale shark encounter at Silver Bank
 

Bubbles: An experimental pool shoot
 

Christian Schlamann

For more of Christian Schlamann’s work, visit his website or check out his Facebook page.