Underwater photographer offers new perspective in Phl diving

MANILA, Philippines - Reverse ring macro has been around for ages and has been a favorite choice by passionate and patient individuals who focus on shooting insects usually smaller than a grain of rice. 

The method is surprisingly a cost-effective alternative to expensive macro lenses, yet the classic set-up achieves high magnifications and startling imagery.

Just last March, Singapore-based Nikon professional underwater photographer and Ocean Artists Society member Imran Ahmad made his first-ever visit to Anilao, Batangas, initially wanting to document the popular underwater macro destination with a fresh viewpoint.

The original design was for him to document the colorful and vibrant reefs of Anilao, planning early with PaparazSea and Mayumi Resorts to map out the best locations to capture the “big picture.” The initial agenda, however, took a backseat when Anilao’s macro subjects just proved to be too special… and Ahmad shared he found himself “stuck in reverse.”

The technique was authored and applied for underwater photography by Ahmad, who used it for his previous underwater assignments in Malaysia, Brunei, Palau and Seychelles. A lot of his underwater reverse ring macro work has been published in news dailies, dive magazines and his latest books… but he admits his recent trip to Mayumi Resorts proved to be overwhelming beyond words, inspiring him to perfect his macro technique in the Philippines.

Here’s a first look of Anilao from a refreshing “reverse ring” perspective. The innovative images have become instant hits on social media and most of the photos will soon be seen on popular publications worldwide. 

Ahmad loves Anilao so much that he has scheduled another trip on May 26 to June 1. He is inviting anyone who would like to learn underwater photography beyond the usual “fish ID” angle and plans to finish the original plan of documenting Anilao’s colorful and vibrant reefs from a “big picture” perspective, but he also shared that he might find himself “stuck in reverse” all over again.

For inquiries or reservations to Imran Ahmad’s photo trip visit in May, e-mail at paparazsea@gmail.com or reservations@mayumiresort.com or call 0917-8452383; look for Aiz Alba or Ernest de Jesus.