Shoal business

Underwater pro Alex Mustard treats our apprentice to a photo deep dive in the Red Sea

- Alex Mustard

It was a warm summer morning when Whirlwind cast off from the Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. Valerie and 19 fellow diving enthusiasts would call the live-aboard yacht home for the next week, as the chartered vessel sailed to some of the most breathtaking reefs and wrecks in the northern Red Sea. The cohort would complete multiple dives per day alongside one of the world’s leading underwater photographers, Dr Alex Mustard, who was on hand to provide a wealth of aquatic advice.

THE PRO

NAME: Alex Mustard

CAMERA: Nikon D850, D5

Based in Peterborough, Alex is an underwater specialist with a PhD in marine ecology. His pictures are probably best-known from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest, where they have featured in 14 different books of winners. His own book, Underwater Photography Masterclass, has become the go-to text on the subject. In 2018 he received an MBE for services to underwater photography. www.amustard.com

THE APPRENTICE

NAME: Valerie Reid

CAMERA: Nikon D500

Valerie lives in the Netherlands but hails from Scotland, where she learned to dive while studying chemistry at university. Underwater photography has since become her main passion as she strives to capture the beauty and majesty of the world’s precious underwater ecosystems. Valerie feels very fortunate to be able to learn from Alex, and is keen to take her photography to the next level.