March in Victoria heralds the arrival of spring with an array of events that promise to rejuvenate and inspire. From the picturesque cherry blossoms to the thought-provoking Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit, and celebrations honoring women, the city is abuzz with activities that cater to a variety of interests and causes.

Embrace the Blossom Season

Mid-February marks the beginning of cherry blossom season in Victoria, reaching its zenith in March. Iconic spots like View Street, Helmcken House, Thunderbird Park, and Beacon Hill Park transform into a pink paradise, drawing locals and tourists alike. This natural spectacle not only offers a visual feast but also an opportunity to reflect on the transient beauty of nature. For those eager to capture the moment, a pre-stroll tea followed by a leisurely walk under the blooming canopies is highly recommended.

Conservation through Photography

The Royal BC Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit, running from March 1 to June 2, showcases 100 breathtaking photographs of wildlife by some of the world’s most talented photographers. This exhibit not only celebrates the beauty of wildlife but also highlights the pressing issue of extinction facing many species. It serves as a poignant reminder of our responsibility towards conservation and the protection of our planet’s diverse inhabitants.

Honoring and Celebrating Women

March 8, International Women’s Day, sees Victoria playing host to a variety of events dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of women. From storytelling and music at the Vic Theatre to the showcasing of women entrepreneurs, researchers, and mariners by the Kulea Culture Society, the city comes alive with the spirit of female empowerment. Additionally, the Victoria Women’s Expo offers another platform for recognition and celebration, further emphasizing the community’s support for women’s achievements across all spheres of life.

As March unfolds, Victoria’s diverse array of events provides not just entertainment but also moments of reflection and learning. From the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms that remind us of nature’s cycles to the powerful imagery of endangered wildlife, and the celebration of women’s invaluable contributions to society, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. These events not only entertain but also educate, inspire, and provoke thought, contributing to a deeper appreciation of our world and the diverse lives that inhabit it.

If you’re looking for a new way to freshen up your portraits and give them a brand-new look, you could do far worse than experiment with underwater photography. Not your average portraits, underwater shoots require skill on behalf of both the photographer and model, as well as intricate outfits, waterproof makeup, underwater housings to keep your expensive equipment safe, and much more!

We recently caught up with Rafał Makiela who, in addition to photographing fashion, commercial and documentary, also loves to dip his toe (quite literally!) into underwater photography.

Rafał is based in Poland where he runs underwater and studio photography workshops. His motto is: “The underwater world is mysterious and magical. Everything is different, there is no defined end to the bottom or top. Gravity almost does not apply, the light is different and, at times, completely unpredictable. In the water, almost everything you dream becomes possible. Each vision and idea is feasible.”

Here he gives us an insight into his work, and reveals the essential kit he needs on his shoots. Be sure to check out his Instagram and website for more inspiration.

My photography journey began with the birth of my daughter, Maximilianna. On the day of her birth, I rushed to the store and bought a simple digital camera to capture her first day. Then another day, and another, and that’s how it all started 19 years ago. 

At that time, I was professionally involved in running my own restaurants, but over time, I became so fascinated with photography that I completely dedicated myself to it. I kept buying better equipment and honing my skills, specializing in wedding and advertising photography. But most days, I would also photograph my daughter as she grew.

Twelve years ago, I saw an underwater photograph online that fascinated me and I wanted to give it a go myself. It was incredibly challenging when I started out because I didn’t have access to a good underwater housing, and I had no idea how to get started. But with each session, I gained more and more experience. In 2014, I traveled to Dubai, where I continued to work in wedding, advertising and underwater photography. It was there that I received a fantastic award at the HIPA festival in the Portfolio category.

The underwater photos I present here were taken for the Polish pop star Justyna Steczkowska on the occasion of her career anniversary. One of the funny things was that we tried for nearly two hours to sink a piano for the photos. Finally, we succeeded, and you can see the result in the pictures.

Rafał’s pro portraiture kit

I’ve been working with Canon cameras for over 15 years and I’m thrilled with their quality. The colors straight out of the body are amazing, and at the moment, I wouldn’t trade them for any other system. I can’t bring myself to let go of my older Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR just yet; it’s been a workhorse of mine for so many years, so I keep it to hand as another backup body.

Recently, I sold my beloved Canon EOS 5DS as it was getting a little long in the tooth and had quite a lot of shutter clicks. I’ve upgraded to the Canon EOS R5, which is a mirrorless camera with a 45MP full-frame chip. I also have another mirrorless full-frame Canon EOS R body as a backup with a 30MP sensor. I use my old EF lenses with my new mirrorless bodies by using the Canon EF-EOS R adapter.

3. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

This is my primary lens for underwater photography. I’ve had it for a long time, and it’s just great for my work in underwater fashion photography. Sometimes I also use it for landscape and interior shots. It’s very durable and has performed exceptionally well in all the challenging conditions I’ve put it through over the years.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM is a lens I use in practically every type of photography I do. It’s an excellent all-rounder, perfect for weddings and commercial shoots. I always have it in my camera bag as the most versatile and reliable option. It’s bright, fast and, most importantly, dependable. It always delivers, whether I’m in the desert, snow or on a fashion runway.

5. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L telephoto lens is perfect for close-ups, portraits and situations where I don’t want to be at the center of the action, but still be able to zoom in to capture fantastic shots. It’s bright, fast and quiet, making it suitable for photojournalism, weddings and advertising photography, too.

6. Ikelite Underwater housing

I’ve been using Ikelite underwater housings since the beginning of my underwater fashion photography career, and I’ve been truly impressed. It strikes the perfect balance between price and quality, and is light and easy to use. I wouldn’t have been able to take my most spectacular underwater photos without it.

You might also be interested in the best waterproof cameras and the best underwater drones.

At the recent Xposure 2024 panel, ‘Elevating the Voices of Women in Photography and Art,’ in Sharjah, women photographers from the Arab world, including Rania Matar, Fatma Almosa, and Hind Taryam, alongside industry experts Karin-Rehn Kaufmann and Lars Boering, shared insights into the evolving landscape of photography. Highlighting the significance of creativity, the timeless appeal of monochrome, and the importance of cultural representation, these photographers underline a moment of opportunity and growth in their field.

Breaking Through in Photography

Emirati photographer Fatma Almosa emphasized the power of black-and-white photography to transcend time and focus on the essence of the subject, using her work to bridge cultures and generations. Rania Matar, on the other hand, leveraged photography as a medium to shift narratives around Arab identities post-9/11, capturing the diverse stories of women in Lebanon and Palestinian refugee camps. Hind Taryam’s approach to photography centers on capturing genuine human connections, underscored by her travels to diverse landscapes from Japan to Antarctica.

Support Systems and Creative Journeys

The panelists collectively acknowledged the critical role of support from governments, families, and audiences in their journeys. Almosa highlighted the significance of this backing in enabling women photographers to become cultural ambassadors. The discussion also touched upon the supportive role of institutions like Leica Galleries International in nurturing photographers’ careers. Karin-Rehn Kaufmann, representing Leica, underscored the importance of focusing on the artist behind the camera, beyond mere technical excellence.

The Essence of Artistic Expression

The conversation at Xposure 2024 not only celebrated the achievements of these women in the field of photography but also delved into the broader implications of their work on cultural representation and artistic expression. The panelists’ stories reflect a shared belief in photography’s power to communicate, connect, and change perceptions, highlighting the medium’s role as a universal language of the heart and spirit.

The insights shared by these pioneering women at Xposure 2024 offer a compelling glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of working within the competitive realm of photography and art. Their narratives underscore the importance of creativity, support, and cultural representation in carving out a successful path in this dynamic field.