This photo was taken during a dive in the clear waters of Aruba, a place that has been my home base for many years and where I have had the opportunity to capture countless special moments underwater. This photo shows a lionfish - or lionfish - in all its glory, photographed with a snoot. This technique ensures that only the subject is highlighted, while the rest of the image remains completely black. Although it looks like this photo was taken at night, it was actually taken in the middle of the day. The controlled light creates a dramatic effect and beautifully brings out the mysterious nature of this predatory fish.
What makes this photo so special to me is the combination of precision, tranquillity and contrast. The sharp fins and pattern on the lionfish's skin stand out beautifully against the pitch-black background. As if the fish is floating in an endless void. The shadows on the seabed add an extra layer of depth to the image.
The inspiration for this photo comes from my fascination with light use in underwater photography. The snoot lets me play with atmosphere and focus, and helps me to really tell the subject's story. In this case: the silent hunter, elegant and dangerous at the same time.
This work radiates tranquillity, but also has something sinister about it. It fits beautifully in a modern interior with a passion for nature, diving, adventure or photography. For me, this work is a reminder of the magic you can only find under the surface of the water - hidden in full daylight.
My name is Joost Boerman, born in the netherlands, but when I was 20, I moved to the sunny island of Aruba. Here I discovered the beauty of the underwater world. Soon I bought a gopro to capture this world. But when I moved to Australia a.. Read more…