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Ocean Photography
On this page you will find my ocean and open water photography. People often ask me where my favorite place to dive is and I am unable to choose. I hope as you look through the images you will understand why. Every location holds such beauty and diversity that picking just one would be unfair to all the others. Each animal is unique and has a personality. I often spend long stretches of time just letting the creature get used to me before taking the image. Knowing how to behave around and be patient is what gives me the ability to get so close. Conservation and respect of the aquatic world are of utmost importance and I will never risk animal, plant, or environment to get a photograph.
While I have a significant amount of image options on this page it is nearly impossible for me to list every one I've taken. If there is a certain plant or animal you are looking for please reach out! There is a chance I have it or could get it in the future.
If you have questions or would like a custom size please send an email to Jdillaman92@gmail.com, since everything is printed in-house and hand stretched/matted as ordered I am able to do nearly any size you would like!
Please note that the image you will receive is only within the white borders. The blurred edges are just an effect I had to apply due to image ratio requirements on the website.
Turtles
What Do You Want?
A thunderstorm above water created a unique purple hue on this dive site. This green sea turtle was tucked in for the night.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Before Coffee Face
While eating a lunch of turtle grass this green sea turtle paused just to give me a grumpy face before munching more.
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Purple Hangout
A hawksbill sea turtle stopped swimming and situated itself right in-between these two beautiful purple sponges.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Through the Blue
A green sea turtle was swimming gracefully just above the reef.
Image was taken in Exuma Islands
Image was taken in Exuma Islands
Swimming Through Paradise
In the shallow waters just off shore a small green sea turtle swam into a school of bait fish.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Poised
ate in the evening this turtle was just settling in on a pile of rope sponge and soft coral for bed.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Rocky Resting Place
This special are of the reef had rocky outcroppings that the large green sea turtles loved to stop and rest in.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Glamour Shot
This green sea turtle wanted to show off its good side!
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Colorful Swim
This green sea turtle was swimming over colorful coral. If you look closely there is a scoop taken out of its fin where there must have been an old injury.
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Swimming By
A green sea turtle swims above the sand.
Image taken in Bahamas
Image taken in Bahamas
Turtle Dreams
A large turtle swam above me enjoying the light ray show.
Image taken at San Benedicto Island
Image taken at San Benedicto Island
Snack Attack
While this green sea turtle dug for food a trunkfish followed along hoping for scraps.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Exploring the Reef
A small green sea turtle sails along the reef with the currrent.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Up and Over
A small green sea turtle sails along the reef with the current.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Coming Through
This hawksbill sea turtle was extremely curious about me and swam super close to the camera.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Above the Pink
A Green Sea turtle is swimming gently over pink coral heads.
Image taken at Apo Island
Image taken at Apo Island
Sharks/Rays/Dolphins
Family Unit
These bottlenose dolphins were a family. The center dolphin was the mother while the other two were her children, one was a year old while the smallest was just a few weeks.
Image taken at Socorro islands
Image taken at Socorro islands
Searching for Food
Spotted Eagle Rays, like this one, can hunt by using special sense to search for life under the sand. They then scoop through the sand with thier snout and mouth.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Ruler of the Reef
Caribbean Reef Sharks constantly patrol the reef and rocky shoals of their waters, but here she was swimming low over the colorful coral.
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Image taken at Exuma Islands
From Above
Giant Pacific Manta Rays enjoy the bubbles that scuba divers emit and will often swim above us.
Image taken at San Benidicto
Image taken at San Benidicto
Slumber Party
White tip sharks are one of the few species of sharks that don't need to have water constantly flowing over their gills which results in them loving to stop and snooze! Here there was a large number of sharks all trying for the best rocky cove.
Image taken at Roca Partida
Image taken at Roca Partida
Under Cover
This southern stingray was relaxing by hiding under the sand.
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Silvertip Swim
This silvertip shark came in and surprised me at a cleaning station. I was seeing many other species, but nothing this large and impressive until suddenly he swan overhead.
Image taken at San Benidicto
Image taken at San Benidicto
Passengers
Large animals, like this giant pacific manta ray, will often times attract other species like remoras that will hitch a ride.
Image taken at Socorro islands
Image taken at Socorro islands
Shark Below
Caribbean Reef Sharks are beautiful as they swim along the reef looking for food.
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Feeding Time
This southern stingray was activley filtering sand through its mouth to find any critters within that it could eat.
Image taken at Bahamas
Image taken at Bahamas
Look into my Eye
Sharks are curious animals and if you wait long enough and hold steady they will come in for a closer look.
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Image taken at Exuma Islands
On the Move
Southern sting rays can swim high or low in the water. This ray in particular had just shaken off some sand that it was hiding under.
