(To see all the images in this article, please scroll down to the end and download the PDF.)

Here, X-Ray Mag contributors share their chosen images from the cenotes of Mexico to the tropical waters of the Marshall Islands, Chuuk Lagoon, Palau, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Maldives to the subtropical and temperate waters of New Zealand, South Africa and the US East Coast.

Subtle to Vibrant

Text and photos by Scott Bennett

In late 2023, an opportunity arose that led to a formal association with Seacam, an Austrian company known for producing high-end underwater photography equipment. As a long-time user of various underwater camera systems, I was excited to explore Seacam's approach to design and craftsmanship.

What are these creatures and why are they there? How does it work? Was it all just another clever marketing gimmick to suck you in, or was this thing something really new and compellingly different?

After a lot of discussions with people I trust, it seemed clear that I just had to give it a try, and so at the end of January I took my seat on the Qantas flight to Manila in the Philippines, as I made my way to Anilao—Southeast Asia’s blackwater diving capital!

“Whale Bones was photographed in the toughest conditions,” said Alex Mustard, chair of the judging panel, “as a breath-hold diver descends below the Greenland ice sheet to bear witness to the carcasses. The composition invites us to consider our impact on the great creatures of this planet. Since the rise of humans, wild animals have declined by 85%. Today, just 4% of mammals are wildlife, the remaining 96% are humans and our livestock. Our way needs to change to find a balance with nature.” 

Taking macro photos underwater, in the beginning, can result in images that do not capture the impact of the subject as seen during your dive. This is often due to the photographer being too far away from the subject, shooting the subject from the wrong angle, or not waiting for the fish or other marine species to move into the best and most photogenic position.