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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Jett Britnell
In an ongoing series, Scubaverse’s Underwater Photography Editor Nick Robertson-Brown talks to underwater photographers from around the world that he admires. In this blog: Jett Britnell
NRB: Tell us a little about yourself
JB: I was five years old when I happened to watch an early 60s TV episode of a scuba diving adventure show called, Sea Hunt. I felt so inspired that I grabbed a war surplus gas mask that I had begged my dad to buy me at the local county fair, and ventured out into my backyard. Our backyard had a large iron cauldron that was filled with water and orange goldfish as a lawn feature. My gas mask had goggles and a long hose attached to a canister. Surely, it would work underwater. After putting on the gas mask I heaved myself up on the lip of the cauldron and dunked my head underwater. Not only could I clearly see the goldfish swimming, but I also noticed the flakes of rust lining the bottom of the caldron. Soon enough, water began seeping into the mask. “No worries”, I thought, “I have a breathing hose!” Of course, the gas mask flooded with water and I had to quickly abort my underwater mission. Clearly, something was calling to me as all through my childhood I was hypnotically drawn to scuba diving either through watching TV documentaries such as The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau or thumbing through the pages of National Geographic to follow the shark diving exploits of Australia’s famous shark divers, Ron and Valerie Taylor.
As a professional scuba diving photojournalist based in Vancouver, Canada, I have achieved what is known in explorer circles as being the “Holy Trifecta!” as I’m a Fellow in three of the world’s most prestigious explorer societies, The Explorers Club (New York), the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (Ottawa) and the Royal Geographical Society (London). I’m also a member of the Ocean Artists Society, an Ambassador in EXPLOCEAN’s League of Underwater Explorers, and a consultant to Elephanatics, an elephant advocacy organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Descent into Browning Passage – British Columbia – at a dive site called Seven Tree Island – Jett Britnell
The first story I ever wrote was on speculation for Canada’s DIVER Magazine which meant if my writing and photography were not up to snuff, they did not have to publish it. Remarkably, for someone without a writing degree, or any formal photography training, my first published story in August 1987 was a four-page centre spread feature article along with one of my photos gracing the magazine’s front cover. I had arrived, so to speak. Since then, I have amassed almost 60 magazine cover shots, and my images and editorial continue to be published internationally in various media. Apart from freelancing with various scuba publications through the years, I was also a Travel Editor for Dive News Network, and a Contributing Editor to Canada’s Diver Magazine for 12 years. In 2016, I was named one of “122 Inspiring Shooters You Should Know” by Scuba Diver Ocean Planet Magazine. My wife, Kathryn, and I also co-author an exploration, photography and travel column for Luxe Beat Magazine under the banner “Third Age Expeditions,” https://luxebeatmag.com/category/columns/third-age-expeditions
NRB: How did your underwater photography start?
JB: My pursuit of underwater photography arose back in the early 80’s when I saw a couple of magazine cover shots in Canada’s DIVER Magazine by local British Columbia underwater photographer Gordy Cox. He remains as being one of the most talented underwater photographers I have ever known. I started shooting with slide film and actually learned how to adjust camera f-stops and shutter speeds 60-feet beneath the sea. While my undersea images were good, and getting better, to get them published in a magazine, I had to write the story to go along with my photos. Writing for magazines I also learned as I went along.
Opalescent nudibranch – Browning Passage – British Columbia – Jett Britnell
I made my first underwater pictures in January 1983 using a Canon AE-1 35mm SLR camera in a Tussey underwater housing. Those early images would not see the light of day today. Around this time, I had met Gordy Cox and we became friends. From the beginning Gordy always told me that I had “a good eye” and not to worry as the lighting will come. I also consider myself fortunate that I also become friends with a couple other talented BC underwater photographers, Neil McDaniel and David Fleetham. Somewhere along the way I was simply accepted as being one of their peers. Sadly, my friend and mentor, Gordy Cox, passed away in 2020.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
JB: While I have tried other camera brands underwater, I have largely been Team Nikon since I was first published. Prior to digital photography, I started out shooting slide film and my favorite camera was a Nikon F3 with a sport viewfinder in an underwater housing. I had two of these cameras housed in Aquatica housings, one set up for macro and the other for wide angle. I switched to digital photography in May 2004 with a Nikon D70 which was a great little 6MP DSLR and have not exposed one roll of film since. Presently, I’ve transitioned from a Nikon D800 to using Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras housed in an Aquatica AZ6/7 underwater housing, with twin Sea & Sea YS-D3 strobes. While I own a variety of prime Nikon lenses, the workhorse lenses for my underwater work are the AF Fisheye-NIKKOR 16mm f/2.8 for wide-angle work and the AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8 and Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 lenses for shooting fish and macro critters. These three lenses pretty much cover it all underwater. I have also started using a Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 which I am quite enjoying.
