Meet Underwater Photographer Kyungshin Kim
Kyungshin KimKim's Compact Camera, first-place winning image which was also featured on the cover of Scuba Diving's Sept./Oct. issue.
Behind the Shot: Initially, we intended to take photos of frilled anemones at 70 feet but because of the cold water, we had to cut the shoot short and were on the way up to the surface when we met a smack of jellyfish. Amazed by the display of colors, I thought the shoot might be salvaged after all. I searched for ones near me that were upright so that it would come out like a stained‑glass lampshade. The jellyfish movements were unpredictable, and it required an extra dive after a surface rest to capture this photo.
Camera Gear: Olympus Tough TG-4 in an Olympus PT-056 housing
Settings:: f/2.8, 1/500, ISO 100
Prize: Trip aboard Jardines Aggressor II
Kyungshin KimKyungshin Kim
Age: 53
Q: How long have you been a shooter: A: Just over four years in underwater photography
Q: How long diving:
A: About six years
Q: Day job:
A: CEO of an IT company
Q: Favorite camera: A: Olympus TG-4; for macro close-ups, this camera has performed quite remarkably.
See amazing images from Scuba Diving's 2019 Underwater Photo Contest
Kyungshin KimA redhead coral goby.
Q: What is your favorite place to be underwater?
A: It has to be Anilao in the Philippines. With an experienced macro guide, I’ve been able to shoot a wide variety of subjects.
Q: What's the best advice you've received regarding photography?
A: “A good photo is one that is liked and appreciated by many.” Someone said that to me years ago when I first dived with a camera. That is why I strive to take a picture with a story or one that many people can appreciate the subject’s beauty.
Kyungshin KimA hairy shrimp.
Q: What is your favorite underwater subject?
A: Gobies. They can be found around the world, but their variety and color are something I find fascinating.
Q: What underwater shooter do you most admire and why?
A: I have been a fan of Alex Mustard (see page 76) since I began shooting underwater photos. I find his photos to be extraordinary while remaining uniquely beautiful. His subjects are not just a whole bunch of “unicorns” that most divers would not get to see for themselves.
Rather, he finds the unique vantage point and angle for the more ordinary subjects in a way so that the photos come out stunning.
AWARDS:
2019: 1st place, Macro, Scuba- Net Anilao Underwater Photography Competition
2018: 1st place, Compact Portfolio, ScubaNet Anilao Underwater Photography Competition
2018: 1st place, Macro, 27th Korea Underwater Photography Contest
