It's been almost ten years since I scuba-dived on a family trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite my mother's concerns about the great unknown, I knew I had to do to it; that it would be a unique experience I'd remember all my life - and I was right. It was a short dive of 40 minutes that I was sure the diving agency had scammed me on because it honestly felt like 10 minutes. I was in a trance for the “40” minutes I was in there; weightless and drifting along the water in complete silence other than the bubbles from the regulator. Breathing had never felt so consequential. The entrancing experience that a simple, amateurish dive gave me was the reason I understood why Hrithik Roshan changed his entire life after one trip in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, even though my friends found it unrealistic.

For underwater photographer, Ajit SN, this state of trance is just one of the perks of the job. And yet, despite having spent countless hours submerged in the ocean’s depths, he is still amazed by its sights and sounds. Over the course of his career, his love for the ocean has transformed into a practice of empathy. His experiences diving across the globe have not only heightened his appreciation for the ocean's wonders but also reinforced the need for conservation. "Whether it’s the world above or below, it is very important to respect and protect this beautiful earth we live in," Ajit emphasizes. This belief stems from witnessing the fragile nature of marine environments firsthand, from delicate coral reefs to the elusive behaviours of marine life.

Ajit's encounters with the magnificent underwater world have instilled in him a profound sense of responsibility. “We live in a world of chaos and plastics, and we have been destroying and polluting every asset that belongs to the earth, be it land or ocean, just for our own greed and requirement." This perspective is a driving force behind his advocacy for ocean conservation and his commitment to showcasing the beauty of marine life through his work.

The photographer's career has taken him to diverse and might I say, extreme environments, from the velvety coral reefs of tropical waters to the icy depths of Russia’s lakes. Each setting brings its own unique challenges and insights, which enhance his understanding of underwater ecosystems and the intricacies of underwater photography. These conditions require specialized equipment and a high level of technical knowledge. "Setting up equipment and preparing for diving in these extremely harsh conditions is literally like going beyond your comfort zone," he says. Despite the challenges, Ajit finds these experiences deeply rewarding and affirms that they provide invaluable insights into the adaptability and resilience of marine ecosystems.

But even though the ocean has always been portrayed as a fearsome force of nature with the capacity to wipe out humanity, it's still a delicate environment that’s soft and vulnerable; one that requires a gentleness we wouldn't necessarily expect. “The ocean is boundless and it’s the largest ecosystem on earth and every environment in the ocean is different. Whether you are diving inside a cave surrounded by formations of beautiful and extremely delicate stalactites and stalagmites, diving below icebergs, hovering over the colourful coral reefs, or even encountering marine life, it is important to know your surroundings and be aware that one is entering a very fragile environment that also must be protected.”

His knowledge and experience in handling equipment and himself underwater has also led him into the film industry, where he works as part of a large team that collaborates with directors, actors, and technical experts working on conceptualized shoots and underwater scenes. This collaborative effort contrasts sharply with the solitary nature of underwater photography. "Filming underwater is a completely different ballgame and it’s uncontrolled, unlike shooting on land," Ajit explains. We've all seen our favourite protagonists drive a car into a water body and try to get out and swim up to the surface. But that 30-second shot demands a million things to go right. Mastering diving skills and understanding the behaviour of light and colour in water are crucial. The unpredictability of marine life adds another layer of complexity in trying to control the outcome of a shoot.

Throughout his career, Ajit has had numerous spectacular moments worthy of a vignette. Whether it's crocodile hunting, humpback whales singing, a great white shark breaching out of the water or diving amongst the tornado of thousands of schooling barracudas. One moment stands out above the rest: his face-to-face meeting with a blue whale.

This awe-inspiring moment occurred in the waters off Sri Lanka, thanks to a serendipitous call from a friend. The photographer caught the first flight out to Sri Lanka and travelled to Mirissa. One boat ride later and he was in whale territory. Duck-diving into the water to get a closer look, Ajit looked through the viewfinder to see that a whale, undoubtedly the size of 20 elephants was gliding towards him. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling. As he looked away from the eye of the camera, he noticed that he was being observed as much as he was doing the observing. “I was so surprised to witness that she was also staring into my eyes - probably thinking ‘Who’s this minuscule creature sharing my space?’ The way she looked into my eyes and that few seconds of eye contact is surely an irreplaceable experience of a lifetime.”

Ajit's work is beyond just capturing stunning images; it's about fostering a deeper connection with the ocean and inspiring others to protect it. His message is clear: conservation is a collective effort that requires awareness, respect, and action. Through his photography and films, Ajit aims to educate, inspire and share the magic of the great deep blue that he experiences on a regular basis with us, by highlighting both its beauty and fragility. Through his lens, Ajit brings the hidden depths of the sea to the surface, urging humanity to cherish and safeguard the incredible world beneath the waves.

Meet The Mumbai Cab Driver Who Has Dedicated His Life To Helping People In An Emergency