About Terry Steeley

A love of the oceans, nature, wildlife and adventure combined with a passion for photography made a career as an underwater photographer a natural and intuitive choice. A diver since 1997, it was much more recently that Terry first took a DSLR into the water. He was immediately hooked, and diving and photography together have taken him from a keen amateur to a talented professional. He describes himself as “No longer a diver. I am now an observer, and the oceans, rivers and lakes are my studio. Photography is the best way for me to share these magical places.”  

Terry’s eye for design was developed in his previous career as a graphic designer, then later a web designer. What better place to use and develop those skills than in capturing the beauty of the natural world? 

His love for underwater photography led him to take a sabbatical from his day job, travelling from Alaska to French Polynesia to experience different underwater worlds, using his photography to explore as many different environments as possible, learning from the many talented photographers he dived with. An underwater photographer was born and Terry never returned full-time to the office! 

As his skills and experience as a photographer developed, Terry’s passion for teaching combined to become a big part of his professional work; imparting his knowledge to other photographers through his own courses and by leading big animal trips for Big Fish Expeditions. Also a Photoshop expert, having lectured for Adobe for many years, Terry is able to offer that extra dimension in his teaching, taking photographers from capturing an image to fine art printing.

Terry’s commitment, energy and enthusiasm for his photography are limitless and this is evident in his images. He is now receiving acclaim in both British and international photography competitions, with his photography exhibited internationally. The journey from graphic designer to professional underwater photographer has not always been easy but his photography is a testament to all those who, whatever their profession, aspire to follow a dream of a career in photography.