Photo of an Underwater Photographer in a Kelp Forest

By December 10, 2007July 15th, 2021California, San Clemente Island, Underwater Photography

Here is a snap of my good friend Mike Johnson swimming through a forest of kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) at San Clemente Island. Most underwater photographers like to spend their time diving alone, pursuing their own particular subjects and angles and not wanting to be bothered with keeping track of a buddy. Mike and I are no exceptions and would rarely see one another underwater. Once in a blue moon we do modeling duty, each allowing the other to get a few frames with a diver in it, but it wouldn’t last long and within minutes we would scatter in opposite directions and set about trying to find our own stuff to photograph.

Diver amidst kelp forest, Macrocystis pyrifera, San Clemente Island

Diver amidst kelp forest.
Image ID: 03420
Species: Giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera
Location: San Clemente Island, California, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!