Baby humpback whale – Tahiti – Jett Britnell
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
JB: Lighting in underwater photography is everything. Study the work of other underwater photographers to gain inspiration and perspective. Try to figure how those underwater photographers used light, the subject matter and composition. Experiment at trying to emulate their style. Never feel you must purchase the most expensive photography equipment. Buy the best you can afford, but never forget that it is the photographer, and not the equipment, that makes the photo. Shoot a lot of images and include both horizontals and verticals. Studying marine life behavior and their habits is vitally important if you wish successfully photograph marine subjects. The goal is to keep working at it and never stop learning. Consider doing photo dives in places where nobody else goes. It is in these places where new discoveries are made. Participate in dedicated underwater photography expeditions. Be sure to friend or follow underwater photo pros and scuba diving editors in social media to keep abreast of what’s happening. Lastly, never worry. The lighting will come as it did for me.
Fish eating tealia anemone – British Columbia – Jett Britnell
NRB: What, or who, has been the single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
JB: Apart from the local BC underwater photographers who I dived with regularly, there were also several world-renowned underwater photographers whose work always inspired me. For me, teamwork makes the dream work. I have always been drawn to and admired the photos made by diving couples such as Hans & Lotte Hass, Ron & Valerie Taylor, and Stephen Frink and his dearly departed wife, Barbara Doernbach. Other underwater photo pros whose imagery consistently provided stars to reach for were Amos Nachoum, Chris Newbert, David Doubilet, Howard Hall, Marty Snyderman, and the late Rick Frehsee. They all shot with slide film back in the early days where you only had 36 frames per dive. And then there is what I like to call the new wave of underwater photo pros, the incomparable Ellen Cuylaerts, Michele Westmoreland, Allison Vitsky, Alex Mustard, Ken Kiefer, Eiko Jones, Stewart Sy, Joanna Suan and my brother from another mother and Tobermory’s shipwreck diving legend Stuart Seldon. I would also be remiss if I did not mention Michael Maes who, before turning to the dark side of shooting underwater video, created some stunning underwater still images.
Oceanic whitetip sharks grow up to 4 meters and are “Critically Endangered” in the Northwest and Western Central Atlantic areas – Cat Island – Bahamas – Jett Britnell
NRB: What image are you most proud of and why?
JB: I never fall in love with the images I make. Not unlike searching for the lost chord in music, I’m seemingly always more interested in the next photo I’ve yet to make. That being said, if I had to choose just one photo at the moment it would be an image, I made of an Oceanic Whitetip Shark while snorkeling with Epic Diving (www.epicdiving.com) approximately seven miles offshore at Cat Island, in the Bahamas. It’s an image I held in my mind’s eye after watching the shark documentary “Blue Water, White Death” when I was still a pre-teen.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it your favourite for the photography?
JB: I absolutely love diving just about anywhere on this magnificent blue planet. If you were to ask, “If you could only dive in one place for the rest of your life, where would that be?” it would hands down be in British Columbia’s famed Browning Passage, which is situated off the north end of Vancouver Island. I’ve made it known this is where I want my cremated remains scattered after my soul departs on its next great adventure.
Sombrero Island reefscape – Philippines – Jett Britnell
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
JB: I‘m opposed to marine life manipulation insofar as moving say a nudibranch next to some more colourfully background, or anything like that. Some believe that shark dives where bait is used to attract them into the area is manipulating the shark’s behaviour. I disagree as there have been several studies which support that sharks are merely being opportunistic feeders. I have witnessed underwater photographers move something, and then not put it back. No picture is worth harming or disturbing marine life.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
JB: First, if I’m shooting wide angle, I always use “jump settings.” In other words, my camera settings are already dialed in for any subject I might encounter after splashing beneath the waves. Down below, I think about composition and photogenic backgrounds. I take my time to look for photo ops. Patience is a virtue as I will wait a considerable amount of time for a critter to move into the right place. Ideally, we are at a dive site inhabited by marine life we are hoping to photograph. If not, it doesn’t matter. I always descend beneath the waves with a mindset that something good will always happen. Some underwater photographers stress themselves out, along with whomever they may be diving with. In order to truly excel at the art of underwater photography on should attach themselves to having a Zen-like attitude as easily as they change a camera lens.
