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Scubaverse Underwater Photographer Interview: Josef Litt
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: Josef Litt.
Photo: Dr Alex Mustard
I grew up in Czechoslovakia, and we now live with my family in a small town called Twyford, west of London. I dreamt of adventures in faraway lands and in the ocean since I was a little boy, although my interest in technology took over in my early teenage years. Computers became the subject of my studies and later occupation. However, the romance with adventure and nature grew stronger and stronger. The decision to go diving was inspired by my dad becoming a diver in the local army organisation in the late 1970s.
‘Build a house, father a child, become a diver.’
I managed these goals and also planted some trees in 2006. The decisive moment arrived when I brought a borrowed Canon S90 in an underwater housing to my second diving trip. The photos were dreadful, but the bug has bitten.
I like photography, but I love the stories and the adventure more. Which explains why I’d rather write an article than prepare images for competition. Winning is a great feeling but so is to see an article published in a magazine with a photo on the cover page. The most rewarding feeling though was to receive fantastic reviews of my book GALÁPAGOS from readers and magazine editors.
Nowadays I enjoy leading trips to the Galapagos and other destinations, taking photographs, writing articles and working on my next book. Juggling this, family life and my work as a business transformation consultant keeps me busy every minute.
My website www.joseflitt.com covers all about the trips, GALÁPAGOS and my photography. Follow me on Facebook (Josef Litt and Photography by Josef Litt) and on Instagram (@jlittphoto).
Check out the 2020 Galapagos trips on Scuba Travel’s website by clicking here.
NRB: What is your favourite u/w camera equipment (past & present) & why?
JL: The first camera I ever used underwater was a Canon, and I stayed faithful ever since. I own a Canon 5D Mark IV in Nauticam housing, and I am loving it. The dynamic range and the low noise of the sensor allow me to take pictures in difficult lighting situations. The ergonomics of the housing is impressive. I feel I have everything I need at my fingertips.
NRB: What would be your advice to anyone new to underwater photography?
JL: Firstly, have fun! Learn as much as you can, read about photography, book an underwater photography workshop. Bite the bullet and learn Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop properly. Your ability to develop underwater images is as important as the ability to take them.
NRB: What, or who, has been your single biggest inspiration for your underwater photography?
JL: The word ‘single’ in the question puzzles me. The natural history TV series featuring the underwater world formed my interest. But there was no such a thing as a single biggest inspiration. I am privileged to have a chance to learn from the grandmasters: Martin Edge and Alex Mustard, and also be part of an awesome community of underwater photographers around the world.
NRB: Where is your favourite dive location, and is it for the photography?
JL: My most favourite dive locations are in the Galapagos. Darwin and Wolf are fantastic dive sites. Diving with marine iguanas at Cabo Douglas on Fernandina is also an unforgettable experience. Galapagos is not an easy location to take photographs, but results can be stunning with perseverance and careful lighting techniques.
NRB: What are you views on marine life manipulation, moving subjects?
JL: I am against harassing marine life. One could say that the act of flying to exotic destinations has a much more significant impact than moving a candy crab to the top of the soft coral. Also, one flash may not harm a pygmy seahorse but a queue of keen photographers taking ten or more shots each probably will. A healthy respect for the environment and the creatures living in it is critical. Awarding a manipulated image means blacklisting the competition for me.
NRB: What do you look for when you are making your images?
JL: I look for the background, the decisive moment, composition, play of light and an interesting foreground subject. I am usually pleased with clean, uncluttered images.
NRB: What motivates you to take u/w photos?
JL: It is the desire to illustrate the stories about a place, an animal or an event with a view from another angle. Same reason why I enjoy taking split photographs and taking images with a drone.
NRB: If you could photograph any one thing/place what or where would that be?
JL: A gathering of whales. If I were limited to a single place, I would stay in the Galapagos.
To see more of Josef Litt’s work click here.
This weekend, Liquid Sports will be at Wraysbury Dive Centre with an exciting lineup of premium dive gear and exclusive offers for visitors to the event.
Divers can get hands-on with the latest from Bigblue Dive Lights, Poseidon Diving Systems, Sharkskin Technical Watersports Apparel, and Ursuit Drysuits.
You’ll have the chance to demo a Poseidon regulator during the event, and if you decide to purchase one over the weekend, you’ll receive a 10% discount plus some special Poseidon goodies as a thank-you.
Whether you’re in the market for new equipment or just want to see what’s new in the dive world, make sure to stop by the Liquid Sports stand at Wraysbury this weekend.
For more information, contact:
Liquid Sports
📞 07585 935522
📧 info@liquidsports.co.uk
🌐 www.liquidsports.co.uk
This year diving holiday specialist Dive Worldwide is proudly celebrating their 25th anniversary.
