dominic buyers

For photographer Dominic Buyers, the ocean is both a source of inspiration and connection. Over the past four years, countless dives and an ever-present camera have allowed him to document the Great Southern Reef and the life it supports.

“Connection is more powerful than perfection. Through photography, I hope to bridge the gap and bring more people into caring for the reef.”

What began as a hobby has become a way of exploring new habitats, observing seasonal changes, and preserving fleeting underwater moments that can be shared with others.

Two places on the Great Southern Reef illustrate the different ways Dominic experiences the ocean. The Hippolyte, off the Tasman Peninsula, is challenging to access but rewards divers with extraordinary visibility, colour, and marine life when conditions align. In contrast, Jawbone Marine Reserve near Melbourne has become a site of familiarity and learning. By returning often, Dominic has come to recognise seasonal changes in its flora and fauna, deepening his understanding of the reef’s rhythms.

Every dive for Dominic begins long before entering the water. Preparation is central to his practice, from studying tides to mapping locations. He prefers to dive between slack high and outgoing tide, when visibility is greatest and marine life most active. His dives range from Melbourne’s well-known piers to remote sites reached only by hiking, each offering its own opportunities and challenges.

With every dive, Dominic pairs photography with stewardship. He carries a catch-bag to collect debris that could harm marine life, and has refined his equipment to suit different conditions—from heavier setups, to lighter surf housings that make freediving more agile. A compact TG6 camera always remains in his pocket, ready for unexpected encounters.

A Careful and Considered Approach

“Every dive is a privilege. The unpredictability of conditions only makes the good days more rewarding.”

While Melbourne’s reefs have been impacted by historical dredging, Dominic still regards the region as a “wonderland” compared to the waters where he first learned to dive in Christchurch, New Zealand. The variability of local conditions only makes good days more rewarding, reinforcing his view that each dive is a privilege.

Encounters and Purpose

Among his most memorable encounters are playful Fur Seals in Port Phillip Bay, the quiet intelligence of Octopus, and the thrill of swimming alongside sharks. A dive at Hippolyte Rock remains, in his words, one of the best natural experiences of his life.

Beyond the encounters themselves, Dominic’s photography is driven by purpose. As both a photographer and a spearfisher, he has witnessed how conversations around conservation can unintentionally exclude people who might otherwise be allies. He advocates for a more inclusive approach, where connection matters more than perfection.

“I hold the viewpoint that the rift is isolating a lot of do-good fisherman, who would otherwise be a lot more conservation focused. By requiring individuals to be ‘perfect,’ the conservation community loses a lot of allies.”

Through his images, Dominic seeks to highlight the wonder of the Great Southern Reef while encouraging people from all backgrounds to care for its future. His work reflects not only the beauty beneath the surface, but also the importance of building bridges in the effort to protect it.

You can see more of Dominic’s work on his website and @dombuyersunderwater.