At the intersection of patience and technology lies a moment of pure underwater magic. Today, we are thrilled to sit down with the "World-Traveling Magician," a PADI and AIDA instructor whose stunning work, "Sand Sea Orange Star," recently secured the Excellence Award in our latest Smartphone Underwater Photography Competition. Captured in the macro capital of the Philippines, this image is a masterclass in lighting, composition, and the power of smartphone photography.
In this exclusive interview, we peel back the curtain on how a former seaman turned diving professional uses the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max to transform a tiny nudibranch into a cinematic masterpiece.
From the Merchant Navy to the Deep Blue: Meet the Photographer
Before he was winning photography awards, our featured artist spent his days navigating the world’s oceans as a professional seaman. Known online as the "World-Traveling Magician" (an homage to his love for sleight of hand during long voyages), his transition from the deck of a ship to the depths of the ocean began in 2017. By 2019, he had earned his instructor credentials, trading the surface of the sea for the "blue poison"—the addictive beauty of the underwater world.
"I’ve traveled to many countries, but nothing compares to the world I found beneath the surface. My journey into underwater photography really accelerated when I realized that with the right tools, I could share this 'magic' with everyone on land."
The Winning Shot: "Sand Sea Orange Star"
- Subject: Halgerda Nudibranch
- Location: Dumaguete, Philippines (August 8, 2024)
- Equipment: Xiaomi 14 Pro in a DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Housing
- Lighting: ASAFEE Night Diving Flashlight
The Challenge: High Backscatter and Low Visibility
Even in world-class destinations like Dumaguete, conditions aren't always perfect. On the day of the shoot, the water was filled with suspended particles (backscatter). A standard forward-facing flash would have illuminated the debris, ruining the shot.
The Solution: The "Stage Light" Technique
To overcome the visibility issues, the "Magician" employed a top-down lighting strategy. By positioning a single ASAFEE flashlight directly above the nudibranch, he created a narrow beam—essentially a "stage light" effect.
The result? The top light illuminated the intricate orange ridges of the nudibranch while allowing the messy environment to fall into deep shadow. This created a clean, high-contrast background that made the subject "pop" like a star in the night sky.
Mastering the Settings: Android’s Professional Edge
While many divers use iPhones, the "Magician" prefers the Xiaomi 14 Pro for its robust Pro Mode and superior macro capabilities. Using the DIVEVOLK housing, he was able to manipulate these settings in real-time underwater:
- Manual Focus: Essential for macro. By using the DIVEVOLK touch screen, he could pinpoint the focus on the nudibranch’s rhinophores (the "horns") for maximum clarity.
- Exposure Compensation (-1.3 EV): By intentionally underexposing the image, he ensured the blacks stayed deep and rich, eliminating any remaining backscatter.
- Low ISO (50): To ensure the highest possible image quality with zero digital noise.
- Shutter Speed (1/100s): Slow enough to capture the light, fast enough to keep the slow-moving nudibranch sharp.
Why the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max?
When asked which feature was the most critical for this award-winning shot, the answer was clear: Full Underwater Touchscreen Control.
"Macro photography is all about precision," he explains. "The ability to use manual focus via the touchscreen is a game-changer. Most housings limit you to buttons, but with DIVEVOLK, I can tap exactly where I want the focus to be, just like I do on land. It gives me the flexibility to adjust parameters instantly as the creature moves."
Explore the full range of DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Kits to see which setup fits your smartphone.
Beyond the Nudibranch: A Portfolio of Passion
The "Sand Sea Orange Star" is just one of many "dream moments" captured over the photographer's last 500+ dives with his DIVEVOLK housing. His portfolio demonstrates a mastery of color and patience, particularly with reef inhabitants like the iconic Clownfish.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Underwater Photographers
Reflecting on his win, the "World-Traveling Magician" shared some heartfelt advice for the community:
- Don't Fear the "Trash" Shots: "I’ve taken thousands of bad photos. Those aren't failures; they are the road we must walk to get to the great ones. Every 'bad' photo teaches you something about light or composition."
- Patience is Your Best Lens: "Marine life doesn't follow a script. Especially in macro, you have to wait. Wait for the turn of the head, the right angle, or for the silt to settle."
- Review Your Journey: "Winning this award was a validation of a year and a half of testing, adjusting parameters, and trying different lighting angles. Look back at your old photos—seeing your progress is the greatest achievement of all."
We look forward to seeing more "magic" from the depths. Follow his journey on social media at XiaoHongShu: @环游世界的魔术师（杜马版）.
Ready to capture your own award-winning shots? Check out our underwater smartphone housings and join the revolution in mobile water photography!
