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Tiger shark, Tiger Beach, Bahamas
 

Underwater photography plays an important role in marine conservation efforts, and one of the best ways to raise awareness and inspire others to care about the ocean and its inhabitants is to capture images of iconic animals and dive destinations and share them with the public to promote change. This week’s featured photographer Guillermo Mendoza is the founder and president of Fundación México Azul, an organization set up to protect the oceans and ensure their conservation. Guillermo’s photography plays a big part in the foundation’s success, and he has taken some awesome pictures of sharks and other pelagic species that are the focus of its work.

As well as being an accomplished photographer, he is also an experienced dive master who has visited some of the world’s most famous destinations, including The Bahamas, Palau, the Galápagos Islands, and of course, the many amazing dive locations that are closer to home in his native Mexico.

When not underwater, he is constantly working on raising funds and promoting numerous conservation programs. When he sells his images, all of the proceeds are channeled directly back to the México Azul foundation. As you can see, big animals are his specialty, and he presents a nice selection of wide-angle images displaying a variety of photography techniques such as motion blur, over-unders, and a great selfie surrounded by jellyfish. My favorite images in his portfolio, though, are the ones that show divers interacting with dolphins and giant mantas, as these are the shots that are most likely to inspire others and be effective in Guillermo’s mission to protect what he loves most.
 

Saltwater crocodile, Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
 

Dolphins and freediver, Bimini, Bahamas
 

zzzSilky shark, Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico
 

Giant manta, Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico
 

Skin diver at sunset, Cozumel, Mexico
 

Caribbean reef sharks, Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
 

Ghost goby in gorgonian sea fan, Fiji
 

Scalloped hammerhead shark, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
 

Green turtle and divers, Espiritu Santo Island, Mexico
 

Freediver and oceanic manta, Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico
 

Pelican catching sardines, Bahaia Magdalena, Mexico
 

Reef shark in the night, Fakarava, French Polynesia
 

Self portrait in Jellyfish Lake, Palau
 

To see more of Guillermo’s work or contribute to his conservation efforts, visit his photography page or the website of the Fundación México Azul.