Clown shrimp on Crimson Anemone – copyright by Jett Britnell
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
JB: I never needed any motivation. I could not have known when I was five years old what I know now and that is I was shaping my destiny when I strapped on an old war surplus gas mask and dunked my head into a big black iron cauldron to look at goldfish. I have a lifelong love for the oceans, rivers and lakes and all that lurks beneath the surface.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
JB: There is no one place for me. I would love to photograph marine life in the Arctic and Antarctica, Orcas in Norway, or diving with sharks and whales just about anywhere; exploring ancient shipwrecks in the Greek Isles, and the Philippines presently looms large on our horizon. We have been there twice before and Kathryn and I have been invited to lead a trip there in 2022. It’s a lovely country brimming with kind-hearted, beautiful, people and diving there never ceases to amaze.
Giant Pacific Octopus in BC – Jett Britnell
To see more of Jett’s work follow these links:
- Website: www.jettbritnell.com
- Website: thirdageexpeditions.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jett.britnell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jett_britnell
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jettbritnell
The programme is one of the largest marine citizen science activities of its kind in the UK. Volunteers taking part will not only be clearing our beaches of litter, but help the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, to gather vital data to create change for cleaner and healthier seas.
This year’s Great British Beach Clean is being sponsored by Ireland’s leading soup brand, Cully & Sully Soup, whose support is helping to raise awareness of marine litter and protect UK beaches from pollution.
To sign up for a beach clean, or organise your own, simply visit the charity’s website.
Key stats and facts
- At last year’s Great British Beach Clean, 5,416 volunteers conducted 428 beach cleans over 10 days, surveying 64,139 metres of coastline. A total of 129,391 pieces of litter were collected, filling 1,426 bags and weighing 7,476 kg.
- The Marine Conservation Society has recorded an average drop of 80% in carrier bags found on UK beaches since charges were introduced, showing that policies to reduce plastic work.
- Data collected during the Great British Beach Clean contributes toward the charity’s annual State of our Beaches report. Last year’s report recorded a 14% increase in drinks-related litter.
- The report also showed that nine out of 10 beach litter items found on beaches by Marine Conservation Society volunteers last year were made from plastic.
- Sewage plays a large part in the pollution problem. In 2023, over 29,500 sewage-related items, including more than 21,000 wet wipes, were recorded across the UK and Channel Islands, with sewage-related items present on 72% of surveyed beaches.
- Data from the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean contributes to a global database, International Coastal Cleanup.
Key messages:
- Data collected by volunteers during the Great British Beach Clean shows the positive result of policies like carrier bag charges, and how they work to reduce litter on our beaches.
- Plastic still remains the most common form of beach pollution – highlighting the urgent need for further action to tackle the single-use plastic problem such as charges, bans and deposit return schemes.
- The Marine Conservation Society is calling for governments across the UK implement world-class deposit return schemes for drinks containers including glass, plastic, and cans, without any further delay. Currently the proposed scheme is set to start in October 2027, but with Wales being the only country to include glass.
- The charity hopes that the recent bans on single-use plastics, such as cutlery, will lead to a noticeable reduction in the amount of single-use plastic cutlery polluting our beaches, much like the positive impact of the carrier bag charge.
- Sewage-related pollution, such as period products and wet wipes, are still prevalent on our beaches. Governments of the UK must turn the tide on pollution and end untreated sewage damaging our marine environment.
- You can support the charity by helping to clean up the UK’s beaches and collecting valuable data that supports efforts to address sewage pollution effectively.
ON THE DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME:
Lizzie Price, Beachwatch Manager at the Marine Conservation Society: “It’s fantastic to see real-world evidence of the effectiveness of policies such as carrier bag charges in tackling pollution from single-use plastics. There’s no denying that these measures have helped to reduce litter on our beaches. However, we cannot afford to become complacent.
“Drinks-related litter, such as bottles and cans, were found on 97% of UK beaches surveyed last year. We need wider policies such as charges, bans, or deposits on more single-use items where possible, including the proposed deposit return schemes for plastic bottles, cans, and glass. We must keep moving towards a society that repairs, reuses, and recycles.”
