Articles

It’s hard to imagine a more picture-perfect California underwater photographer than Joe Platko.

Joe first cemented his love for the ocean while attending CSU Monterey Bay for a degree focused on marine ecosystems. He swiftly earned a dive certification and obtained an underwater camera to document his local waters. Since then, he has deckhanded on local boats and frequently leads dives in Monterey Bay.

In his free time, Joe enjoys surfing and freediving in local waters or exploring the in-land wilderness of California’s central coast. All of this, combined with his beach blonde hair and energetic personality, is injected into his images, which are full of energy, passion, and that funky Cali vibe.

Joe’s images have appeared in a plethora of publications including the New York Times, Huffington Post, British Airways Highlife Magazine, Virgin, and The Outbound Collective. His work has also been used by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He frequently wins multiple awards from the prestigious NCUPS Monterey Shootout, and the SEA International Photo Competition.
 

Sea nettle jellyfish, Monterey, California
 

Cabezon and a diver, Monterey, California
 

Gray whale portrait, San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico
 

School of blacksmiths, The Breakwater, Monterey, California
 

Sheep crab, The Breakwater, Monterey, California
 

Purple striped jellyfish, The Breakwater, Monterey, California
 

Curious harbor seal, Monastery Beach, Carmel, California
 

Sea hare in kelp, The Breakwater, Monterey, California
 

Aggressive brandts cormorant, The Breakwater, Monterey, California
 

A portrait of Joe in the field, appropriately named “Groovy”

For more of Joe Platko's work, make sure to visit his official website, or follow him on Instagram and Flickr.