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Blue Lagoon, Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Sorrento, Italy
 

An Italian marine biologist and underwater photographer, Marco Gargiulo has been obsessed with the ocean and its inhabitants since he was a young child, and has been diving in the Mediterranean Sea for over 40 years. He was encouraged to explore and depict the secret life of the underwater world by his parents, world renowned underwater photographers Enrico and Maria Rosaria.

Marco first used a Nikonos camera at the age of eleven, and since then has upgraded his equipment numerous times. He has successfully participated in both national and international underwater photography contests with his macro and wide-angle work. In 2008, he founded the Poseidon Dive Team in Sorrento, Italy to oversee the National Championships of Underwater Photography, and the National Championship of Safari Photo Fish Hunting, where he holds the position of vice president of the organization and head of the underwater photography section.

Although Italy may not be considered the most famous of dive destinations, it is clear there are plenty of photogenic subjects and marine environments worth visiting, and Marco’s portfolio serves as a great example of what can be achieved if you dedicate time and effort into thoroughly exploring your own backyard. He is now well known as one of the most innovative and prolific photographers in Italy, and he collaborates with magazines and the tourism industry to publish marine biology articles and travel reports in the region.
 

Zeus faber, Sorrento, Italy
 

Peneus shrimp, Marina Grande di Sorrento, Italy
 

Olindias phosphorica jellyfish, Cala di Mitigliano, Italy
 

Bobtail squid, Sorrento, Italy
 

Long-snouted seahorse, Spiaggia Caterina, Italy
 

John Dory sunburst, Sorrento, Italy
 

Monkfish portrait, Sorrento, Italy
 

Jellyfish under the Vesuvius volcano, Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
 

Long-snouted seahorse, Taranto, Italy
 

Pipefish pair, Sorrento, Italy
 

Starfish and reflection, Sorrento, Italy
 

Tiger prawn portrait, Saline Joniche, Italy
 

Common squid, Massa Lubrense, Italy
 

Mediterranean fanworms, Saline Joniche, Italy
 

Red gurnard and macroplankton, Saline Joniche, Italy
 

Marco Gargiulo
 

To see more of Marco’s awesome underwater work, visit his website, www.marcogargiulo.com.