ON SEWAGE POLLUTION:
Rachel Wyatt, the Marine Conservation Society’s Water Quality Policy & Advocacy Manager:
“Our seas cannot sustain the deluge of sewage that is being dumped into our waterways on a weekly basis. Our beach clean volunteers find thousands of sewage-related litter items washed up on the beaches every year, but it’s not just physical pollution that is harmful to us and marine life. Raw sewage contains a cocktail of bacteria, viruses, harmful chemicals, and microplastics which is a disaster for our ocean. Governments of the UK must turn the tide on pollution and end untreated sewage damaging our marine environment, so that we can all enjoy sewage-free seas.”
ON VOLUNTEERING:
Clare Trotman, Beachwatch Officer at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The work we do at the Marine Conservation Society simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, who help gather crucial beach litter data. This information is invaluable in shaping scientific understanding and driving the changes needed to protect our precious marine environment.
“With beach cleans taking place all over the UK and Channel Islands, there are countless opportunities to get involved and support us this year. And if you can’t make it to the beach, you can still contribute by organising a local litter pick and survey in your area.”
Cully Allen from Great British Beach Clean sponsor, Cully & Sully Soup, said: “We are excited to be part of the UK’s biggest beach clean initiative for a third year. As a B Corp, doing good is at the core of what we do. We are always striving to do better internally as a business, but we really enjoy when we get to encourage and join our customers in doing good. We are looking forward to getting stuck into the beach cleans again this year, serving up our soup to the SOUPer volunteers and taking direct action on marine litter.”
The following beach cleans are currently set to take place:
| Date | Region | County | Beach & link |
| 20/09/2024 | Weston-Super-Mare | North Somerset, England | Uphill Beach |
| 20/09/2024 | Wirral | Cheshire, England | West Kirby Beach |
| 21/09/2024 | Weston-Super-Mare | North Somerset, England | Sand Bay Beach |
| 21/09/2024 | Cramond | Edinburgh, Scotland | Cramond Beach |
| 21/09/2024 | Aberdeen | Aberdeenshire, Scotland | Aberdeen City Beach |
| 22/09/2024 | Formby | Merseyside, England | Formby Beach |
| 23/09/2024 | Portsmouth | Hampshire, England | Southsea Beach |
| 25/09/2024 | Littlehampton | West Sussex, England | Littlehampton East Beach |
| 27/09/2024 | Swansea | Glamorgan, Wales | Swansea Beach |
| 27/09/2024 | Portstewart | Londonderry, N. Ireland | Portstewart Beach |
| 27/09/2024 | Cleethorpes | Lincolnshire, England | Cleethorpes Beach |
| 27/09/2024 | Brixham | Devon, England | St Mary’s Beach |
| 28/09/2024 | Rhoscolyn | Isle of Anglesey, Wales | Borth Wen Beach |
| 28/09/2024 | Charmouth | Dorset, England | Charmouth Beach |
| 29/09/2024 | Wallasey | Merseyside, England | New Brighton Beach |
Find more information about the Marine Conservation Society at www.mcsuk.org.
November 3 to 10, 2024 – aboard the Gallant Lady
October 19 to 26, 2025 – aboard the Nautilus Explorer
The Experience
From October to January, an extraordinary event unfolds in the nutrient-rich, vibrant blue waters off Magdalena Bay, where striped marlin gather to hunt during the second-largest sardine run in the world. This breathtaking underwater spectacle is one you won’t want to miss.
Set sail aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady as we cruise along the stunning Baja California coastline. Our destination? The tranquil waters and outer islands of Magdalena Bay, where massive schools of sardines congregate. Each fall, an oceanic upwelling merges with warm waters, creating ideal conditions for these sardines in the shallow, cobalt-blue waters. These waters teem with life, featuring bait balls and predators such as seabirds, blue and mako sharks, sea lions, whales, dolphins, wahoo, and the fastest fish in the ocean—the striped marlin. With speeds reaching 50 mph (80 km/h), it’s a thrilling experience to be in the water next to a bait ball, watching marlin zoom past with their dorsal fins fully extended. You might also encounter pelicans, gulls, booby birds, frigate birds, shearwaters, and even the majestic albatross.
