Articles

Photographer of the Week Andre ‘Snoopy’ A. Montenegro is more than just a photographer. On his home island of Negros, which is where you’ll find the macro hotspot Dauin, Snoopy’s father was a pioneering dive veteran who opened the first dive center on the island (today called Scuba Ventures). Years later, Snoopy became the first Filipino PADI dive instructor on Negros, and has been a guiding and certifying force for many years, showing folks from all over the world the underwater treasures just steps from the hustle and bustle of land life above.

I met the famous Snoopy on my first trip to the Philippines. From my experience with him in Dauin and Apo Island, I observed a very thoughtful, kind and knowledgeable dive veteran. His gentle nature put his students at ease, and his ability to find critters was uncanny. When I saw his work, I was not at all surprised that his talents translated into his photography. His work demonstrates his broad familiarity with animal behavior, and his lighting reflects that of many of the fine shooters coming out of the Philippines these days.

So if you are lucky enough to visit the beautiful island of Negros, I would highly recommend you look Snoopy up for one heck of a macro adventure. He might also be able to give you a tip or two about shooting some of his resident friends.
 

Lobiger sp., Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
 

Nudibranch at Bacong Pier, Negros Oriental, Philippines
 

Hovering shrimp, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
 

Mating behavior, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
 

Cardinal fish with parasite, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines
 

Flabellina expotata, San Jose, Negros Oriental, Philippines
 

Luminous nudibranch, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
 

Goniobranchus aureopurpureus nudibranch, Anilao, Batangas, Philippines
 

Green turtle off Apo Island, Negros Oriental, Philippines
 

Sardines at Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
 

Snoopy’s selfie
 

Check out more of Snoopy’s work on Flickr.