At DLPHOTO, we help people develop their skill and passion for photography – and in this feature, we take a look at some of their work.

John Vowles is an underwater photographer based in Pringle Bay outside of Cape Town. A friend of the studio, he’s taken a number of DLPHOTO courses including Beginner To Pro and the advanced Fashion Photography Workshop and still keeps in contact with studio founder David Lazarus to discuss equipment, techniques, and ideas.

With a deep love for the ocean, John’s interest in aquatic life and scuba diving led him to photography, so that he could record the beauty of this otherwise hidden natural environment. These days, however, he’s progressed to more ambitious endeavors, now working with models in temperature-controlled underwater fashion shoots.

John uses a Canon 5D MK III and a Canon 7D MK II, usually paired with a Canon 16-35mm lens (other lenses include a 10-20mm Sigma and a Tokina fisheye). And of course, John protects his cameras with Nauticam housings before taking them underwater. He also uses four INON z-240 strobes for lighting.

A photo posted by John Vowles (@johnvowles) on

All photos © John Vowles