The author shares their long-held desire to dive in the Seychelles, captivated by its isolation and pristine reefs. Diving from the SY Sea Bird, they experienced ideal conditions and were particularly amazed by a massive school of Soldierfish, gracefully moving together in the clear blue water during their first dive.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

Photographed from Manhattan’s west side in Chelsea, these images capture Midtown on a warm summer night as clouds move through the city’s light.

Warm water diving provides unique adventures across diverse destinations. Belize offers stunning coral reefs and the Great Blue Hole, while Raja Ampat showcases rich marine biodiversity. Nassau features thrilling encounters with turtles and sharks, and Bonaire is ideal for solo divers with accessible shore dive sites. Each location promises unforgettable experiences.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

YouTube video by Scuba Hank

Last week, I had the chance to present my latest project at the New York Underwater Photographic Society (NYUPS) meeting. The theme was "EYES"—a challenge that pushed me to look through my archives with a very specific focus. As divers, we often get caught up in the wider scene or the specific behavior of a subject. But for this project, I wanted to strip away the distractions and focus purely on the "windows to the soul" beneath the surface.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank

Explore the hidden world of macro life in Dauin, Philippines. A short film featuring the blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant nudibranchs, and rare shrimp.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

Why is a "muddy" bottom the favorite spot for pro divers? Explore the addictive world of muck diving and find out where to see the world's strangest marine life.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) are shy, reef-dwelling fish that emerge at dusk, showcasing their vibrant colors through a rhythmic movement. Filmed in the Lembeh Strait, known for its biodivers...

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

YouTube video by Scuba Hank - Underwater

Photographed from Manhattan’s west side in Chelsea, these images capture Midtown on a warm summer night as clouds move through the city’s light.

In "Final Sunset," a handheld clip captures the serene transition of day to evening over the ocean at golden hour. It emphasizes a moment of reflection and stillness, symbolizing an end to the year and a transition to future adventures. The scene embodies the significance of time and place. Happy New Year.

YouTube video by Scuba Hank NYC

The ocean is full of fascinating creatures, but few are as eye-catching as Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). With their vibrant, spiral-shaped

The Elusive Mandarinfish, or Synchiropus splendidus, is a vividly colored reef fish known for its elusive nature. Active during dusk in Indonesia's Lembeh Strait, it captivates observers with its striking patterns. A digital remix of its movements explores the interplay between marine life and abstract geometry, prompting viewers to choose their preferred representation.

The recent NYUPS gathering showcased a short film titled "Life on the Ocean Floor," highlighting the biodiversity found in Dauin’s diving sites. It emphasizes the hidden life in seemingly barren areas and features remarkable marine life. The filmmaker utilized a Panasonic GH5 camera and discussed the importance of patience while diving.

The ocean is full of fascinating creatures, but few are as eye-catching as Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus giganteus). With their vibrant, spiral-shaped crowns, these small marine worms look like underwater holiday decorations. But beyond their beauty, they play an important role in coral reef ecosystems. Let’s dive into three fascinating facts about these mesmerizing reef dwellers. Christmas tree worms get their name from their striking, spiraled plumes, which resemble tiny Christmas trees swaying in the ocean.

The Christmas tree worm (Spirobranchus giganteus) is a vibrant marine worm residing in coral reefs. Its spiral plumes serve as gills and feeding structures, allowing it to filter food. Highly sensitive to movement, the worm quickly retracts into its coral tube when threatened, re-emerging once the environment stabilizes.