Alexander Semenov is a world renowned underwater photographer and marine biologist specializing in invertebrate animals. He works at the polar circle as the Head of the Divers’ team at Moscow State University’s White Sea Biological Station. Alexander and his team are used to diving in unfavorable and often harsh conditions, successfully conducting complex research projects.
His key specialism is scientific macro-photography in natural environments. This practice makes it possible to observe animals that cannot be properly studied under laboratory conditions, such as soft bodied planktonic organisms or stationary life forms living on the sea floor. His personal goal is to study underwater life through camera lenses and to boost people’s interest in marine biology. He does this by sharing all his findings through social media and in real life through public lectures, exhibitions, and media events.
This unique opportunity to see beauty in the darkness underwater led Alexander to multiple collaborations with National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, BBC, Nature Magazine, the Smithsonian Institution and many more, including the scientific community.
What do you need to know before going out and photographing creatures in the wild?
Marine biologist and underwater photographer Alexander Semenov shares his tips for getting a great shot.
“I always get perfect prints and, sometimes, questions from color correction guys from the lab: 'Alex, what monitor do you use?' because they don’t even need to touch my pictures before printing.”
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