People always ask me “How does a kid from Iowa City end up doing underwater photography?” Growing up, I was always interested in the ocean, and borrowed tons of books about the ocean from the library. I grew out of the astronaut phase, and I grew out of the dinosaur phase, but I never grew out of my fascination with the ocean. For my twelfth birthday, my parents and I got SCUBA certified at a local rec center, and I’ve been diving whenever I can ever since. Diving is an amazing experience and something I think everyone should try at least once. The incredible colors underwater and the fascinating creatures make diving an experience that should not be missed.

When I was 16 I decided to try underwater photography. I wanted to be able to figure out the names of some of the things I was seeing, even more than that I wanted to be able show some of my friends back home what they were missing. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to go diving for once or twice a year, and have logged over 450 dives. My travels have taken me to Australia, Cayman Brac (Cayman Islands), Bonaire (Netherland Antilles), Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos Islands), Tokashiki (Okinawa, Japan) and Ishigaki (Okinawa, Japan). I also did some marine biology research in South Caicos during college, and was able to take pictures in my free time.

Now I'm in my radiology residency at the University of Iowa, and I don’t have as much of a chance to take pictures, but I’ve been able to have a few exhibits around town. I’ve never considered myself a professional, just someone who loves taking pictures. Underwater photography is incredible because so many people still do not know the amazing world that exists below the waves, and if I can convince just a few people to try out diving, I’d be happy. I hope you enjoy the pictures half as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Thank you very much, Shawn