Michael Rothschild

These portraits were all taken at a shallow shore dive site off the New Jersey coast, the Manasquan River railroad bridge. I love hunting for little critters in spots like this, and the bridge rarely disappoints. Underwater macro photography is very different from wide-angle, where lighting and strobe placement are so critical. With macro, once your settings are dialed in, it really becomes more about you and your subject. A good nature photographer needs the same skills as a hunter—you need to know your target well, and position yourself precisely to get the best results.
 
Every species reacts differently to the camera, so getting to know your local marine environment is crucial. Juvenile tautogs seem to be born wary of humans—it is almost impossible to get a face-on shot or even a reasonable three-quarter profile. On the other hand, blennies are the Instagram influencers of the undersea world—they will pose for you until you get bored and move on!
 
I am always amazed at how portraits make these creatures seem so expressive and emotive. Even crustaceans can capture your gaze when those eye stalks turn in your direction. Yes, some beautiful aquatic animals—like jellyfish, hydroids, and nudibranchs—do not have faces, and they still make good subjects. But once you find a great model who will throw you an engaging expression, you will really appreciate the work that our colleagues in fashion photography do every day.