Nicola Phillips

My love for photography began above the surface. I’ve travelled to some incredible places around the world photographing wildlife and the natural world, but everything changed the first time I took my camera underwater. There was something completely different about entering a world so often hidden from view — the colours, the wildlife, the movement and the feeling of being immersed in an ecosystem rather than simply observing it. Since then, the ocean has become the heart of my photography.

Through my work, I aim to capture the beauty and personality of marine life while bringing a little piece of the underwater world into your home. My prints are a way of sharing the places and encounters that have inspired me, and hopefully creating that same sense of wonder for the ocean in others. As a marine biologist, conservation is also a huge part of why I do what I do. I believe that you protect what you love, and you love what you understand. Alongside my photography, I’m passionate about sharing knowledge about marine life, the ecosystems they depend on, and the simple ways we can all contribute to protecting our oceans. Every image has a story, and I hope my photography helps tell those stories - inspiring curiosity, connection and a deeper appreciation for the incredible world beneath the surface.