Image taken at the Nassau Blue Hole
Image taken at the Nassau Blue Hole
Swimming Above
Here a Caribbean Reef Shark swam overhead and you could just see the beautiful sunny day filtering through the waves.
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Grassy Search
This large southern stingray was looking for a snack in the grass.
Image taken at Blue hole in Nassau
Image taken at Blue hole in Nassau
No Vaccancy
White tip sharks like to stop and rest in rocky outcroppings. Here a pile of them had to share the space with a whole bunch of lobsters!
Image taken at Roca Partida
Image taken at Roca Partida
Morning Flight
Giant Pacific Manta Rays are often 15+ ft across. These enormous gentle giants are often seen soaring over rocky cleaning stations where fish will come and peck any parasites off them.
Image taken at San Benidicto
Image taken at San Benidicto
Other Underwater Creatures
Manatee Duo
These two gentle manatees were drifting down the river together.
Image taken at Silver Springs, Florida
Image taken at Silver Springs, Florida
Silent Motion
This small jellyfish was drifting through the wide open blue expanse of ocean.
Image taken in Exumas
Image taken in Exumas
Standing Tall
Seahorses normally hide and tuck away on the very bottom of soft corals and similar plants. Finding this one so exposed was a special treat.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
The Perfect Spot
Sea lions tend to be very friendly and curious. This one in particular had a cozy rock outcropping it was lazing on while I snapped her photo.
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Open Wide
Green moray eels breath by opening and closing their jaws to force water over their gills. This eel was opening extra wide to show off its teeth!
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Steampunk Crab
This giant chanel clinging crab was tucked inside an old shipwreck
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Image taken at Exuma Islands
Twisting Tentacles
This algae octopus was twisting and curving its tentacles to try and appear like its namesake algae.
Image taken at Dumaguete, Philippines
Image taken at Dumaguete, Philippines
Starfish Dreams
A vibrant yellow starfish slowly creeps along the sandy bottom.
Image taken in Clearwater, Florida
Image taken in Clearwater, Florida
Investigating
This sharp tail eel could see itself in my cameras dome port and kept sneaking closer and closer to me.
Image taken in Dominica
Image taken in Dominica
Gliding By
This algea octopus was moving gracefully across the rocky bottom.
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Among the Flowers
This thorny seahorse had chosen some beautiful plants to rest in.
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Life Upside Down
As the name suggests, upside down jellyfish spend a significant amount of time upside down! These curious creatures even swim that way.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Orange Hideaway
Green moray eels almost always tuck into nooks and crannys in the reef. This particular eel had found some bright orange coral to hide in.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Salt Pier Squid
A reef squid swam above the reef. In the background you can see a salt pier.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Night Colors
On a black water dive this small juvenile squid was attracted to our lights and all of the prey they attracted.
Image taken in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Image taken in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Embrace the Red
It is very rare to see a gaudy clown crab out and exposed so it was a very exciting moment to see this one otu and on a beautiful red coral.
Image taken in Little Cayman Islands
Image taken in Little Cayman Islands
Changing Shapes
Algae octopus can change shape and color in the blink of an eye.
Image taken in
Dumaguete, Philippines
Image taken in
Dumaguete, Philippines
Living Jewels
Look closley and you'll see that this is actually the face of a lobster.
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Dreaming in Green
After spending nearly an hour waiting, this seahorse moved onto the colorful green sponge jus as I was hoping. It was spending its afternoon hunting tiny prey.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Dancing Arms
Mimic octopus are known for their flambouyant displays and and dances as they try to look like other animals.
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Starfish Party
As the sun set a carpet of chocolate chip starfish spread out across the sand.
Image taken in Puerto Galera
Image taken in Puerto Galera
Fanning Out
A black and white image of a crinoid perched upon a coral head.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Blending In
Finding these tiny (about the size of a grain of rice) pygmy seahorses can be like a game of 'I spy'. They blend in nearly perfectly with their coral homes.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Shipwrecks
Forever Sailing
The Maitland shipwreck, a wooden schooner, sunk June 11, 1871
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
The Deadeye
The Sandusky shipwreck, a wooden 2 masted brig, sunk September 20th, 1856
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
The Helm
The William Young Shipwreck, a wooden schooner, sunk October 5, 1891
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
Image taken in Lake Huron, Mackinac Straits
Macro (the tiny stuff!)
