Award-winning photographer, Tony Reed, has been diving since 2009 and into the photography side of diving since 2011. He concentrates mainly on compact cameras and has won many awards over the past few years using the OM Systems (Formerly Olympus) TG series of cameras.
Tony’s most recent win was earlier this year (2023) when he took first and third places in the British Waters Compact category in the Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition. Two months later he won the annual BSAC Splash In competition in the compact category.
‘I am 44 years old and work in engineering mainly but also restore classic cars,’ he says. ‘For most of my weekends I try to get in the sea anywhere I can as diving and underwater photography is my passion.
‘I am lucky to live in Devon, which has the most beautiful coastline for all kinds of sea life. I do also travel across the UK exploring new sites capturing all the beautiful sea creatures it has to offer.
I learned to dive in the UK but have also done several courses worldwide; after working for a while as a guide in Dubai, I came home and concentrated on colours and composition and experimenting with all kinds of lights and equipment.
‘My ethos is simple and easy photography, and if I can help anyone else on their photography journey I usually jump at the chance, as I enjoy seeing others progress.’
Sea horse found on the south coast of Devon, taken with Olympus TG4 on macro setting using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light
Discodoris rosa nudibranch found at Porthkerris in Cornwall on a bed of star ascidians, taken with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light
A scallop side-on from Beacon Cove in Devon. Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light
Anemone shrimp found at Babbacombe, Devon. Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light
Thurlestone Rock, taken with Olympus TG4 using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light and the Weefine WFL-02 Wide lens
The resident octopus at Porthkerris in Cornwall, taken with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light
Buddy at hope Cove in Devon with Olympus TG4 using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light and the Weefine WFL-02 Wide lens
Buddy with a jelly fish at Hope Cove in Devon using Olympus TG4,a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light and a Weefin WFL-02 Wide lens
Compass jelly fish reflection taken with Olympus TG4,a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light and a Weefin WFL-02 Wide lens
Buddy in the blue at Porthkerris, Cornwall. Olympus TG4 and a Weefin WFL-02 Wide lens using natural light.
Evening split shot using Olympus TG4, a Light & Motion Gobe 850 wide video light and a Weefine WFL-02 Wide lens
Sea Hare on kelp using Olympus TG4 in macro mode and a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video.
Tompot Benny shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Octopus eye using Olympus TG4 in macro mode with a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Nudibranch on a weedy rock shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Bobtail squid shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Babbacombe Cuttlefish shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video.
Octopus at home shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Jewel anemone from Babbacombe, Devon shot with Olympus TG4 in macro mode using a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
Tompot Blenny portrait using Olympus TG4 in macro mode with a light and motion Gobe 850 wide video light.
You can find more fantastic photos showcasing the best of British diving from Tony on Instagram @tony_reed_underwater
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.
