Each month we give the winner of the Scubaverse Underwater Photography competition the opportunity to show off a little more of their work in a gallery. The November winner was Sagi Maayan and you can see his winning image at the top of this page.

My name is Sagi Maayan, I live in a small village in Israel, close to the Mediterranean Sea coast. I am a marine biologist specializes in the reproduction process of Koi fish. As one who lives in Israel I am lucky enough to be able to reach various dive sites, in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in the red sea. I usually prefer diving in the red sea, as marine life there offers more variety, and sea conditions are better. I was lucky to participate in the Red sea diving festival photography contest that took place in March 2020 (right before COVID-19 entered our lives), and won first place for Macro category. Additionally, my submitted photo was announced as “best of show”. I am very thankful for my home’s proximity to beautiful diving sites, and very much inspired by the amazing most northern coral reef I dive in.

How did your underwater photography start?

My passion about underwater photography started in 2008. I was travelling for about 8 mounts in south America. The last part of the trip was spent in the Bahama’s, where my parents joined me. They brought along a simple underwater camera, which I was curious to try. We are a family of divers, therefore most of our time spent diving. As I have realized I could capture amazing moments by this simple camera I have decided to learn more.

What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?

My advice is to go step by step: begin only with a camera and then add additional equipment such as strobes, flashlights, various lenses, etc. Additionally, learn from more experienced photographers, be inspired by them, and evolve from there.

Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?

My favourite diving location is “The restaurant” diving site in Eilat, Red sea. This location is full of many and various small organisms waiting to be photographed. It is a great place for Macro shooting.

What do you look for when you are making your images?

Initially I look for a special phenomenon or organism. Then I try to capture it in the most suitable composition and lighting conditions.

What motivates you to take u/w photos?

As I focus mainly on Macro shooting, when searching for objects to be photographed I often find phenomena or organisms that I haven’t seen before. Being exposed to interesting new mysteries of marine life motivates me to “stand” behind the lens.

To enter the latest Scubaverse Underwater Photography competition, with a chance to win some great prizes as well as have your own gallery published, head over to the competition page and upload up to three images.