Articles

Blenny portrait, Lembeh, Indonesia
 

This week’s featured photographer is Australian shooter Ross Gudgeon, who has been diving and exploring the underwater world for more than four decades. Ross still remembers the first thought that went through his head when he learned to dive back in December 1979: “I’ve got to get a camera—no one is going to believe what I am seeing down here!” Three months later, he purchased a secondhand Nikonos III system and has been taking photos of the world’s most iconic marine life ever since.

After shooting film for 18 years, Ross made the switch to digital in 2002 and has used a variety of different cameras and housings during his long and productive dive career. He is a well known and respected face in the Australian underwater photography community, his work is regularly published in magazines, and he has won many contests and awards.

He has traveled extensively in Asia and beyond, and when not on the road dives regularly in Oz, where he runs photography courses for all levels of image makers at Sundive Byron Bay. His portfolio contains a nice mixture of wide-angle and macro images, and many different skills are on display, including creative backlighting, sunbursts and excellent use of a snoot. It seems that Ross likes to get his macro fix in Indonesia and the Philippines, while making the most of the numerous wide-angle opportunities closer to home. Who can blame him when there are so many big animals such as turtles, sharks and mantas at his local dive site Julian Rocks?

Having visited the east coast of Australia myself some years ago, Ross’s collection of images reminds me just how awesome the diving is in this part of the world, and I would love to get back there one day and have him show me around. Until then, I’ll just have to settle for diving the site vicariously through his awesome underwater images.
 

Red jellyfish, Ningaloo Reef, Australia
 

Rankin cod and cleaner fish, Ningaloo Reef, Australia
 

Lemon goby with eggs, Anilao, Philippines
 

Green turtle, Cook Island, Australia
 

Triplefin and wobbegong shark eye, Julian Rocks, Australia
 

Leopard shark, Julian Rocks, Australia
 

Hairy frogfish, Lembeh, Indonesia
 

Seahorse, Cockburn Sound, Australia
 

Manta ray, Julian Rocks, Australia
 

Jellyfish, Ningaloo Reef, Australia
 

Batfish school, Ningaloo Reef, Australia
 

Black ribbon eel, Lembeh, Indonesia
 

Ghost goby on sea pen, Anilao, Philippines
 

Decorator crab, Lembeh, Indonesia
 

Ross in action!
 

To see more of Mr Gudgeon’s work, you can visit his website, www.bluefishphoto.com.au, or follow his excellent Instagram page.