Articles

A blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) lines its dorsal fin up with the setting sun, Mo’orea, French Polynesia
 

Take a “split” second to look at the portfolio of underwater photographer Renee Capozzola and you’re likely to see a pattern. Renee has a strong affinity—and talent—for over-unders, or split shots.

The notion of combining two separate elements in a single whole is also an interesting metaphor for Renee’s background that led to her career in underwater photography. Renee’s fascination for the ocean is manifested in her professional background in biology, while her artistic side comes from a passion for oil painting nurtured during her youth. It’s this combination of understanding of her subject and appreciation for composition, color, and contrast that takes her half-and-half images to the next level.

Renee has already racked up quite the awards list, including first place in the 2018 Asia Pacific UW Photo Challenge, first place winner in the 2017 Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year, and the Best-In-Show prize at the 2017 Beneath the Sea. When not taking home trophies, Renee teaches biology and loves to educate her students on the challenges facing our oceans and the importance of conservation.
 

A green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) takes a breath at the surface during sunset in Maui, Hawaii
 

Canadian geese swim over the Sweepstakes wreck, which was sunk in 1885, Lake Huron, near Tobermory, Canada
 

A pair of blacktip reef sharks align nose to nose for a unique portrait
 

A humpback calf seems to play with the bubbles created by its mother resting below. The unique behavior was observed off Mo’orea, French Polynesia
 

A large stingray (Himantura fai) comes to the surface in a shallow lagoon for a portrait just as the sun sets in French Polynesia
 

A piglet takes a dip for the first time in a lagoon
 

Anthias swarm around a large coral head at the “Watu Balu” dive site in East Flores, Indonesia
 

At Mo’orea in French Polynesia, blacktip reef sharks can be seen in large numbers due to strong protections
 

Renee Capozzola
 

See more of Renee’s beautifully composed images on her website, www.beneaththesurfaceimaging.com, or on her Instagram page.