For over a quarter of a century, their expert team of experienced divers have taken enormous pride in offering liveaboard and resort-based holidays as well as creating many thousands of magical tailor-made and small group diving itineraries in over 200 locations worldwide.
To celebrate 25 years of Dive Worldwide, we spotlight a few of their longstanding partnerships and client-favourite accommodation options that have been enjoyed by hundreds of their valued clients over the years. As with all of Dive Worldwide’s portfolio, these partners not only offer exceptional diving, but memorable accommodation and the very best service too, creating precious memories for divers.
This month, you can save £100pp on new, flight inclusive holidays with Dive Worldwide when you book by 27 June 2025. To claim your discount, quote code: ScubaverseJ25
You can find out more about Dive Worldwide online, submit an enquiry or call their expert team on 01962 302087.
Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard, Indonesia
Dewi Nusantara is Southeast Asia’s largest, most iconic and elegant liveaboard, custom-built for lengthy scuba diving explorations. Transporting you to one of the most remote and spectacular diving destinations on Earth, you can enjoy luxury, world-class diving across the vibrant seas of the Coral Triangle, exploring world-renowned reefs at Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, the Forgotten Islands and Cenderawasih Bay.
To celebrate 25 years, the Dive Worldwide team are jumping aboard Dewi Nusantara this summer and inviting you to join them! Dive with Product Manager Joanna Charter to The Birdshead Peninsular, departing 3 July 2025 or join Dive Sales Consultant, Philippa Anderson to North Raja Ampat, departing 16 August 2025.
Book now to save 25% on selected last-minute summer 2025 Dewi Nusantara itineraries.
Beth S. travelled on Dewi Nusantara with Dive Worldwide in November and said “Dewi Nusantara was a premium liveaboard experience – the service, the diving, the food and the accommodation were all absolutely incredible. There’s nothing I would change about this experience and I will be going back!”
Find out more about Dewi Nusantara Liveaboard
Vilamendhoo Island Resort, Maldives
One of the classic Maldivian dive resorts, Vilamendhoo Island Resort is a quintessential paradise for snorkellers and divers, regularly welcoming Dive Worldwide’s eager clients.
Located in the southeast corner of the South Ari Atoll, this beautiful resort sits alongside a turquoise lagoon and 900 metre wide sand beach. Choose from a variety of comfortable room types, all featuring their own private patio area.
A Euro Divers PADI 5-star dive centre is just a few metres from the house reef, operating scuba diving and snorkelling activities. There’s a marine biology centre too, led by the Manta Trust who regularly run workshops for guests.
Benedict W. stayed at Vilamendhoo Island Resort in March after booking through Dive Worldwide and thought, “It’s a very comfortable resort with an excellent dive centre. The water bungalows are very spacious.”
Discover Vilamendhoo Island Resort
Siladen Resort & Spa, Indonesia
The Siladen Resort & Spa has hosted countless Dive Worldwide clients over the years, and it’s easy to see why. Guests love this exclusive award-winning boutique dive resort for its hidden location in the heart of the marine-rich Bunaken Marine Park, secluded accommodation, tropical gardens and elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
It’s suitable for both divers and snorkellers and there are a variety of topside and sea excursions available. Facilities include a restaurant and lounge bar, a saltwater pool and a spa where a full range of local treatments and massages are available.
here’s an onsite PADI 5-star dive centre too, strategically located in the marine park.
David B. travelled in February and said, “Our booking through Dive Worldwide was very smooth and well handled, and the staff at Siladen were outstanding and took care of our requests.”
Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Philippines
This owner-operated luxury resort in Dauin has retained its place as a firm favourite in the hearts of Dive Worldwide clients for 25 years. Not far from some of the best macro dive sites in the Philippines, guests are met with the warmest of Philippine hospitality combined with first-class amenities and services.
Surrounded by beautiful coconut plantations and perched between the mountains and the ocean, this stunning resort has a fantastic choice of accommodation options and facilities to enjoy, plus off-site activities can be arranged at the tour desk.
There’s an on-site PADI 5-star Instructor Development Centre. Here, photographers are well catered for with an on-site professional and a fully equipped, dedicated camera room.
Alison R. stayed at Atmosphere Resort & Spa in November and said, “The diving was fabulous and the Dive Worldwide team made it very special.”
A Message from Dive Worldwide’s Founder
Dive Worldwide recognise that their success is shared with the fantastic partners they work with to deliver exceptional diving adventures for eager divers. Here’s what Founder & Director Teresa Bennett had to say about reaching this significant milestone:
“When I founded Dive Worldwide 25 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the remarkable journey we would take. I’m incredibly proud of the reputation we’ve built, the professional and dedicated team behind our success and all the unique experiences we continue to offer our valued clients.”
What better way to select your next diving holiday than calling on Dive Worldwide’s 25 years of experience, especially when you can save £100pp?
Find out more about Dive Worldwide, submit an enquiry or call their expert team today on 01962 302087.
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