Articles

A baby green turtle makes its way into the open ocean from Wakatobi Resort, Indonesia
 

Ikelite Ambassador, co-founder of the Ikelite Photo School, and underwater photography Grand Master, Steven Miller has been taking underwater images and teaching other people how to do the same since 1980. Part of his role with Ikelite is working with the research and development department on new products and solutions for photographers.

As the primary instructor for the school, Steve organizes dive trips where Ikelite dealers and their customers come together to experiment with different equipment and photography techniques under professional guidance, and this normally happens at his favorite spot, Wakatobi Resort in Indonesia. As well as teaching at Wakatobi, Steve also works for the resort as a guest experience manager, so not only does he help his group to get great photos, he wants to make sure they have a good time while doing it, too!

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve many years ago in Isla Mujeres, and can attest to his skill as an underwater photographer in the field, and his reputation as an enthusiastic and very knowledgable guy. At the time, we were snorkeling with whale sharks and exclusively shooting wide-angle, natural-light images, but take one look at his portfolio below and you can see he has mastered the complete arsenal of underwater photography techniques.

Steve’s website contains comprehensive guidelines on a variety of skills such as over/unders, advanced macro, and even fluorescent nighttime photography, but what I like most are the collection of images taken in his very own backyard.

Rather impressively, Steve decided to create a huge natural swimming pool on his property and documented the entire process while he was at it. The result of months of building work are what can only be described as an epic outdoor freshwater film studio, which provides him with an ideal place to test out new products and experiment with photography techniques.

Honestly, I could have put together this entire feature with images from Steve’s garden, and it would have still been one of my favorite portfolios for quite some time! Using a custom built pole cam/boat, he has produced some amazing images of frogs and paddlefish in his pool that are unlike anything I have seen before. Being creative and willing to try new things is what separates the best from the rest, so congratulations Steve for all your hard work and perseverance—the end results are awesome!
 

This split image of a frog is just one of many of Steve’s amazing backyard pool shots
 

Anthias come out in force to feed in a heavy current at Wakatobi, Indonesia
 

When you find a crocodilefish and only have a macro lens, remember they have the most
beautiful eye in the ocean!
 

A cuttlefish defending its territory, captured with an 8mm circular fisheye lens
 

A whale shark feeds as a snorkeler looks on
 

Dolphins gather round for a photo op in the Red Sea
 

An oceanic whitetip and its pilot fish entourage in the Red Sea
 

A curious shark breaks the surface at sunset in Yap, Micronesia
 

A unique and visually striking image of an octopus in its home
 

A circular fisheye lens captures a unique perspective on a colorful reef
 

A natural light image taken in a freshwater cenote in Mexico
 

A composite image of a hawksbill turtle in Snell’s window, Cayman Islands
 

“The Lovers”: A beautiful composite comprised of three different images from three different locations!
 

Steve in the field: You aren’t supposed to touch the manatees but what do you do if they come to you?
 

Marvel at more of Steve’s superb images on his website, or follow him on Facebook. Head over to Ikelite Photo School for techniques, product tutorials, gear reviews, and more.