Kaushiik ‘Kaush’ Subramaniam is a British wildlife conservation biologist, photographer and filmmaker. His research into human-wildlife interactions and conflicts has taken him far and wide, from studying elephant populations in the Savannah of South Africa to monitoring whale shark tourism in the Maldives. It was during this time researching the largest fish in the world that his underwater photography journey started.
Starting with a simple a GoPro 7, Kaush endeavoured to show beginner underwater photographers that having an eye for storytelling and shot composition can often be more important than having top of the line kit, and has had a number of images taken on GoPro nominated for international awards, including reaching the final round of Wildlife Photographer Of The Year.
With an MSc in Wildlife Conservation and extensive experience in the field, Kaush combines his passion for documenting the natural world with his research to help bring attention and find resolutions to the issues facing wildlife across the world.Since completing his master’s degree, Kaush has gone on to to be nominated for a number of photographic awards and to work for the BBC Natural History Unit.
A Barnacle’s Point Of View
I get mesmerised every time I see a close-up of a grey whale’s face. From the barnacles to the whale lice hanging on for dear life, there is so much character in those faces.
Shot with a Sony a7Riii with a Sony 16-50mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f9 – 1/500 – ISO640.
Above & Below
Taken during my time researching whale sharks in the Maldives, this curious individual kept circling back to our boat and examining the engine which was idling.
Shot on GoPro Hero 7.
Daydreaming
Even the largest predator in the world needs some time to relax and enjoy the waves!
Shot with a Sony a7Riii with a Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens in SeaFrogs housing; f3.2 – 1/2000 – ISO640.
Distant
Taken during an amazing day watching this adolescent whale shark feeding in the shallows. My time researching whale sharks in the Maldives allowed me to have some incredible encounters with these gentle giants, but this one was by far the most memorable.
Shot on GoPro Hero 7
Grey Whales Spying
A pair of Grey Whales eyeing up a tourist boat looking to get a glimpse of these giants.
Shot with Sony a7RIII with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f7.1 – 1/640 – ISO400.
Grey Whales
A couple of Grey Whales coming in for their close ups.
Shot wih a Sony a7Riii with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f14 – 1/640 – ISO640.
Hooked
A mako shark bears the scars of a tangle with sport fishermen. Even the fastest shark in the world can’t outswim the impact of humanity on the oceans.
Shot with a Sony a7Riii with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f7.1 – 1/1250 – ISO640.
Iceberg
Grey Whales are such curious animals. Spy hopping is one of my favourite behaviours that I see from them – sticking their heads out of the water to get a better look at us on the boat.
Shot wih Sony a7Riii with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f9 – 1/800 – ISO800.
Isolation
My favourite shot to date, an adolescent whale shark rising from the abyss.
Shot on GoPro Hero 7.
Pensive
A green turtle comes up for air in the blue. Sometimes turtles can be a bit skittish, especially the greens but on this day this individual was really calm with me hanging around and getting some shots from a distance as she took some time for herself.
Shot on GoPro Hero 7.
Say Cheese
One of the biggest mouths in the world. Taken on an amazing morning with this feeding whale shark as he gorged on plumes of plankton.
Shot on GoPro Hero 7.
Sperm Whale Portrait
One of my all time favourite shots. Seeing these giants has been a dream of mine for so long and this individual posed perfectly for me in the blue.
Shot with Sony a7Riii with a Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM lens in SeaFrogs housing; f4 – 1/2000 – ISO640.
The Tiger’s Den
My dive guide keeping eyes on a tiger shark in the shallows of the Maldives. Eye contact is so important when diving with these amazing animals.
Shot with Sony a7Riii with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f8 – 1/800 – ISO400.
Tiger Shark Portrait
A stunning tiger shark coming in for a closer look at me.
Shot: Sony a7Riii with a Samyang 14mm lens in SeaFrogs housing; f8 – 1/800 – ISO400.
You can find more fantastic photos and beautiful drone footage, plus top tips for underwater photography from Kaush on his website www.kaush.net, YouTube Channel @Kaush and Instagram @kaushman
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.
