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Humpback whale mother, calf and escort, Tonga
 

Hailing from Denmark, our latest Photographer of the Week has a portfolio that takes us from the tiny, weird world of blackwater diving, all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum with the apex predator of the frigid Antarctic. Jørgen Rasmussen’s first experience with scuba diving was on the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. There, he got certified, became a divemaster, and shortly after acquired his first underwater camera. And as with so many others who followed a similar path, underwater image-making became his passion.

Jørgen says that it is only a privileged few of us that get to experience the underwater world firsthand and as such, it is our duty as photographers and ambassadors for the natural world to help foster an appreciation for the oceans on a larger scale. His portfolio does an exceptional job of this. Intimate looks at sharks, blanket octopuses and leopard seals give the viewer pictures to keep coming back to. Jørgen’s approach to macro photography is one of patient, quiet, and in-depth observation of behaviors and interesting moments to capture compelling images. When it comes to big animals, he prefers to ditch the scuba gear altogether and freedive instead. This has become a trend in recent years, with many of the most spectacular big animal photography being done with only a mask, snorkel, and fins. 

Since picking up that first underwater camera, Jørgen’s imagery has come a long way, and he has now been recognized internationally in several major photo competitions as well as being a photographer-in-residence at Ocean Geographic. His current rig consists of a Nikon D850, and the two lenses most featured in this portfolio are the Nikon 60mm and the venerable Nikonos 13mm RS. These days, Jørgen splits his time between Singapore and Australia. When Down Under, he can often be found exploring the coast in his custom-built catamaran.
 

Female blanket octopus, Philippines
 

Atlantic spotted dolphins, The Bahamas
 

Male paper nautilus hitchhiking on jellyfish, Philippines
 

Whale shark sunburst, Indonesia
 

Leopard seal showing off its 900lb frame, Antarctica
 

Juvenile diamond squid displaying its vivid colors, Philippines
 

Striped marlin POV, Mexico
 

Squid scores a meal, Philippines
 

Humpback whale calf and freediver Amber Bourke, Tonga
 

Leopard seal showing off its impressive jaws, Antarctica
 

Sailfish grabbing sardine snacks, Mexico
 

Moray or ribbon eel larva, Philippines
 

Jørgen Rasmussen
 

To see more of Jørgen’s excellent images, check out his Instagram page or website www.jorgenrasmussen.com.