8 September 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview LIFE IN THE DEEP END Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig talks to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s most renowned underwater photographer, Hani Bader. These are the words of the award-winning Bahraini marine photographer, Hani Bader – the man behind several captivating photographs that mesmerise the masses near and far. While few have the sheer grit and determination to venture into the very depths of the ocean, even fewer have the ability to capture what lies beneath. “It’s a family thing. All members of my family are passionate about the sea and most of them, just like me, work in the same field; it’s more of a joint life and work thing,” he says. “So, it’s been in our blood since childhood, as my home town is an island and we used to go on many sea trips and swim at all times,” he adds. Since having his first experience with diving well over 20 years ago, Hani didn’t just develop an interest in marine photography… he perfected it. “I started diving back in 1997 but ventured on my journey into the world of underwater photography back in 2003 and it has been my passion and addiction ever since,” he says. Hani’s first camera was a “point and shoot” camera - a gift from his father and the reason he pursued photography. “From there I used my first DSLR camera as well as the underwater housing in 2010 when I actually started to put my knowledge into practice,” he explains, adding that his daily routine includes browsing the internet for new tips, techniques, information, tools and market updates. “I try my best to stay up-to-date with all that is related to underwater photography. I also try my best to go diving at least once a week and travel at least twice a year for dives,” he says. Hani has steadily developed his marine photography skills and has since been involved in several research projects regarding the marine environment and marine life. “My subjects include everything - from moving creatures to lifeless wrecks, but what I consider to be one of my most interesting and memorable photographs is the scene of the jellyfish with the Socotra cormorant taken in Bahrain,” he says of the award-winning photograph depicting the beautiful bird right in the middle of a smack of jellyfish. “Capturing that scene back in May of 2014 as they gathered in large numbers has to be one of the most memorable experiences I have had on a dive. I was stunned by the scene and thrilled to have succeeded in capturing it,” he continues. Hani has received numerous local and international awards and accolades and notably placed first in the Our World Underwater Competition (2014), University of Miami Underwater Photo Contest (2015), Batelco photography contest - BahrainEye3 (2015). He also placed second at the Underwater Photographer of the Year, London (2015), and received a gold medal at the Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum Photography Awards (2016). Most recently, Hani was the winner of the 2019 OIE Photo competition and Bapco World Environment Day Competition (2021). The biggest challenge is that you are dealing with nature, and nature dictates what you get and when can you get it “ “ All pictures by Hani Bader
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