Ken Kiefer is a professional photographer and the reason why we want you to meet Ken is his daring and suspenseful underwater photography. As technology evolves, a trend of extreme and underwater photography is taking over. Ken has taken advantage of today's technology and mastered underwater photography capturing beautiful  (and sometimes terrifying) beasts.

Hi Ken, when did you start in photography?

I’ve always been fascinated with the ability to stop a moment in time; whether it be in sports, a beautiful sunset, or especially when it’s something that not everyone has the ability to see for themselves, such as a remote location or uncomfortable situation. I played around with film cameras and learned a lot about settings and composition, but digital slr cameras really opened up a world of freedom. The ability to shoot underwater without surfacing every 36 shots was incredible!!

Your underwater portfolio is beyond amazing. Why did you choose to specialize in this category?

I had been a dive instructor for years and found it pretty impossible to describe some of the beauty underwater with only words. I was very determined to open up that world, specifically my parents, but also to anyone that hadn’t experienced it for themselves. Every time that I am able to share an image that inspires or helps teach someone about the wonders of the sea, it is a very fulfilling moment for me!

Most people will not dare to be near these sharks. What has been your most dangerous/difficult encounter?

Usually my most difficult encounters are with really small fish that won’t ever seem to position themselves the way that I wish they would!! :D There is an element of danger to shark dives, but I don’t go with dive operators or divers that aren’t willing to study the animals and make every dive with respect for both the divers’ and animals’ safety and health in mind. Sharks are my very favorite thing to photograph and I never want to do anything to put them in danger or portray them in a negative light.

What is your equipment of choice?

Currently, I shoot with a Canon 5D3 in an Ikelite Underwater Housing. I have Ikelite DS161 strobes that I use when I need additional light to natural sunlight. My most utilized lens for wide angle underwater is a Canon 8-15mm fisheye to allow close interaction. This minimizes the amount of water between you and the subject which degrades the image and light transmission.

Where is your favorite location to shoot and why?

I really like the Bahamas, for the ease of access and huge variety of sharklife!

Any tips for emerging photographers?

As has been said a million times, there is no substitute for practice!! Personally, I am self-taught, and learned each setting by experimentation over the years. New photographers have a huge wealth of shortcuts via the internet to help them speed things up! Specifically for underwater photographers I would suggest getting very comfortable with diving before attempting to add a camera to the mix. You shouldn’t have to think about equipment/buoyancy/etc. while adding settings and strobes to the equation!

Thank you Ken! For sharing this unique experience, your work and such a brave selfie: