As many continue to explore novel ways to capture our world on land, Saudi photographer Saad Alaiyadhi charts a different course, delving into the depths of Earth’s waters with his cameras and heavy diving gear, to capture a kaleidoscope of life and wonder.
In conversation with List Editor AbdulBaset Al Monajed, Saad Alaiyadhi shares his experiences with diving and underwater photography, taking us through a journey that has come to define him and redefine his connection with the Kingdom's underwater world.
From the Beginning
It all started with learning how to dive, which quickly turned into a passion – more of an addiction, in fact – for exploring this hidden world. From the moment I began, I was captivated. I just wanted to share my underwater exposure in the best possible way with family and friends.
However, I soon realised there’s much more to it: a “successful” photo requires me to convey stories, feelings, and sensations from the depths of the sea. Without all that, a picture would mean nothing to whoever I share it with.
A Coral Forest
I’ve taken photos in several underwater locations in Saudi and abroad, and each sea has something about its depths, giving its photographs a special dimension. For example, my experience in the Arabian Gulf, particularly at Half Moon Beach, introduced me to seahorses the size of a finger. They are considered one of the very rare sea creatures, and I had no idea they even existed in the waters of the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.
As a resident of that region, I believe the Red Sea is the richest destination for photography. I’ve been able to dive and take pictures in it, from the far north till the far south, all the way to Farasan Island, taking off sometimes from Saudi waters and other times from Egyptian waters.
The Red Sea is more like going into a forest of coral reefs due to its densities and diversity. What is interesting is that coral diversity throughout the Red Sea is similar, as it extends with the same magnificence and density. Aside from our region, I’ve also photographed the waters of Maldives. Its large fish and sharks are not something that go unnoticed, and there are also mantas (sea devils) and giant sea turtles everywhere. I have plans for the near future to travel to Ecuador to photograph orcas. I’m a bit scared, but at the same time I’m very excited. I’d also like to visit Sipadan Island in Malaysia and Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, as well as Fiji, Iceland, Japan, and Mexico.
Sea of Surprises
The underwater world is full of surprises, but one of the most memorable shots for me was near the Farasan Banks area. I was able to photograph a shiver of 30-40 hammerhead sharks – it was an amazing surprise. Even some experienced divers in the area, with a history of 3,000 to 4,000 dives, had never seen anything like it. During one of the night dives, I photographed a strange creature I’d never seen before, living in the coral reef. Later, I discovered it was the medusa worm, which is only 10cm long.
The Truth About Sharks
Perhaps a surprising fact to many, I discovered each shark breed has a completely different behaviour. For example, the hammerhead is very shy, as sound or movement will cause it to move away. The oceanic white-tip shark, or longimanus, is unimaginably curious; as soon as I get into the water, it gets very close to me to explore. The tiger shark, on the other hand, never seems to mind my presence.
Sharks are undoubtedly very strong creatures, but when one gets too close, I first take a picture of it, then lay my hand on its head and give it a slight push, and it swims away. Predatory aggressive sharks are mostly found in Hollywood movies. An important point must be made clear though: sharks consume dead fish that float on the surface of the sea, so when people swim on the surface, sharks might confuse them for dead fish, and try to eat them, as they don’t realise that they are living beings.
Shipwreck Photography
One of the wonders of the Red Sea is its plethora of sunken ships: one vessel I was able to photograph was the sunken Iona ship off the coast of Yanbu. 'Rebirth' was what I saw and photographed in the Kingston Wreck on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea, at first glance, one will only see coral reefs, but if you look closely, the ship’s iron hull, on which coral reefs have grown over time, will appear – truly a magnificent sight.
Underwater vs On Land
Photography in the depths of the seas and oceans presents unique challenges that are distinct from photography on land. Being in the ocean is like being in space. What you seek to photograph might be anywhere around you, and it’s difficult to adjust the distance or take a required position, while on land, photography depends on the stability of your position. It’s also difficult to control lighting for an object that is underwater, especially when its deeper.
At a depth of 10m or more, sunlight becomes of little benefit. One must rely on portable lighting, which is an additional challenge. That’s why I find underwater photography a completely distinct discipline, requiring a specialised mindset and skills. Take, for example, the concept of the golden hour in conventional photography. It also exists in underwater photography but is called double lights, which is the subtle orange-hued sunlight beneath the sea’s surface, an effect that would make any picture striking, regardless of what is being photographed.
@saad_alaiyadhi
All images provided thanks to Saad Alaiyadhi
