Oceanographic: When did you first connect with the ocean?

Andrei Savin: When I was young, just after graduating from university, I came to Sharm El Sheikh for the first time. During one of my first snorkels there, I swam right to the edge of the underwater shelf and looked into the bottomless blue… it was love at first sight!

Oceanographic: How did you get into underwater photography? What’s your background?

Andrei Savin: I became an underwater photographer relatively late in my life. I started diving between 2015 and 2016 and began to film with a relatively cheap camera. I immediately fell in love with it. In 2018, I decided to end my career in business and moved to the Philippines. I devoted all my spare time to diving and creating images. I want to live a fulfilled second life that fate gave me. 

Oceanographic: How would you describe your photograpy style?

Andrei Savin: I would say I’m constantly looking for natural beauty and harmony. This search is reflected in my images. 

Oceanographic: Why did you decide to enter the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023?

Andrei Savin: My big dream is to go on a long expedition. One where I could dive where no one has ever dived before. Maybe participating in the contest will bring me closer to this dream.