Michael AW

About the photographer

I spent thousands of hours diving Palau, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia in my desire to capture this endearing behavior. Finally in 2007, while working on the “Heart of the Ocean” book, at Anilao, Philippines, a large female casually moved into frame to peck on the forehead of her selected suitor, seemingly telling him you are the one. They then both ascend cheek touching cheek, hip touching hip shedding sperms and eggs. I felt I had waited a lifetime for this moment. In a flash, the pair vanished into the night. However, the sensation lasts forever in my mind. 

"For me, photography is about capturing the essence of nature to inspire greater awareness of the beauty and the plights of our ocean; to invigorate, to educate and to inspire love and change. As underwater photographers, we should self-proclaim as ambassadors of the sea. It is important that our pictures provide viewers with accurate interpretations of the marine world and prevailing issues of the environment. The ocean is already beautiful, digital manipulation is not necessary. Sharks with their jaws open showing of their teeth are lies – great white sharks don’t open their mouth and rise out of water at the sterns of boats without first being teased with bait. Our pictures must speak truth! I pursue a life shooting underwater because marine animals fascinate me. The elements of photography that are entangled with the science of the cameras, lenses and post processing are secondary. Photography is all about the subject; it is all about shooting with my heart, capturing the passion of the moment."