Unseen Life
This Bumblebee shrimp was living on a purple sea cucumber
size is approx. 0.25in/5mm
Image taken in Roatan
size is approx. 0.25in/5mm
Image taken in Roatan
Tiny Forest
Feather aglea can look very unique at different angles and super close up.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Bubble Anemone
This type of anemone is unique for its knobby tentacles
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Translucent Wings
A type of bumpy comb jelly with bioluminescence swims past me in the velvety darkness of a black water night dive.
size is approx. 3.5in/9cm
Image taken in
Dumaguete, Philippines
size is approx. 3.5in/9cm
Image taken in
Dumaguete, Philippines
Shawn the Sheep
This cute eyespot costaiella sea slug looks like a tiny sheep. It's an herbivore but can also photosynthesize!
size is approx. 1/10 in / 3mm
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
size is approx. 1/10 in / 3mm
Image taken in Dumaguete, Philippines
Social Close Up
Social feather dusters are actually a type of tube worm. Their delecate feather like fingers wave through the water and collect micro organisms to eat. When the water around them is disturbed they will retract into their central tube.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
The World in an Eye
A super closeup of a stingrays eye reveals a world of color and texture.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Sea Slug Beauty
Nudibranchs are a beautiful type of seaslug, often characterized by flamboyant colors and patterns.
size is approx. 1in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Puerto Galera, Philippines
size is approx. 1in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Puerto Galera, Philippines
Young Beauty
A juvenile seahorse hangs onto a piece of coral.
size is approx. 1.5in/4cm
Image taken in Roatan
size is approx. 1.5in/4cm
Image taken in Roatan
Purple Scenery
The flamingo tongue snail has a white shell that many beach combers love to find. While alive the mantle of the creature has this unique leopard print color pattern. Here the snail is living/eating a purple sea fan.
size is approx. 1.5in / 3.5cm
Image taken in Roatan
size is approx. 1.5in / 3.5cm
Image taken in Roatan
Hanging On
This tiny neck crab was clinging onto the very edge of some coral, trying to catch micro organisms to eat
size (including legs) is approx. 1in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Roatan
size (including legs) is approx. 1in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Roatan
Life on a Blade
This is a solitary gorgonian hydroid. A small stinging type of anemone that is perched on a single blade of turtle grass.
size is approx. 0.5in / 1.2cm
Image taken in Little Cayman
size is approx. 0.5in / 1.2cm
Image taken in Little Cayman
Life within Life
A post larval unidentified creature hitches a ride inside a type of comb jelly. Image taken at night on a black water diver.
size of Jelly is approx. 1.5in / 4cm
size of creature inside approx. .25in/7mm
Image taken in Philippines
size of Jelly is approx. 1.5in / 4cm
size of creature inside approx. .25in/7mm
Image taken in Philippines
Hidden Shrimp
A tiny shrimp hides within whip coral
size is approx. 0.25in / 5mm
Image taken in Dominica
size is approx. 0.25in / 5mm
Image taken in Dominica
Feathery Touch
This super closeup of a crinoid reveals its tentacles to be feather like even though they are rough to the touch. Crinoids are part of the starfish family.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Fingerprint
This fingerprint cyphoma is a close relative to the more common flamingo tongue sea snail. It's fleshy mantal is what gives the shell such a unique pattern.
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Cleaning House
Mantis shrimp are known for excavating and living within a hole in the sandy bottom. Here I've captured the moment the shrimp expels sand from his home.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Hang on Tight
This tiny hermit crab was perched on a small piece of algae
size is approx. 0.5in / 1cm
Image taken in Exuma Islands
size is approx. 0.5in / 1cm
Image taken in Exuma Islands
Living Nest
The basket star shrimp aptly gets its name due to it living within a basket sea star.
size is approx. 0.25in / 5mm
Image taken in Dominica
size is approx. 0.25in / 5mm
Image taken in Dominica
Christmas Underwater
These Christmas tree worms are a type of tube worm. Their feather like appendages are actually how they feed on micro organisms that drift by.
size is approx. 1 in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Nassau
size is approx. 1 in / 2.5cm
Image taken in Nassau
Candy Cane Shrimp
Banded coral shrimp look like they are ready for Christmas with the bright red and white stripes.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Swimming Together
Diving late at night over deep water often brings unique and exotic creatures closer to the surface. Here this post larval filefish hitches a ride on a jellyfish.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Along for the Ride
Diving late at night over deep water often brings unique and exotic creatures closer to the surface. This tiny larval fish swims along with a jellyfish to save energy.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Deep Sea Monster
Diving late at night over deep water often brings unique and exotic creatures closer to the surface. This Ceratepsis Monstra is actually a post larval deep sea shrimp species that lives its adult life in the abyss.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
On the Edge
This tiny (approx 5mm) Costasiella is eating algea on its favorite type of plant. Costasiella are a type of Sea Slug that you need a sharp eye to spot.
Image taken in Dumaguete
Image taken in Dumaguete
Fish
All Together Now
This giant ball of Jacks was like a living globe of fish. It was HUGE, perhaps fifty feet across.
Image taken in Philippines
Image taken in Philippines
I Found Nemo
Clownfish are small fast moving fish that live within anemones, just like our favorite cartoon movie star.
