MIND BLOWING VIEWS OVER AND UNDER THE OCEAN NOW

MATTY SMITH

Spectacular landscapes and incredible underwater seascapes come together like you’ve never seen them before -- in one image! That’s how ocean, wildlife and landscape photographer Matty Smith makes it happen.

His new series entitled Over/Under, includes a collection of photos taken from the dual perspective of a snorkeler. 

Marine plants and animals swim where water and air surfaces meet. Blue skies dangle fluffy clouds within visual reach of floating jellyfish. Crocodiles bare their teeth below the waterline while their eyes pop through the surface.

The effect of over/under the ocean is a bit disorienting. Yet it is fascinating. And it is strikingly beautiful.

Smith treats his snorkeling photos as if they were landscape photographs, choosing a composition that enhances both the land and sea. He prefers intriguingly cloudy skies, to bland sunny ones.

He uses a strobe light underneath the water to increase contrast and saturation, and to highlight the scenery both above and below.

Smith’s photos are incredibly well-planned. He scouts out potential photo shoot locations, while snorkeling, and takes reference photos so he can be best prepared to capture the optimal over/under view. 

He finds magic in the moment, when he is immersed in both the air and water. His goal is to convey the beauty of this transitional space.

Based in Australia, Smith has been snorkeling since he was a child. He began taking underwater photos when he was a teenager.

Smith has received multiple distinctions for his beautiful photography, including Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year 2014, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place in Ocean Geographic’s 2014 Pictures of the Year, and BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014.

Check out more of Smith’s beautiful photography on his website.

Read more about Beautiful Ocean, as it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including Beautiful Oceans in 10 Gorgeous New Books, Mind-Blowing Spineless Ocean Life Now, Gorgeous Ocean Dining Treasures,  The Art & Glory of Ocean Waves Now and 10 Beautiful Places to Explore Ocean Depths Now.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

1. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. A Portuguese Man Of War.
2. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Waratah anemone.
3. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. A Portuguese Man Of War.
4. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Sharks.
5. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Sharks.
6. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Hypselodoris bennetti nudibranch.
7. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. $ilver bream.
8. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Crocodile in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba.
9. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. A Portuguese Man Of War.
10. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Crimson Waratah anemone.
11. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Australian sargassum seaweed.
12. Image: by BN App - Download now!
13. Image: by Matty Smith. Over/Under Series. Blue Lantern.