Articles

Fish-eating anemone perched in the spotlight, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

This week we introduce DPG Photographer of the Week Phillip Lemley. Phil is from Pennsylvania (not a state known for its world-class diving) but now resides in Monterey, California (a state very well known for its world-class diving!).

Phil began his ocean-related career teaching marine science to nonprofit organizations. In 2018, he transitioned to a career in renewable energy and also picked up underwater photography as a passion project. Phil says photography has become an outlet to share his favorite animal encounters and underwater moments with friends as well as becoming a way to remain connected to the ocean now that his job is no longer ocean related. 

While there are a few images here from various other diving destinations, like Hawaii and Baja, we chose to focus mostly on Phil’s California work. Residing right near world-famous Monterey Bay, his portfolio here heavily features images from the region. Monterey’s spectacular kelp forests host a huge variety and density of marine life that can get even the most seasoned underwater photographer excited, and because the diving isn’t always easy and glorious, Phil told us it makes the calm, clear days all the more special. Phil dives mostly the same three dive sites over and over again, and every single time is able to find some new subject or witness a new behavior. Going through Phil’s Instagram page will give a good idea of what he means! The variety is endless. Hopefully, this small selection will give an idea as well.
 

Monterey Bay’s most iconic plant, giant kelp, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

The developing eggs of a cabezon, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Sea nettle jelly gliding beneath a kelp canopy, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

A huge school of blue rockfish swirl in a cathedral of kelp, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

The business end of a juvenile wolf eel, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Trio of dancing mantas, Kona, Hawaii, USA
 

Split shot featuring Monterey’s iconic kelp and its iconic aquarium, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Lion’s mane nudibranch casting its hood out for food, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Sea lion silhouettes, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

A small polycera nudibranch posing for the camera, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

A beautiful ringed topsnail climbing kelp, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Fish-eating anemone featuring a sea lion flyby, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, USA
 

Gray whale, San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California, Mexico
 

A sea lion hunting baitfish, Baja California, Mexico
 

Please check out Phil’s Instagram page and his website, www.phillemleyphotography.com, to see more beautiful images from around Monterey.