Jim Catlin first became interested in marine photography over 10 years ago when working as a volunteer on a marine expedition to Fiji, over the last decade this passion has grown into a profession.
After completing an MSc in marine science in 2008 studying the endangered Bumphead Parrotfish, Jim worked in the Caribbean and Egypt for various marine conservation NGo’s, carrying out marine surveys and training graduates and volunteers in marine flora and fauna identification.
His underwater photographs from Tobago were used by Coral Cay Conservation to help promote marine awareness throughout the Caribbean and images from the Turks and Caicos Islands appeared in Caribbean Reef Magazine, including the cover shot for their first edition. As a Reef Check course director, Jim’s photos have also been published in ‘The Transect Line’ and various scientific journals. See these shots in the 'Media and Publications' page.
In 2010, Jim set up www.freeunderwaterimages.com, a website promoting marine awareness and conservation through photography. Contributors upload images for users to download in their original quality, free of charge. This has become a great success with people from all over the world enjoying and using the images for everything from web design to art classes.
As an experienced dive master, free diver and marine scientist, Jim’s understanding of marine ecosystems and habitats has provided an excellent foundation for his professional photography career.
