Underwater Photographer of the Week: Martin Edser

Underwater Photographer of the Week: Martin Edser

How did you get started in underwater photography?

I have always had an interest in photography, but never the time or money to really progress with it until digital photography became mainstream. I only started diving about 11 years ago and when this new world was opened up to me, I just had to record what I was privileged to see. So underwater photography became the perfect combination of my two favourite past times.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

What came first – diving or photography?

This was, and still is, an ongoing evolution. An interest in wildlife photography came first but since diving, my love of underwater photography has grown and this has in turn, re-enthused my surface wildlife photography. You could call it a virtuous circle!

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

What’s in your underwater photography kitbag?

Although I use DSLRs for my surface wildlife photography, I exclusively use a compact set-up underwater. While this is in part down to expense, I actually don’t think that I want to be using a bigger rig underwater. The standard of modern compact cameras and equipment is so good acceptable images can be produced. It also suits my underwater photography style where I see it akin in a way to street photography – candid photography of chance encounters and random incidents. While I admire the technical ability and planning of those who set up shots, that is not for me – not for now anyway! For me, the dive always comes first and if I see something interesting then I will try and capture it in an interesting way.

So, my kit is currently a Canon G7x Mk II, Nauticam housing, Fantasea wide-angle lenses and Nauticam macro. I use twin Inon s2000 strobes.

With the advances in technology and reduction in size of mirrorless full-frame cameras, I can see me one day plunging for one of these.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Favourite location for diving and underwater photography?

I have been lucky enough to have dived in many places around the world – New Zealand, Fiji, the Caribbean, Indonesia, Philippines, Malta, Egypt and many places around the UK. I do not have a particular favourite – as long as there is water and there is life I am happy. I did enjoy the range of life in Indonesia and the Philippines, but equally I’m an avid UK diver and as I am writing this I am planning my next trip to Chesil Beach.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Most challenging dive?

I believe all dives should be approached as a challenge and I don’t think as divers we can ever afford to be complacent – it’s just that those challenges differ. Carrying kit over rough terrain to the dive site, dealing with strong currents, not losing buddies in poor visibility, losing equipment, elusive wildlife – I have probably had no more incidents than any other regular diver but one of the lessons I have learnt from being a diving instructor is to be prepared for things to happen. Be thorough in your training, practice your training, understand the risks and plan for them. I’m a great believer in the mantra in any situation that presents a challenge, not just diving, stop – breathe – think – act.

For photography, while the life was stunning in Indonesia and the Philippines the currents at times did make it very challenging.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Who are your diving inspirations?

It would be easy to run off a few well-known names here, and there are many that have inspired me, but my greatest diving inspirations are those who have taught and encouraged me, particularly in my early years. Those infectious people who, whether it rains or shines, just live for the dive and will jump in week after week just for the sake of getting wet! I think underwater photography can be a great way of introducing and keeping young divers interested.

That said, I will mention two people that have influenced my underwater photography. First Alex Mustard MBE and his willingness to share technique and skills in a clear way – he has done so much to make underwater photography accessible. Most recently, listening to Ellen Cuylaerts at the GoDiving Show this year I found truly inspirational.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Which underwater locations or species are still on your photography wish list and why?

With water covering two-thirds of the world, anywhere and anything – the list is too long, and the way humanity is treating the oceans the time too short. I just need to get in the water…

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

What advice do you wish you’d had as a novice underwater photographer?

Just do it! Buy, borrow or hire a basic set-up, get in the water and practice. Don’t worry what people think of your pictures – do it for yourself – you’ll be surprised how many others like them too. Enjoy it but accept that it’s not for everyone and that’s OK. Not to worry too much about the technicalities – concentrate on getting the picture.

Once you have the basics, you can learn and practice the technicalities of photography and post-production – there are lots of good courses out there. Digital photography these days is so forgiving – so practice, practice and practice and above all enjoy it.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Hairiest moment when shooting underwater?

Yes, there have been ‘moments,’ but I haven’t had what I would consider a truly hairy moment – and long may that last!

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

What is your most memorable dive and why?

I can think of lots of dives I would consider memorable but for different reasons – whether it be the colours, the large or small marine life, the people you were with, or even because I was up far too early in the morning! I just love diving, but I do have a soft spot for seals.

