I grew up on the coast of Western Australia where I spent most of my life around the ocean. Ever since I was a little kid I was fascinated with it; I have always been captivated by what lies below the surface.
We used to go on family holidays to the Ningaloo Reef, one year we made a stop in Coral Bay. Little did I know that this place would become my home, I have now been here for nearly 9 years and I have learnt so much, inspired by so many amazing people.
In 2016, I fell in love with underwater photography when I first picked up a camera. After a few months of hard work, I invested in my very first camera and housing to embark on a journey to capture everything below the surface of the reef.
The ocean is a magical and enchanting place, but it’s also vulnerable. Through my work, I hope to educate and inspire others to join in the effort to protect it for future generations.
Swimming with a tiger shark, something that gets the heart going. These animals should be respected and protected.
Some brave golden trevally swim in front of a big tiger shark.
Humpback whales are my favourite animal to swim with; this little guy was just as interested in us as we were in him.
Green turtle reflection – perfect conditions at my favourite snorkel site, South Maze
This beautiful big cuttlefish was flashing red and orange – aliens do exist!
A day I will never forget. A sailfish hunting over the sand flats of Croal Bay
Cleaning stations are where animals come to relax and have little wrasse pick off dead skin and any parasites they might have. this little turtle seemed to be enjoying herself.
The manta dance; a female manta being chased by five males hoping to mate with her
Mating chain of mantas – in this chain the female seemed interested in the male and let him catch up to her. I wonder how close they were to mating? It’s never been filmed in the wild.
Golden trevally and other small fish use a manta as cover until the each about 20 centimetres, then they become predators themselves.
A whale shark rising up from the deep blue
Sharks trap a fish ball on the surface and take turns swimming through it for an easy meal.
Tiger sharks are the cleaners of our reef; this dead humpback whale was just bones in only three days.
Green sea turtles can drop their heart rate to two or three beats per minute and stay underwater for hours, but eventually they have to come up for air, which leaves them vulnerable to predation.
Daniel’s winning photo from DIVE’s Big Shot Megafauna photo competition
You can find more fantastic photos of Australia’s beautiful reefs from Daniel on his Instagram page @danielthomasbrowne
If you’d like to see your underwater photography published on these pages and shared across our social media feed and weekly newsletter, why not drop us a line at info@divemagazine.com.
