Spotlight Shutter: The Extraordinary Lens of Anton Sorokin

A juvenile spectacled caiman conceals itself beneath debris, Costa Rica. This photograph received the “Freshwater” category award in the Scuba Diving Magazine 2024 Photo Contest

 

Continuing the trend of more unconventional aesthetics for the Photographer of the Week series, Anton Sorokin’s collection primarily features aquatic reptiles and amphibians, with several salmon included for good measure. Anton’s enthusiasm for herpetology is apparent through his underwater photography and has led to numerous publications and notable competition achievements—specifically, a category win in the MontPhoto Competition, a category win in the Scuba Diving Magazine Photo Contest, and an awarded photograph in the esteemed Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

A biologist by profession, Anton also possesses extraordinary photographic abilities. His goal is to capture natural history images, frequently focusing on subjects or behaviors that have never been photographed underwater until now. No matter where he travels—be it the mountains of California, the rivers of Costa Rica, or the rainforests of Borneo—Anton carries his underwater equipment, just in case he encounters a worthy aquatic subject.

Anton has recently become an Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP). Through his connection with ILCP and his professional endeavours, Anton strives to utilize his images to enhance awareness and advocate for the conservation of freshwater life and amphibians, particularly two extremely endangered groups on a global scale. He aims to document natural history, the challenges these creatures confront, and the conservation measures being implemented to protect them.

 

A neotenic California tiger salamander showcases its fluffy gills, California, USA

 

Clearly visible from below, but almost undetectable to prey above, a spectacled caiman lies in wait, Costa Rica

 

Sierra newts rest on the bottom of a pristine stream before mating activities commence, California, USA

 

Beautiful yet highly venomous, pelagic sea snakes are mostly observed washed up on shore, making their capture in open water a remarkable event, Costa Rica

 

A petite kokanee salmon meets its reflection on the water’s surface, California, USA

 

A massive Chinook salmon drifts in the current while dislodged salmon eggs flow downstream. This image captured the “Underwater World” category in the MontPhoto 2024 Competition

 

Two male Chinook salmon exhibit contrasting vitality while hovering near a redd, California, USA

 

Male eastern hellbenders engage in a jaw-locking confrontation for dominance on the stream bed, North Carolina, USA. This image received a “Highly Commended” nod in the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition

 

A couple of California newts copulate beneath the sun in a muddy cattle pond, California, USA

 

Thriving coho salmon congregate in a deeper pool of a river prior to progressing upstream to their breeding grounds, California, USA

 

A California newt lays an egg mass on submerged aquatic plants in a cattle pond, California, USA

 

A hefty crayfish overshadowed by a zombified chinook salmon, California, USA

 

To explore more of Anton’s distinctive imagery, both on land and underwater, be sure to follow him on Instagram and visit his website, www.antonsorokin.com.