Early on in my diving career, I was diving in the Caribbean, and while carrying out a safety stop at the end of the dive out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a large grey object heading straight for me at great speed. As I turned to face it, with my SAC rate rapidly increasing, I was overjoyed and relieved to see it was a dolphin who proceeded to look each of us up and down in turn and then, having apparently satisfied its curiosity, it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Unfortunately, those where the days before I had an underwater camera, and this may have been the moment I decided I needed one.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

Martin Edser

Martin Edser has a love of wildlife, photography and scuba diving, and tries to spend his time involved in one or any combination of these interests. He has dived in many parts of the world including New Zealand, Fiji, Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt, Malta, Jamaica as well as many parts of the UK.

Martin was named Winner (and a Highly Commended) of the British Waters Compact category of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2019.

Martin believes in using photography as a means to capture what he encounters in front of his during walks and dives and sets up very few shots.

Underwater Photographer of the Week Martin Edser

See more of Martin's work at www.martinedser.com or follow him on Instagram at @martin.edser

@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
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@timpell49
#AskMark Mark great video love your content I recently had my cylinder hydro tested it was filled with air how long can you keep the air in the cylinder before you use it .Also dive shop can drain the air and fill with nitrox?
#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS41ODI2RjhGOTVBODI2NDE5

How Long Can You Keep Air in a Cylinder? #AskMark #scubadiving

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker 
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show 
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks 
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show 

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

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Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
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The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

Full List of Dive Shows with Links:
https://divernet.com/scuba-diving/your-worldwide-dive-show-guide-for-2025/

JANUARY 18-26: Boot Düsseldorf (International Boat Show)
FEBRUARY 1-2: Duikvaker
FEBRUARY 21-23: European Dive Show (EUDI)
FEBRUARY 21-23: Diving Resort Travel (DRT) Show, Malaysia
MARCH 1-2: GO Diving Show (The UK Dive Show)
MARCH 15-16: ADEX Ocean Festival / OZTek Australia
MARCH 28-30: Mediterranean Diving Show
APRIL 4-6: Asia Dive Expo (ADEX)
MAY 22-25: Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX)
MAY 31 – JUNE 1: Scuba Show
JUNE 13-15: Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE)
SEPTEMBER 6-7: GO Diving ANZ Show
OCTOBER 17-19: Diving Talks
NOVEMBER 11-14: DEMA Show

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

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OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.
00:00 Introduction
01:35 Scuba.com Ad
02:35 Duikvaker
03:15 EUDI
04:23 DRT
05:04 GO Diving Show UK
06:24 ADEX OZTek
07:06 Mediterranean
07:34 ADEX
08:21 TDEX
08:51 Scuba Show
09:36 MIDE
10:06 GO Diving ANZ
11:09 Diving Talks
11:58 DEMA

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS43OTNDNTk0OUNGMDA1MUNG

Upcoming Dive Shows in 2025 #scubadiving #diveshow

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged. 

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/ 
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

US diver Barrington Scott has set a verified Guinness World Record for the fastest time to scuba dive across all seven continents.Cartagena City Council says it is preparing to tighten access to the Cueva del Agua (Water Cave) system in southern Spain, following the death of a 37-year-old female diver there on 18 January. And an underwater habitat builder has just extended the record for longest time spent submerged.

https://divernet.com/scuba-news/scuba-dash-across-7-continents-brings-world-record/
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/health-safety/spanish-cave-divers-death-prompts-calls-for-controls/
https://www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article299289964.html
https://divernet.com/scuba-news/pod-builder-completes-120-days-under-sea/

#scuba #scubadiving #scubadiver

Become a fan: https://www.scubadivermag.com/join

GEAR PURCHASES: https://www.scubadivermag.com/affiliate/dive-gear

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OUR WEBSITES

Website: https://www.scubadivermag.com ➡️ Scuba Diving, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Scuba Gear Reviews
Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
Website: https://www.godivingshow.com ➡️ The Only Dive Show in the United Kingdom
Website: https://www.rorkmedia.com ➡️ For advertising within our brands
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/scubadivermag
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/scubadivermag
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We partner with https://www.scuba.com and https://www.mikesdivestore.com for all your gear essentials. Consider using the affiliate link above to support the channel.

The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional SCUBA Training or recommendations for every manufacturer. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace training from a qualified Dive Instructor or specific requirements from equipment manufacturers.

YouTube Video UEw2X2VCMS1KYWdWbXFQSGV1YW84WVRHb2pFNkl3WlRSZS4yNkZBOTQyMkYxQkQyMzc2

Spanish Cave Closed After Fatality #scuba #podcast #news

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