ian donato
“I hope my shots help create a spark in those dark places where the sea is seen as nothing more than a commercial entity.”
In 2014 Ian received an inexpensive action camera for his 50th birthday and the journey started from there.
“I would take it to Freshwater Beach in Sydney where I first began snorkelling on a regular basis. A friend also had an interest in underwater photography and I'm indebted to him for my present interest in underwater photography.”
In 2015 Ian started spending more time at the marine sanctuary at Cabbage Tree Bay and that's when and where underwater photography started to become more than a diversion. But it was his first encounter with an Australian giant cuttlefish out in the open, in all his pyrotechnical glory and the photos he took that day sealed the deal; underwater photography became a real passion.”
Keeping it simple
After dabbling in underwater photography for a couple of years, in 2017 Ian bought a better camera, an Olympus TG-4.
‘That camera allowed me to hone my approach which remains simple, just using natural light and a camera that fits in the palm of my hand.
As a freediver, being able to shot with one hand is integral to my work.”
Unmatched beauty
Fast forward to 2022 and the wonderful microcosm of Cabbage Tree Bay, has become something of a preoccupation for Ian.
“The range of beautiful creatures there go unmatched. Sea creatures and the medium in which they live is an endless source of wonder to me. The chance of catching the merest hint of their true magic on camera keeps me returning to the bay time and time again.”
For me Cabbage Tree Bay is a gem that never loses it's lustre. Sydney's little aquatic reserve right on its doorstep is my favourite place on the Great Southern Reef.”
Ian wants people to appreciate what it is for a sea creature to survive and flourish in the ocean.
“For me what that is is the greatest show on the Earth. I hope my best shots don't just preach to the converted but help create a spark in those dark places where the sea is seen as nothing more than a commercial entity.”
Learn about more passionate photographers and artists inspired by the Great Southern Reef.
