Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock

Matt Curnock
Matt Curnock

How did you get started in underwater photography?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 12

In the year 2000, before starting my PhD, I was a research assistant studying dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef. Compact digital cameras with housings were just becoming available, and we used them to photo-ID individual whales. I soon discovered wet lenses that could fit more of the whale in the frame and eventually upgraded to a DSLR fisheye system in 2010. As I’ve travelled and photographed more places I’ve upgraded bits and pieces and learned from other photographers on trips, enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What came first – diving or photography?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 13

I’ve been diving since 1992, so became confident and relatively experienced underwater long before carrying a camera. I think my photography has benefitted from this, and I’ve learned how to photograph marine animals without harassing them or causing undue impact.

Treating the environment and animals with respect is more important to me than getting a particular shot. As an environmental scientist, I’m also fortunate to have worked with and alongside many marine scientists doing fieldwork, allowing me to photograph their subjects and research activities, and gain a better understanding and appreciation for many threatened marine species.

What’s in your underwater photography kitbag?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 14

I use a Nikon D7200 with a Tokina 10-17mm lens in a Nauticam housing, with a pair of Inon Z240 strobes. I love the Tokina lens as it’s so versatile. I haven’t yet gotten into macro photography – I enjoy looking at great macro photos, but haven’t yet felt inspired to try shooting that way. CFWA, megafauna and reef-scapes are my favourite things to photograph.

Favourite location for diving and underwater photography?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 15

There are some fantastic spots on the Great Barrier Reef that never cease to inspire me. The SS Yongala wreck near Townsville, Australia might be my all-time favourite dive site, and a couple of spots in the Ribbon Reefs, north of Cairns, particularly during the June-July minke whale season when a whale might suddenly appear during your dive and check you out.

I’m still exploring, whenever I can find time between work and family. Some of my other highlights have been Komodo (coral gardens, mantas), Dominica (sperm whales), Fiji (sharks and soft corals) and Tonga (humpbacks, great vis).

Most challenging dive?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 16

The current at the Yongala wreck can be frightening at times, but this is when the fish, sharks, rays, etc. are most active. Thankfully I’ve had good dive buddies (including my wife Susan) who were there for me when I needed a hand/leg to cling to while attempting to take photos in the ripping current. I’m always conscious of the remoteness of many great dive locations and am proportionately conservative with managing risks, especially since becoming a father.

Who are your diving inspirations?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 17

I feel fortunate to have met and learned from numerous professional and expert photographers, but I think I’ve gained the most from interactions with scientists who have shared their deep knowledge of marine species and habitats.

Underwater photographers whose images I’ve been most inspired by include Julia Sumerling, Juergen Freund, Tony Wu, Flip Nicklin and Keri Wilk. I frequently refer to Alex Mustard’s ‘masterclass’ book, and love all the great published works by David Doubilet, Paul Nicklen and other underwater photography legends.

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

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 18

So many! The Galapagos, Antarctica, Norway, Sri Lanka, remote parts of Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat and many others. I’ve swum with and photographed a number of different cetaceans (dwarf minke, humpback, Bryde’s, sperm whales, Hector’s and bottlenose dolphins) and would love to see more, especially blue whales and orcas. It might take me another 20 years to work through the wish list (which keeps growing), and I hope to share more of those experiences with my kids when they get older.

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

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 19

Umm, perhaps the pre-dive checklist and final function test of full camera rig before getting in the water. I’ve lost a bunch of potentially great photos due to hasty/lazy preparation. Lesson learned now I think…

Hairiest moment when shooting underwater?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 20

The dive site ‘Batu Bolong’ in Komodo has incredibly fast currents that whizz around the pinnacle. I was close to the ‘no-go zone’ when I noticed a whirlpool of bubbles streaming past, tugging at my shoulder. The dive guide saw me and his eyes were wide. I managed to retreat out of harm’s way and watched in awe as the bubbles were sucked from my regulator downwards around the pinnacle and into the abyss. Always listen to the dive guide!

Most memorable dive?

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 21

An exhilarating encounter with 30 or more dwarf minke whales in the Ribbon Reefs. One of the whales, ‘Pavlova’, was well known to us and was named for her behaviour displays in which she would do a submerged tail stand and pirouette, right beside divers and snorkelers, including myself. She was looking right at me, less than a metre away, and it felt like she was inviting me to dance with her. I was stunned, of course, and felt so small and clumsy in her environment. I didn’t have a good camera at the time, didn’t get very good pictures, but that didn’t matter.

Matt Curnock

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Underwater Photographer of the Week: Matt Curnock 22

Often mistaken for a marine biologist, Matt is a social-environmental scientist based in Townsville, Australia. His research helps to solve natural resource management problems through social science. His PhD on the sustainable management of swim-with-minke whales tourism in the Great Barrier Reef, and ongoing work with the Minke Whale Project, have enabled him to study and photograph these charismatic whales each winter for nearly two decades.

He continues to seek out close encounters with marine megafauna around the world, but enjoys diving and photographing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef most of all. Matt’s images have been featured in a range of scientific, travel, scuba diving and conservation-related publications, and have won awards and accolades from several international photography competitions, including Underwater Photographer of the Year,

Our World Underwater, Deep Indonesia, Australian Geographic, Beneath the Sea, and Nature’s Best Photography.

See more of Matt’s photos at his website Tethys Images and on Instagram: @matt_curnock

@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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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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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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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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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
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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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