405_April_24

John Magee

John Magee is based in Cairns. His great passion is to explore the Reef and record its countless amazing tiny creatures;

so often overlooked and upstaged by their mighty larger neighbours that share their unique coral environment.

He has made thousands of dives not only on the Great Barrier Reef but on other reef locations in Micronesia; taking countless photographs for his extensive records over many years. The importance of all things tiny is not lost on John.Once he started to observe them, their role in the ecosystem became even more obvious. Nature depends on every living creature doing their part and the ocean is no exception to this. The variety of macro life on a reef is truly exceptional and the best part about it, no one knows until they suddenly see a tiny pair of eyes looking at them from the depths of a coral. John’s mission is to bring these often overlooked animals to the front and foremost of people’s minds, creating a permanent reminder of the animals that are silently and secretly doing their part for the health of the oceans. After all, we only have one planet, why not explore and love every last bit of it?

His many years of taking photographs made him realise that there was more to simply pointing a lens and pressing a button. He is now very mindful of the importance of quality over quantity and of the advice of French photographer Henri Certier-Bresson who said that “the first 10,000 pictures you take are your worst”. John Magee has been smitten by its allure of the ocean and he aspires to share the beauty of the miniature creatures that swim before his lens, with others.

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DIVE LOG Australasia #405 - April ‘24

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