Articles

You won’t find much in the way of bright colors in Michaela Skovranova’s underwater photos. But while desaturated, her images are dripping with emotion, drama and a certain respect for the duality between beauty and raw power that exists in the ocean.

Originally from Slovakia, Michaela moved to Sydney, Australia, where her focus shifted swiftly to underwater photojournalism—be it through natural history, lifestyle or fashion imagery. Since then, she has amassed a variety of awards including being named on Photoboite’s list of 30 Under 30 Women Photographers in 2015.

But Michaela is more than just a still shooter: Her short films pick up the natural, ambient-lit storytelling where the images leave off. From documenting humpback whales to maritime archeology, her stories are original and inspiring whether told through the medium of stills or film.
 

Michaela’s showreel from 2015
 

Dreams Reality series, Fairlight
 

“Love Scars.” A young humpback whale covered in soft scratches, Tonga, Vava’u
 

Mother and calf, Tonga, Vava’u
 

Ocean Meditation, Fairlight
 

Seal dance, Narooma
 

False killer whale, Tonga, Vava’u
 

Humpback whales, Tonga, Vava’u
 

For more of Michaela’s work, make sure to visit her website and also check out her Vimeo page.