“With marine life, you never know what you might see, and that’s part of the magic,” says underwater photographer on her Mono Award-winning picture

Photographing wildlife is unpredictable, however photographing wildlife underwater is a complete different degree of unpredictability. First, you’ll want to be a powerful diver; second, you want strong digital camera expertise; and third, you want a stroke of luck – however when it pays off, it may be magical.

That’s in line with Brooke Pyke, an Australian photographer and expedition chief who focuses on underwater images, and who not too long ago gained the “Animal” class at The Mono Awards 2026.