Meet international underwater photographer Mohan Thanabalan in this Q&A as he shares his tips, experiences, and insight for getting the best out of scuba diving and the photography way of life.

Where do you live and how old are you?

I live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I am 38 years of age.

How long have you been diving? What made you want to learn to dive and where did you start?

I have been diving for 10 years. I grew up in Penang, Malaysia and I've always loved the sea and the beaches. That gave me inspiration to take up diving in 2004 so I could explore the wonders beneath the sea.

When did you start shooting underwater? Why did you start using a camera?

I bought my first compact camera with an underwater housing in 2005 and I have never stopped shooting underwater since. Honestly, I have no clue why I started underwater photography, I guess because every diver I meet takes photos when they go diving...haha!

What was your first camera setup? What camera system do you use now?

My first camera setup was a used Canon Ixus 500 which I bought from a friend and I also took a small loan from a good friend at that time to buy the underwater housing for it. Now I ever go diving without my Nikon D300 with a Hugyfot D300 housing and paired with Ikelite DS160 strobes.

Underwater photographers seem to have an ability to look at the underwater world and know what sort of picture could be made, in a way that's not obvious to the non-photographer looking at the same site. Is that something you are born with or a learned trait?

I was never a good photographer or even thought of being a photographer. Since it's underwater photography and frankly those are the only pictures I take, I somehow developed a style and a passion for it from a lot of practice and advice from other old-timers who have been taking photos since before I as born and some of them are award winners too. I believe it's all in the mind and the eye of the individual.

What is your most memorable underwater moment?

Every time i discover or find a new underwater animal or creature for the first time.

What type of photography do you prefer (wide-angle, macro, etc.)?

I personally prefer macro photography.

Any scary or funny moments underwater?

For sure more funny events than scary ones but the one moment I want to share is when I had a titan triggerfish behind my head just waiting to pounce on me. I never knew it was behind me until my buddies told me about it after we surfaced from the dive. Scary.

Any awards or honors?

1st Malaysia International Dive Expo 2006 - UW Photography Competition - 1st Place.

Where have you been published?

EZ Dive Magazine

What are you proudest of?

Being able to dive and be safe.

Are there any underwater photographers you admire and why?

Mr. Ooi Aik Lim. My mentor, my father figure, my dearest friend. It's because of him puts me where i am today. He gives me the best advice ever. A real mentor and friend indeed.

What advice do you have for beginning photographers?

Keep diving, keep taking pictures, think out of the box and protect our ocean.

Where are you going next?

Lombok, Indonesia & Moal Boal, Philippines

For more on Mohan please visit http://scubaholicsanonymous.com

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