Iris Uijttewaal is a Dutch underwater photographer, designer and conservationist whose passion for the ocean grew from a fascination the relationship between people and place. After spending nearly a decade in remote Indonesia, including many years living among communities in Raja Ampat, she discovered the power of storytelling through the people she met and the marine ecosystems they call home. Working alongside local communities and seasoned marine scientists, her photography explores the connection between people and the sea while highlighting both its beauty and fragility. Today, Iris leads conservation and photography-focused diving expeditions that raise funds to provide young Papuan women with dive training, empowering them to protect the reefs in their own backyard.