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A playful sea lion comes in for a close look at Photographer of the Week, Brent Durand
 

As a child who grew up playing in the waves of the Pacific Ocean, it was only natural for Brent Durand to get scuba certified at the young age of 14. But it wasn’t until after college that he rediscovered California beach diving and began diving locally several nights a week. 

Soon his workday routine became all about the ocean: Brent would drive to Malibu after work, shoot sunset seascapes, and then pack up his camera and hop in the water. Eventually, he borrowed an underwater camera and then pieced together a system off eBay. 

Brent’s passion is exploring and documenting the wild side of the Eastern Pacific with images infused with bold color with strong roots in landscape composition. Often, you’ll see surfboards, kayaks, SUPs and camping gear in Brent’s dive trip portfolios. You can find Brent speaking at local dive clubs, writing articles on underwater photo techniques, and leading photo workshops worldwide. In December 2018, Brent will co-lead the 7th Annual Capturing Critters workshop at Lembeh Resort.
 

A Spanish shawl nudibranch, abundant on Southern California reefs, rears up for the camera
 

The kelp forests are constantly moving, and this slow shutter exposure helps convey that sense of movement
 

A small group of blue rockfish hover next to a kelp frond at San Miguel Island off California
 

Divers drop down to the reef to begin exploring Catalina Island
 

A macro view of zoanthid anemones: These anemones have completely covered the host gorgonian
 

Notorious for being shy, this harbor seal appears to pose for the camera while playing off the beach in Malibu
 

Kelpfish are well-camouflaged but make great photo subjects when found
 

Dramatic lighting on a mid-range shot of giant kelp pneumatocysts
 

No portfolio would be complete without turning the camera around during this age of selfies!
 

Brent on the surface after another great California beach dive
 

Check out more of Brent’s work at www.brentdurand.com, or you can follow him on Facebook or Instagram.