Articles

A common octopus putting on a stunning display to show off its “intimidating” size, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
 

Jenna Emery is an underwater photographer and science educator based in Monterey, California. Her passion for photography began during undergraduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where a coral reef course introduced her to the world beneath the surface—and to the power of images to connect people to it.

Blending her background as a dive instructor, marine biologist, and science teacher, Jenna uses photography to highlight overlooked marine life and evoke curiosity and connection. While macro photography fuels her creativity, wide-angle shots challenge her to see the bigger picture and tell more-layered stories. She aims to capture the tiny details and draw attention to what often goes unnoticed. Jenna is drawn to negative space and intentional composition, often offsetting the subject to highlight the environment.

For Jenna, photography isn’t just about the image—it’s about connection. She believes in the power of visuals to inspire love and protection for the ocean. As a middle school science teacher, she brings this mission into the classroom, sharing her weekend dives and ocean encounters through her photos.
 

An ochre star clings to a dock piling, surrounded by a massive school of baitfish, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A photographer explores the kelp forest above a school of rockfish, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

The wicked looking business end of a viper moray, Hawaii
 

An adorable and charismatic fringehead peers out of a bed of bryozoans, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A hawksbill turtle cruises along the edge of the reef in Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
 

A small hermit crab perfectly perched on the edge of a kelp frond, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A rose anemone surrounded by brittle stars in the kelp forest, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A male sheephead showing off for the camera, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A fantastically cute snailfish perched on a blade of kelp, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

Sun rays slice through the kelp canopy, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

Sheltering in a crevasse in the reef is a Caribbean spiny lobster, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
 

A very young wrasse explores a forest of feather dusters, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
 

A curious sea lion emerges from the kelp to inspect the photographer, Monterey Bay, California, USA
 

A well-camouflaged triplefin resting on a sponge, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
 

To see more of Jenna’s fantastic underwater work, please give her a follow on Instagram.