Trip Highlights
- Witness one of the world’s largest sardine hunts in Magdalena Bay
- Snorkel alongside striped marlin as they prepare for a feeding frenzy
- Chance to see California sea lions, dolphins, wahoo, and more
- Spot humpback whales and, if lucky, possibly orcas or blue whales
- Scuba dive the SS Independence and a WWI submarine wreck
- View pelicans, gulls, booby birds, frigates, shearwaters, and albatross
Pricing
November 3 to 10, 2024 on Gallant Lady
- Superior Suites: $3,670 USD per person (tax included) – 0 spots left
- Premium Suite: $4,195 USD per person (tax included) – 1 spot left
- $35 USD port fee (paid onboard)
October 19 to 26, 2025 on Nautilus Explorer
- 1 Triple room berth: $3,355 USD – 1 spot left
- 2 Single Suites: $4,455 USD – 2 spots left
- 2 Superior Suites: $3,775 USD per person (tax included) – 4 spots left
- 1 Standard Suite: $3,564 USD per person (tax included) – 4 spots left
- $35 USD port fee (paid onboard)
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- All meals: continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert
- Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
- Daily room service
- Towels and onboard facilities (including hot tub and lounge)
- Lots of fun!
Exclusions
- Airport transfer
- Bar and gift shop purchases
- Crew gratuities
- Internet access
- $35 USD port fee
Photography Coaching
Underwater photography coaching will be provided by Christopher Bartlett, the founder of Indigo Safaris and an experienced underwater photographer. Christopher’s work has been featured globally, and he has published over 100 articles on diving and marine conservation. His photography has appeared on numerous dive magazine covers. During the trip, Christopher will offer photography guidance, from basic to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle shots. He’ll help you set up your gear and process your images in Lightroom. Christopher has been leading Cetacean trips since 2015 and has extensive experience with species like sperm whales, humpbacks, sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and bait balls.
The Journey
Embark on the luxurious 116 ft, six-cabin expedition yacht, Nautilus Gallant Lady, and follow this remarkable migration across the Sea of Cortez. Whether you’re a snorkeler, swimmer, or diver, this trip caters to all experience levels. We’ll ensure you get ample time in the water with schools of mobula rays. Some encounters may last just minutes, while others could extend for over an hour—and sometimes, the rays may even welcome you into the middle of their formation. A bonus experience? Special night encounters with rays as they gather around our dive lights in shallow, protected bays.
Who is this trip for?
This adventure is perfect for both divers and snorkelers. While there are a couple of dive days, non-divers can enjoy the action through snorkeling. Most of the bait ball excitement is best experienced while snorkeling.
Day 1
Arrive at SeeCreatures Cabo by 4:30 pm. After boarding, we’ll set sail along the stunning Baja California coastline, heading toward the sheltered waters and outer islands of Magdalena Bay, home to the famous sardine run.
Day 2
Kick off the adventure with three dives at the southern end of Margarita Island, where you’ll explore sites that include playful sea lions and the remains of a steamship that sank in the early 1900s.
Days 3 – 6
It’s time to hunt for bait balls and jump into the water with striped marlin! This eco-tourism experience is a collaboration with local pangas and expert captains. Captain G and his family and friends are masters at locating bait balls, giving you the best chance for marlin encounters. Spend as much or as little time on the water as you like—the more time you invest, the more striped marlin sightings you’ll enjoy. Scuba diving is also a core part of the itinerary.
Magdalena Bay teems with life at this time of year. Alongside marlin, you could see whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and sea lions. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby mangroves and stunning sand dunes. For added adventure, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) will be available for your use.
Day 7
On the final day at Magdalena Bay, we’ll wrap up with three more dives, including a dive at the wreck of a WWI submarine and another sea lion encounter.
Day 8
Disembark at SeeCreatures Cabo after enjoying a final breakfast at 8:30 am.
The Vessel
Accommodating 12 passengers in six spacious suites, the Gallant Lady offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. The cabins are split between the lower and main decks, featuring five Superior Suites and one Premium Suite. Each suite is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, a California king or two double beds, ample storage, and private en-suite bathrooms.
Superior Suites – Inde, Dofleini, Rosario, Nautilus & Swell
Two Superior Suites are located on the main deck, while the remaining three are on the lower deck. Four of these suites can be configured with either a California king bed or two double beds. Each suite includes a private en-suite bathroom with a shower and individually controlled A/C.
Premium Suite – Emerald
The spacious Premium Suite, located on the lower deck, offers flexibility with either a California king bed or two doubles. It also features a private en-suite bathroom with a full-sized bathtub.
Social Spaces
The Gallant Lady is designed with several comfortable social areas to help you unwind. The sky lounge on the top deck, complete with a hot tub, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail after a day of adventure. Relax between dives on the sundeck, or take in the wrap-around views from the main salon and dining room, which also boasts a fully stocked bar.
The onboard chef prepares a delicious fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine, and all dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:
Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett
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