Richard Smith

Richard Smith, a British underwater photographer, writer and marine biologist aspires to promote an appreciation for the ocean's lesser-known inhabitants and raise awareness of marine conservation issues through his imagery. A marine biologist by training, Richard's pioneering research on the biology and conservation of pygmy seahorses, led to his being the first PhD on these enigmatic fishes. He continues his conservation involvement through membership of the IUCN Seahorse, Pipefish and Stickleback Specialist Group, which comprises a small group of recognised global syngnathid authorities. The group is dedicated to these fishes’ conservation through governmental, scientific and conservation collaborations.

Over the past decade, Richard's has featured photographs and marine life focused articles in hundreds of publications around the world. He is an engaging public speaker and has presented marine life and scientific lectures around the world. Richard organizes and leads recreational expeditions where the aim is for participants to get more from their diving and photography by learning about the marine environment and its inhabitants. He is passionate that these trips, whilst visiting some of the planets most pristine marine environments, also help to conserve them through some of the proceeds supporting local conservation initiatives: www.OceanRealmImages.com