Image taken in Philippines
Image taken in Philippines
Perched
This juvenile fish spends it 'childhood' living in the protection of different coral heads. If you are patient you can see it sitting atop.
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Image taken in Sea of Cortez
Fins of Color
Lionfish use their bold spines as a form of protection.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Ocean Home
While the 'nemo' clownfish are the most well known there are a variety of anemone fish that call these unique animals home. The tentacles never stop moving with the ocean motions.
Image taken at Verde Island
Image taken at Verde Island
Yin and Yang
Schooling Jack can look dark or light depending on how the sun reflects off their silvery scales.
Image taken at Roca Partida
Image taken at Roca Partida
Vibrant Colors
Queen angelfish are known for their incredibly colorful scales.
Image taken in Dominica
Image taken in Dominica
Paired Together
Banded angelfish are often seen in pairs swimming around the reef.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
On Look Out
Yellow headed jawfish live in a small hole in the ground. Only when they are very comfortable will they swim out of it and explore
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Young Beauty
Juvenile lionfish are characterized by very wispy spines.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Just Below
Schooling Jacks just below the surface around Roca Partida.
Image taken in Roca Partida/Socorro Islands
Image taken in Roca Partida/Socorro Islands
Living in Color
Clownfish often live in pairs inside a single anemone.
Image taken in Puerto Galera
Image taken in Puerto Galera
Goby Delight
Small goby fish are often seen darting around the sandy bottom on the edges of reefs. This fish was only about 1/2" long.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Far From Home
This small yellow headed jawfish had moved far above his small home, which is a hole in the ground.
Image taken in Little Cayman
Image taken in Little Cayman
Among the Polyps
A tiny fish rests among the protective reach of individual coral polyps.
Image taken in Exuma
Islands
Image taken in Exuma
Islands
Dangerous Beauty
While invasive in the Caribbean, the lionfish is famous for its beautiful spines and bold colors.
Image taken in Cozumel.
Image taken in Cozumel.
Decorated Fins
While invasive in the Caribbean this Indo-Pacific native fish is one of many varieties of lionfish. In this part of the world they are just another cool fish to see on the reef.
Image taken in Dumaguete
Image taken in Dumaguete
All Swimming Together
Schooling grunts are a fun colorful site often seen hovering near or around reef structures.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Within My Hold
A tiny, 1/4" blenny fish, hides inside some soft coral.
Image taken in Roatan
Image taken in Roatan
Angels on the Reef
A pair of Gray Angel fish search for food as the swim along with the strong currents.
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Image taken on Cozumel Island
Quiet Watch
A small clownfish peeks out from its pink anemone home.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Mostly Covered
An anemone fish hides within its anemone while surronded by two different shrimp species.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Seascapes
Soft Coral
Soft corals move and flow with the currents and can be any variety of colors shapes and sizes.
Image taken at Verde Island
Image taken at Verde Island
Above the Reef
A giant coral head was a mecca for a huge variety of small tropical fish species.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Verde Sponge
Giant barrel sponges can be so large a diver would fit inside. These sentient creatures filter the water and live longer than we could ever hope to.
Image taken at Verde Island
Image taken at Verde Island
Reefscape Wonder
A social feather duster has made its home at the base of this bold yellow pillar sponge.
Image taken in Cayman Brac
Image taken in Cayman Brac
Riot of Life
The explosion of life on Verde Island was nearly impossible to capture. Here you can see the vibrant and thriving community of fish, creatures, corals, and plants.
Image taken at Verde Island, Philippines
Image taken at Verde Island, Philippines
Community Life
Look close and you'll see arrow crabs, and Pederson cleaning shrimp both making their home with this purple tipped anemone.
Image taken Cozumel
Image taken Cozumel
Coral Dusters
These beautiful social feather dusters grew close to the coral head and out in the open water to easily filter and feed on microorganisms
Image taken in Nassau
Image taken in Nassau
Community Life
Christmas tree worms dot and decorate this bright coral head.
Image taken in Nassau
Image taken in Nassau
Coral Paradise
A yellow grunt swims among a coral head with giant brain coral being the centerpiece.
Image taken in Bonaire
Image taken in Bonaire
Colorful Movement
Finding purple tinted corals and anemones can be tricky. Finding them side by side was a wonderful surprise.
Image taken in Cozumel
Image taken in Cozumel
Coral in Orange
Coral comes in so many colors and shapes but this firey orange peice glowed as it fanned out with the current.
Image taken on Verde Island
Image taken on Verde Island
Blue Starfish Reef
This huge coral head had so many species but was decorated with the perfect blue starfish.
Image taken in the Philippines
Image taken in the Philippines
Abundance
The coral reef of Verde Island is among the most vibrant in the world.
Image taken on Verde Island
Image taken on Verde Island
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