Impossible to compete with the talent of Renée Capozzola in the world of underwater photography. Her works are recognized worldwide, accumulating multiple awards in the most prestigious competitions and a continuous presence in leading journals and media. Originally from Southern California, Renée was captivated at the age of 7 by the art of American master Christian Riese Lassen, who depicts the beauty of underwater landscapes by blending reality and imagination. This fascination has nurtured her unique style of half-water, half-air photography.
After earning a degree in biology, she discovered diving almost by accident. This serendipitous encounter with the aquatic world quickly evolved into an all-consuming passion. Her artistic mastery, combined with a solid knowledge of the marine ecosystem, allows her to capture magical moments with patience and perseverance. Currently a SEACAM brand ambassador and a member of The Explorers Club, Renée Capozzola will also be the president of the photo jury for the 9th edition of the International « Galathea » Festival, scheduled in Hyères (Var) from November 21 to 24, 2024. The photo and video competition is already open to participants!
Green turtles, Chelonia mydas
Maui Island, Hawaiian Archipelago
Hawaii is home to one of the largest marine reserves in the world, with a quarter of species being endemic. Green turtles gather at cleaning stations where surgeonfish, among others, rid them of algae and parasites. Capturing this moment requires great patience.
Maui Island, Hawaiian Archipelago
Award-winning photo: 1st place in the 2018 Asia-Pacific underwater photos competition, wide-angle category (mating)
The green turtles, Chelonia mydas, are among Renée’s favorite subjects. As a protected species, they thrive in the waters of the archipelago. These reptiles regularly surface to breathe, thus providing excellent opportunities for photographers. The image below captures mating at dusk, a moment hard to capture as these turtles move quickly during their mating dance.
This blacktip shark, Carcharhinus melanopterus, benefits from a variety of protection programs throughout the French Polynesia territory.
Moorea Island, French Polynesia.
This stingray (Dasyastis sp.) glides smoothly at the surface, always facing west.
Tahiti Island, French Polynesia.
Humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, travel more than 6,000 km from Antarctica to give birth to their calves in the warm and crystalline waters of Tahiti and the Austral Islands. From July to November, the mothers dedicate themselves to birthing and protecting their young, eventually returning to polar waters after a month and a half journey. An impressive 12,000 km journey.
Anilao, Luzon Island, Philippines
1st place « Nature Photographer of the Year 2023 », Underwater category
This small female argonaut, Argonauta argo, carries her eggs on the back of a jellyfish, puncturing its aboral surface to feed. An unexpected relationship!
Taak Bi Ha Cenote, Dos Ojos Park, Mexico
Black water diving and underwater caverns do not seem to affect the quality of Renée Capozzola’s photos.
Blacktip sharks glide near the surface among the corals at Fakarava, French Polynesia.
This article, initially written by Hervé Colombini for the print edition of DIVE!, has been adapted for the web.
Images: Renée Capozzola