Exploring the Depths
In the often murky, chilly waters of the British Isles, a hidden world teeming with vibrant life awaits discovery. Theo Vickers, an award-winning marine biologist, and underwater photographer has made it his mission to reveal these underwater treasures to the world. Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, Theo’s deep-seated passion for marine life and conservation has driven him to capture the stunning beauty and biodiversity of Britain’s coastal waters through his lens.
Theo’s journey into the underwater world began early. His Ventnor childhood was spent exploring the shores of the Isle of Wight, snorkelling, diving, and fossil hunting sparking a lifelong fascination with marine natural history. A degree in marine biology from the University of Portsmouth followed and then an MSc in Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation.“As a kid, I was always into nature; dinosaurs, sharks, and growing up on the Isle of Wight, I was surrounded by the natural world. I spent my time snorkelling and rock pooling at Steephill Cove, Bembridge, and Ventnor and that became a real fascination with what was local to the Island. There’s an unbelievable amount to see under the water and as a child, you’d think you were on the great barrier reef, with the variety of fishes, fauna, and seaweeds to be seen. When I was fifteen, I got a Go Pro and suddenly everything fell into place, and I could take real footage of what was underwater. And since university, I’ve built up my photography kit and passion.”
Theo's work primarily focuses on the marine ecosystems surrounding his home. The Isle of Wight and the Solent are rich with diverse habitats, from kelp forests and seagrass meadows to the chalk reefs of the Needles Marine Conservation Zone. His images showcase the beauty of these underwater landscapes and highlight the ecological importance and fragility of these habitats.
In 2023, Theo was recognised as the Most Promising British Underwater Photographer of the Year, a testament to his talent and dedication.His award-winning photograph, capturing the interplay of sunlight and marine life in the chalk reefs, shows his ability to transform the often-overlooked British waters into scenes of breathtaking wonder. Beyond photography, he is deeply involved in marine conservation efforts collaborating with organisations like the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Project Seagrass, and the Marine Conservation Society, using his imagery to support their initiatives. His work aims to engage and educate the public, fostering a greater appreciation for marine environments and inspiring conservation action.
Theo is able to convey the stories of the underwater world through his images. He emphasises that there’s no need to travel to exotic locations to find captivating marine life; stunning ecosystems exist right on the doorstep and his work on the Isle of Wight reveals the vibrant life beneath seemingly unremarkable waters.
The content and imagery are provided courtesy of Spence Willard and their clients.
Written by Amber Beard
