The visible light spectrum refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can see. In short, it's a range of wavelengths that are visible, and is commonly referred to as “visible light”. Typically, humans can detect wavelengths ranging from 380 to 700 nanometers. The Unseen collection, however, uses 330 nanometers of light. This is shorter than “visible light” and falls outside the range of wavelengths that can be seen by humans.

Marine life is full of fascinating visual adaptations that are beyond human perception. Many species evolve in unique ways to survive. Some marine animals can see UV light or detect polarised light, giving them a different perspective and colour vision. The diversity of visual adaptations in marine life is seemingly endless and truly fascinating.
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For instance, certain fish have polarised eye lenses to help them navigate through water more efficiently. Some shrimp species have up to 16 photoreceptor cells in their eyes that let them see a much wider range of colours than humans. Even deep-sea creatures have eyes that are so sensitive to light that they can detect the faintest bioluminescence in the darkness. Moreover, marine creatures like coral reef fish, Lionfish, Manta rays, shrimp and other crustaceans use the reflection of UV light to create a secret communication system with their own kind in order to minimise their predation risk. This can also help them distinguish between edible food and potentially poisonous substances.

As light is much more variable underwater than on land there are many more amazing visual adaptations in the sea. Marine creatures with hidden patterns and features have visual adaptations that are beyond human perception, only becoming visible in these low-spectrum conditions. This is what makes exploring the fascinating world of marine life a source of wonder and intrigue.

The phenomenon known as induced luminescence or ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UVIVF) is when certain materials emit visible light when they are exposed to ultraviolet light. It occurs when the subject absorbs pure non-visible light and re-emits it at longer wavelengths that are visible to the human eye.

The result? A stunning display of vivid incandescent colours that penetrates the materials and organisms illuminating them in various glowing hues. It's like experiencing the unseen beauty of glittering flashes of colour or fireflies in the night that emit shades of red, orange, purple and blue. It's a journey of exploration into the magic of fluorescence, where you can view the world in ways most never do.

During photography sessions, each subject is handled with the utmost care and minimal disturbance to their natural habitat. The subjects of these photographs are typically found living between intertidal zones of the ocean, unattached to the ocean floor. Before capturing these beautiful creatures on camera, I patiently wait for the perfect moment, considering tidal changes and optimal photography conditions. After being carefully lifted for photography they are returned to their original position allowing them to continue living undisturbed lives, just as nature intended.

My unorthodox approach takes time and accuracy, giving the final results substance and making it all worthwhile. My underwater work is shot on a single breath, allowing me to move with minimal disturbance, truly working for the final frame. The Unseen collection has proven to be challenging to develop, research and execute as capturing these moments demands the utmost patience and precision. My research and testing into both techniques and subject matter has been extensive, and ultimately, I still never know how the final frame will reveal itself. It has been two years since my first test shot was taken, triggering this obsessive fascination with ocean luminance.

This video will give you a look behind the scenes of what goes into a single frame.

The weight of beauty is often underestimated, posing a harsh reality that we must confront. This work serves as a poignant reminder of our impact on the environment – a legacy that we will pass on to our children and future generations.

In the grand scheme of time, our presence on this earth has been brief yet marked by devastation. The ocean debris that we see around us is a result of our entitled actions discarded and forgotten, and left for Mother Nature to reclaim and transform. It is not a choice but a necessity for replenishment. We must recognise that we are not invincible and Mother Nature is a powerful force in the battle for survival. Failure to learn from our mistakes and coexist with her could lead to a world where we become a forgotten blip, overlooked by time and remembered only for taking more than we gave.