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A pair of Pontoh’s pygmy seahorses, Wakatobi, Indonesia
 

Photographer of the week Richard Smith is a widely published writer, award-winning photographer, marine biologist, and trip leader. Through his love of underwater photography, Richard is able to complement his knowledge of marine environments with brilliant imagery in order to inspire a greater appreciation of our oceans—both visually and verbally. Originally from England, Richard began diving in 1996 and has logged thousands of dives since. For his PhD, Richard conducted research on the biology and conservation of pygmy seahorses at Wakatobi Dive Resort and his pioneering research earned him a doctorate in April of 2011.

It's rather obvious Richard's images are carefully crafted—from the thoughtful compositions, to the surprising patterns, and range of hues. I was immediately intrigued by his work, although it’s tough to decide which I prefer—the dramatic noir or beautifully blurred backdrops. Either way, each image encapsulates the essence of true artistry. It is comforting to know our oceans and its inhabitants have the support of such a visually creative and knowledgeable marine biologist.
 

A pair of leopard anemone shrimps, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

Basket star shrimp, Wakatobi, Indonesia
 

Harlequin crab, Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
 

Japanese pygmy seahorse in temperate Japan
 

Scorpionfish with copepod parasite and pink coil of eggs, Japan
 

A quartet of batfish, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

Clouds of silversides over a Raja Ampat reef, Indonesia
 

An aggregation of gray nurse sharks, South West Rocks, Australia
 

Crashing waves, Egyptian Red Sea
 

Whale shark and diver, Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia
 

Pair of whip coral gobies guarding their eggs, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
 

Lynne’s pipefish, Solomon Islands
 

Denise’s pygmy seahorse on a whip coral, Wakatobi, Indonesia
 

Richard Smith
 

For more of Rich’s underwater eye candy, head over to www.oceanrealmimages.com, or follow Rich on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.