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When people think about diving in Australia, they immediately think about the Great Barrier Reef. This is understandable because it is, of course, the largest barrier reef in the world, and has put Australia on the map for its extensive reefs and fish life. But if you’ve actually spent some time diving other parts of Australia, then you are familiar with the vast diversity the world’s largest island has to offer. And if you are one of the lucky folks who call Oz home, then perhaps the images of Photographer of the Week, Mark Gray, will make you proud to call yourself an Aussie.

Filled with sharks, turtles and even South Australia’s famed leafy seadragon, Mark’s portfolio is busting with the colors and creatures that make underwater photographers snap happy. Using underwater phenomenon such as Snell’s window, sunbursts and underexposed backgrounds, he cleanly and explicitly frames his subjects so that they pop out of the frame, turning what might be just a typical fish portrait into a rich display of contrast and action. So if you’re trying to get more creative with your images, take some time to study Mark’s work, and perhaps give more of Australia’s perimeter a go next time you find yourself Down Under!
 

Gray nurse shark, Fish Rock, South West Rocks, Australia
 

Bumphead parrotfish, Sipadan Island, Malaysia
 

Green turtle and sunburst, Byron Bay, Australia
 

Leafy seadragon, Tumby Bay, South Australia
 

Leopard shark, Byron Bay, Australia
 

Manta and diver, Byron Bay, Australia
 

Great white shark, Neptune Islands, South Australia
 

Light tank, San Franciso Maru, Truk Lagoon, Chuuk, Mirconesia
 

Mark Gray