About me

I have been taking underwater photographs since I first qualified as a diver, in fact photography is the primary reason for me taking up this fascinating hobby.


Diving in the Red Sea
(Photo by Tim Bond)

In 2004 I was awarded 1st prize in the "Wide angle and Normal" category of the 1st London Youth Underwater Photography Competition for my photograph of edible crabs hiding down a gun barrel shot in Scapa Flow, the Orkney Isles (you can see this photograph on the photo gallery page, under the UK Wildlife category). Photographs taken around the UK have also been used for artwork by the Institute of Biology.

I started with underwater Videography early in 2004. I found that still photos only tell half the story, and that video was the perfect medium for catching marine life in action and I have had the privilege to be able to film in many locations in the UK and abroad.

All of the photographs and video work are for sale as prints or as electronic media for inclusion on WWW sites, for publication, broadcast or just for art for your wall. Please feel free to contact Dory Productions if you are interested in any of my work. If you are looking for a photograph of a specific marine species or a UK wreck please contact me.

Why Dory Productions?

The John Dory (Zeus faber) has always fascinated me. I've only seen a few but on each and every occasion it's been an awe-insiring site. They are elegant and graceful fish, and although grumpy looking always make me smile.. so what a better fish to name this after?

John Dory*
Zeus faber

The John Dory is easily identified by it's massive head with extendable mouth, and rounded body shape when viewed from the side. The transverse body section profile is however of a narrow keel form. The dorsal fin has long anterior rays, that extend into 9 to 10 spines, with spiny scales on their edges. This is in contrast to the shorter branched rays of the posterior section. The anterior portion of the anal fin also has rays, this time forming 4 spines with spiny scale edges. A distinctive black spot is to be seen on the body. This is set back, and slightly higher than the pectoral fin, and is itself ringed by a narrow yellow halo. The pelvic fins are greatly extended with their long rays.

It is a yellowish brown to grey on the back with an almost metallic sheen, blending into the silver grey sides. The membranes of the anal and pelvic fins tend to be noticeable by their blackened appearance.

The John Dory breeds in late spring and summer, with a rapid rate of growth , so that by the second winter, individuals normally reach 25cm.

You can find the John Dory sedately swimming among rocks and weeds and shallow to moderate waters tend to be favored, although fish are reported to depths of 200m. John Dory tend to be solitary fish. The Dory's diet includes a wide variety of small fish, including young of the Gadidae family, small herrings, sandeels, etc. This fish is noted for its stalking abilities towards its prey (which compensates for its lack of speed), which it then engulfs, by use of its extendable (protrusible) mouth.

Whilst having a range spanning from Scotland down to the Canary Isles and Mediterranean, in the UK it is most likely to be encountered on the southern and western shores.

*The photo used here was taken in Guernsey in the summer of 2002 in 2 m of water in Pembroke Bay, Guernsey.
©2009 Dory Productions