"I had T Shirts from all over the world, but I hadn't been to any of the destinations to experience the sea life for myself. It was impossible to look at the photographs, and not want to try and replicate them for yourself."

Anna learnt to dive in British Waters aged 19.

"The viz was very questionable, at times not being able to see my own hand! But I knew things could only get better.

I joined a trip to Ireland and had the most amazing time diving through the current swept sea kelp. With inquisitive seals popping up here and there.

Even though I didn't capture a Winning photograph on that trip. I did sit in awe as I watched the results of the other photographers. I was hooked."

Anna continued to travel abroad with photography groups to expand her experience and abilities.

"Now every trip is filled with excitement and exploration.

I study the reefs in great detail looking into every crevice to find a new critter to photograph.

I am constantly looking for new ideas, subjects and angles." 

PASSIONS

Anna loves to photograph wildlife, but she is also keen to take abstract images. Experimenting with shallow depth of field, and interesting textures to create obscure, yet bright and bold images.

 

"I love to capture the natural beauty of nature. To show off the vibrant colours and patterns of the ocean."

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE

Anna is the Company Director of Anna James Photography Ltd.

In 2001 Anna qualified with a BA Honors in Film and Video production. She doubles her career as an Underwater Photographer with one as a Focus Puller (Camera Assistant) in film and television production.

Her film career includes working on TV Dramas such as 'Doctor Who', 'Torchwood', 'New Tricks', 'The Street', and 'Hotel Babylon'. With films including the soon to be released; 'Valhalla Rising', and current christmas cinema hit; 'Nativity'.

"During my camera assisting career I've been blessed with the opportunity to work with some great cinematographers. While I work, I watch how they light and frame and ask questions as I go. I am able to apply ideas and techniques that I gain from my film shoots into my underwater work."

Anna has also created some underwater corporate films.

Her latest corporate video is available to see at http://www.waterbabies.co.uk/

She also shot an underwater sequence on film, for a Welsh Language Drama'Y Pris' in 2007.

 

WATERBABIES

 

In 2004 Anna joined forces with WaterBabies, the UK's largest Baby Swimming Company. Waterbabies teach over 20,000 babies to swim each week. 

She was the second photographer to join the now 7 strong team. Traveling up and down the country to shoot underwater baby portraits at weekends.

Anna photographed over 1000 babies in 2009 alone!

Which equates to over 24 hours of holding her breath in one year!

In the prestigious British Underwater Image Festival 2009, Anna achieved 2nd Place with a portfolio of Water babies photographs. See link;

http://www.divemagazine.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=5205

 PHOTOGRAPHY GROUPS

Anna has been a member of the Bristol Underwater Photography Group since 2006 and she has been a member of the British Society of Underwater Photographers since 2007. (See links)

GOALS

Future aspirations are to build a gallery of her images to sell as fine art prints.