OCEANOGRAPHIC (OM): WHEN DID YOU FIRST CONNECT WITH THE OCEAN? HOW DID YOUR PASSION DEVELOP? 

IPAH UID LYNN: “I first connected with the ocean when I learned to overcome my fear of water. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to see the ocean not as something to be feared, but as a vast, beautiful world waiting to be explored. This connection deepened as I began diving, revealing the ocean’s mysteries and igniting a passion for marine life. The sense of peace and wonder I felt underwater has stayed with me ever since, guiding my journey into underwater photography and beyond.”

OM: HOW DID YOU GET INTO UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY? 

IPAH UID LYNN: “My journey into underwater photography began with my fascination for marine life and a desire to capture its beauty. Initially, I was a land-based macro photographer, focusing on tiny details, but once I started diving, I saw a whole new world through my lens. The unique challenges and rewards of shooting underwater, combined with the calming effect it had on my mind, drew me deeper into this art form. Over time, I honed my skills, blending creative storytelling with my images. That’s how underwater photography became my passion.”

OM: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? 

IPAH UID LYNN: “I would describe my style as creative, with a strong emphasis on storytelling. I aim to capture more than just an image; I strive to evoke emotion and convey a narrative through my work. Whether I’m shooting macro or wide-angle, each photograph is carefully composed to highlight the beauty and intricacy of marine life, often with a touch of surrealism. My style is a blend of technical precision and artistic expression, which I believe brings a unique perspective to underwater photography.”

OM: SOME OF YOUR MOST IMPRESSIVE IMAGES ARE MACRO SHOTS. WHY DO YOU LOVE THIS TYPE OF PHOTOGRAPHY? WHAT MAKES THESE SHOTS STAND OUT?

IPAH UID LYNN: “Macro photography unveils a hidden world. It shows the beauty of creatures that are often overlooked. I love the challenge of capturing their minute details, colours, and behaviours. Each macro shot feels like an exploration as it reveals something new and extraordinary about life underwater.”

OM: PHOTOGRAPHICALLY, WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN SHOOTING MACRO? HOW DO YOU TAKE A GREAT ONE?

IPAH UID LYNN: “Lighting and focus are key. Proper positioning of strobes ensures the subject is well-lit without overexposure. Patience and steady hands are crucial, as even the slightest movement can ruin a shot. I always aim to capture the subject’s character – its unique features or behaviours that tell a story.”

OM: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENTER THE 2024 OCEAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR (OPY) COMPETITION?

IPAH UID LYNN: “I entered the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition to share my passion for the ocean with a broader audience. This competition offers a platform to highlight the beauty and fragility of our underwater world, and I wanted to contribute to that narrative. Additionally, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself and to be recognised among the best in the field. The chance to showcase my work and inspire others to appreciate and protect our oceans was a key motivation for entering.”

OM: TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND BEHIND YOUR SUBMITTED OPY PORTFOLIO THAT WON THE FEMALE FIFTY FATHOMS AWARD. HOW DID YOU PUT IT TOGETHER?

IPAH UID LYNN: “My portfolio is a reflection of my journey through various underwater environments, including wreck diving, cave diving, taking wide-angle shots, and creative macro photography. I selected these images to showcase the diversity of marine life and the different techniques I’ve mastered over the years. Each image was chosen not only for its visual impact but also for the story it tells about the underwater world. From the eerie beauty of wrecks to the vibrant colours of coral reefs, my portfolio is a celebration of the ocean’s wonders.”

OCEANOGRAPHIC: MANY OF YOUR IMAGES WERE TAKEN IN MALAYSIA. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE UNDERWATER OFFERINGS IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY?

IPAH UID LYNN: “Malaysia offers an incredible diversity of underwater experiences, making it a paradise for underwater photographers. From the pristine coral reefs of Sipadan to the mysterious depths of cave systems, the underwater world here is teeming with life and opportunities for exploration. The macro life is particularly rich, with countless species of nudibranchs and other small creatures. The waters around Malaysia are also home to impressive wrecks and stunning wide-angle scenes, offering endless possibilities for both creative and technical photography.”