Brooke Pyke’s Journey as an Award-Winning Photographer and Dive Instructor on Ningaloo Coast

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DIVING WITH…  BROOKE PYKE

PT Hirschfield chats to the award-winning underwater photographer about her work, favourite places to dive, and being based in the whaleshark capital of Australia

Photographs by Brooke Pyke and Oliver Clarke

Dive instructor Brooke Pyke is an award-winning underwater photographer based on the Ningaloo Coast, WA. She works full-time for a small family owned whaleshark tour company (Live Ningaloo in Exmouth), now in her third season of taking tour photos from March to October.

It’s a dream job and Brooke ‘pinches herself’ regularly: ‘I did photography as a hobby for many years, putting together a portfolio for job applications. The dive industry as a whole worldwide is very small. Having good references and connections can lead to opportunities.

‘When I’m not working full time on the boat, I do freelance photography work, plus write for and provide photos for magazines. Last year I set up an online store selling fine art prints of my work which is doing quite well.

My job is very rewarding and I get to have some seriously epic encounters. I would never say it’s easy and it’s not for everyone. Swimming with megafauna daily is exhausting. Some days I swim 4-5km in open ocean, towing a heavy camera. But I love it and I’m so happy my path led me here.’

Brooke completed her open water course at age 21 when she learned to scuba dive on vacation in Thailand, immediately followed by the Advanced course. Then she shocked her family by booking a one-way ticket to Thailand to pursue training to become a professional diver.

She landed a Divemaster position on a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard, four months later accepting a year-long position as a Divemaster and assistant manager in Bali: ‘This was one of my most-challenging jobs, with low pay and long days.

There’s nothing like guiding customers in ripping currents daily to make you good at your job.’ Brooke returned to Australia for a year, then travelled across Europe for six months before returning to complete her instructor training and accepting a full-time instructor job at a large dive resort on Bali’s Nusa Lembongan.

Up close and personal with a seal pup
Up close and personal with a seal pup

At this point, Brooke purchased her first compact underwater camera: ‘I’d applied to study photography at university but hadn’t been accepted, so instead I studied graphic design. I progressed by teaching myself and reading about underwater photography online.

The dive centre I worked for asked me to take photos for their social media and website content. It gave me back some of my creativity which I didn’t get from teaching diving.’

Reflecting on the learning curve of upgrading from a compact camera to a more-professional underwater system, Brooke reflects: ‘I always felt frustrated with my compact. Though I managed to create some nice shots with it, I’d definitely reached the camera’s limits.

Moving to full frame with the versatility of quality interchangeable lenses helped me achieve much higher quality work.’

Brooke admits she found the idea of entering photo competitions intimidating until recently: ‘I’d only entered a couple that had a conservation category. I managed to place 3rd in Ocean Art with an image of a manta ray feeding in plastic off the coast of Bali.

Last year I won the Ocean Photographer of the Year female category called the ‘Female Fifty Fathoms’ award. I’ve also received some recognition in the Mono awards and Underwater Photographer of The Year. Winning in 2022 has been great exposure for my work and has opened up quite a few new opportunities. I’m excited to see where my career will lead me next.’

Brooke in her element
Brooke in her element

Most of Brooke’s diving to date has been in Indonesia: ‘The diversity of marine life is unparalleled. There are worldclass sites. My favourite is Four Kings in Misool, Raja Ampat. It’s a huge sea mount with four rocky pinnacles that rise up just below the surface.

The coral cover is stunning; sea fans, soft corals and hard corals blanket it. But the density of fish makes it breathtaking. There’s so much action going on; at times you can’t even see your dive buddies next to you. Trevally, tuna and reef sharks buzz around, feeding on baitfish and anchovies. When I think of a healthy ocean, that’s what I picture.

‘My second favourite to Indonesia, I’d have to say the Ningaloo Reef. Not only for the unique marine interactions you can get there, but also for the accessibility of it. I can swim right off the beach and immediately be surrounded by tropical reef.

In my first week living here I swam with mantas at a secret spot off the beach. That day I told myself I’m never leaving Ningaloo. It’s exactly where I want to be. Away from big cities, surrounded by raw nature, having real, wild experiences.

Over the past two years I’ve seen orcas hunting and migrating blue whales. I’ve swum with tiger sharks and countless whalesharks. I’ve witnessed humpback whales feeding on krill, turtles mating, laying and hatching. There are so few places in the world left like this.’

Brooke feels particularly drawn to sharks: ‘As photographers, I believe we have a responsibility to use our work as a voice for protecting what we love. Photographing sharks lets me present a different narrative that isn’t about them being ‘blood-thirsty killers’.

I hope that in showing their beauty, elegance and importance that I can help to change the public’s perspective. I hope that somehow my work and experience of swimming with them daily can help give these animals the respect they deserve.’

Raja Ampat is full of colour
Raja Ampat is full of colour

While these days it’s rare for Brooke to teach, in 2023 she advertised three five-day photography safaris on the Ningaloo Reef, all selling out within two weeks. She says: ‘A lot of people underestimate how much time and energy it takes to get your dream shot.

It’s not only knowing how to use a camera, but also about being able to spot subjects and understanding their behaviour and habitat use. Seasonal changes and ocean conditions come into play.

Reading body language of animals and predicting their next move is a skill. Positioning yourself and approaching quietly enough to get the shot takes a lot of practice. You learn to first stop, get your settings right and think about lining yourself up for getting the photo.

You might end up with fewer shots overall with this approach, but more of the shots will be successful. It’s a more relaxing experience – for us and the animals – when we interact calmly and with respect.’

You can learn more about Brooke’s photography and keep up to date with future workshops and trips she runs, as well as sign up for her newsletter.

Beyond Technical
Brooke Pyke's Journey as an Award-Winning Photographer and Dive Instructor on Ningaloo Coast 6
ROLEX Perpetual Planet Initiative 1
Brooke Pyke's Journey as an Award-Winning Photographer and Dive Instructor on Ningaloo Coast 7

We design, manufacture and retail scuba and rebreather equipment. We have fully equipped test and certification labs, and can pressure test large items in our vacuum chambers, as well as run fully automated leak test and dive simulations down to 400m. Our EMC and EMF lab is filled with state-of-the-art equipment for testing electromagnetic compatibility and electromagnetic fields. We also have a large in-house laser for cutting and engraving on plastics and metals.


This article was originally published in Scuba Diver ANZ #58.

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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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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:
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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 

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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

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Website: https://www.divernet.com ➡️ Scuba News, Underwater Photography, Hints & Advice, Travel Reports
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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

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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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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.

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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