Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Marini

Text and images by Taiwo Olayori. Lead image: Doriprismatica atromarginata , a common nudibranch with a comb placed in the background for contrast, which demonstrates that even commonly seen subjects can be shot with different techniques to showcase their beauty.

Forty-year old Taiwo Olayori has extraordinary natural talent. The Nigerian computer networking engineer, who’s based in Texas USA , began diving in 2020, and started making pictures a little more than a year ago. Here he shares his love of the itsy bitsy, teeny weeny creatures of Tulamben, Bali, known for its diverse marine life. The images from a trip he made earlier this year. —InDEPTH  

I became motivated to become an underwater photographer out of the need to document my dives. Whenever I returned from diving, I struggled to describe the experience to my family. My responses often felt either exaggerated or lacking the right words to truly capture what I had seen. With a camera in hand, it became much easier to express my feelings and share those moments.

I started by reading online articles, but my understanding deepened significantly when professional photographer Mark Thomas, who also dives, explained the basics of photography. This was an eye-opening experience, that led me to further my knowledge with an underwater photography workshop led by the legendary Tim Ho at Anilao Photo Academy in November 2023. The workshop enhanced my earlier skills and helped refine my shooting style.

Macro photography was my first step into underwater photography. I’m drawn to it because it allows for a lot of creative expression. While many are familiar with pelagic life, the tiny, often-overlooked creatures remain a mystery to most people, including myself when I first started. Photographing them offers a unique way to share and talk about the fascinating world that exists beneath the waves.

What excites me most about these pictures is the opportunity to capture the unseen beauty of the underwater world and share it with others. Each photo tells a unique story—whether it’s revealing the intricate details of a tiny, hidden creature or documenting rare behaviors.

“The challenge of getting the perfect shot in unpredictable conditions makes the process even more rewarding. It’s the thrill of exploration, discovery, and the ability to show people a world they might never experience firsthand.

Behavioral shots are important because they capture unique, natural moments that reveal more than just the appearance of marine life—they show how these creatures interact with their environment. Capturing these moments requires patience, observation, and sometimes luck, as it’s about being in the right place at the right time.

I prefer black backgrounds because they make my subjects stand out, which is part of my artistic style. I focus on eliminating ambient light and use a snoot to highlight my subjects, while a second strobe with lower power settings illuminates the background. I also use colored torches for contrasting shades. To bring out details, I often shoot with smaller apertures, but sometimes I use wide apertures as well.

Tulamben holds a special place in my heart for its rich marine life, easy dive conditions, affordability, and the welcoming community. However, Anilao in the Philippines remains my favorite, as it’s where my formal education and journey into underwater photography truly began.

Tai Olayori is a Nigerian underwater photographer residing in Texas, USA. With extensive travel experience for underwater photography, he is also a Senior Influencer for Marelux and a network engineer. Follow his journey and view his images on:@tai.olayori and Facebook at: Tai Olayori