TITLE: A Hymn For Poseidon

Below about ten metres, the underwater world transforms into shades of monochromatic blue and green. Our perception of light, time and temperature shift dramatically, as does our sense of self.

Seconds become minutes.

With experience, your breathing slows, the anxiety dissipates and all that remains is awe.

You are no longer restricted in the traditional sense. You can fly.

But there is always a feeling of what may be lurking in the distance, just out of view. This forces mindfulness and a recognition of our impermanence.

At worst, you’re humbled. At best, it's life altering.

I captured the images for this series over a period of time working as a dive guide and underwater photographer in South East Asia and the Middle East. They represent my most personal captures and best attempt to communicate the true wonder we experience underwater.

*** Each image is captured with a digital underwater camera. A digital negative is created and contact printed in the darkroom by hand for the final platinum/palladium print (11x14) on archival substrate. ***

AUTHOR: Grant Stirton (Canada)

Grant Stirton is a photo-based artist who lives near Ottawa, Canada. Specializing in marine environments, his passion for exploring the natural world is informed by his experience as a photojournalist and marine expedition guide. He explores themes related to the conservation of marine habitats, species at risk and water security, reflecting on the human impact and voicing a need for stewardship.

His practice is a synthesize of modern and historical process, as he works across digital and analog formats, producing hand-made platinum, silver and archival pigment prints.

Grant has received numerous awards and publications for his work in journalism and tv/film. He is a graduate of SPEOS Photographic Institute in Photojournalism, the University of Toronto in Management and is currently an artist in residence with the School of Photographic Arts Ottawa (SPAO).