Dive Deeper: How Damon Loble Transforms Underwater Photography into Fine Art
Underwater photography is one of the most technically demanding and visually captivating disciplines in the world of image-making—and few approach it with the artistic vision and technical mastery of Damon Loble. Known for his cinematic compositions and evocative use of light, Damon brings a fine art sensibility to underwater environments, producing imagery that is both emotionally resonant and technically precise. His work transcends documentation, transforming aquatic scenes into striking visual narratives that bridge nostalgia and modernity.
🌊 From Montana Roots to L.A. Depths
Born in Montana, Damon relocated to Los Angeles many years ago—and never looked back. Launching his career at 18 in camera store rentals and later at Panavision, he amassed deep technical knowledge that would shape his photographic identity. Self-described as “a good digital tech,” he always returned to photography’s emotional core, driven by his love of light and metaphor. (thephotographicjournal.com)
A Passionate Professional Trajectory
Though Damon says he sometimes feels like “just a hobbyist” when commercial work is offered, this complexity only adds depth to his artistry. Over time, he has learned to balance his technician’s precision with creative freedom, even enlisting collaborators to elevate his vision . His roles as a digital imaging technician (DIT) on commercial shoots inform his underwater work, thanks to on-the-fly color correction and cinematic grading skills.
Signature Style & Standout Work
Damon specializes in underwater art nude and lifestyle photography, often exploring “split-level” or over-under imagery. His style—evocative of 1970s–80s magazine scans—brings a nostalgic, painterly vibe to water-bound scenes. A memorable quote from Waterproof Magazine captures it perfectly:
“The under‑over or split level image in water photography is a flex… a niche way to tell a visual story.” (waterproofmag.org)
He also photographs divers in open water, exploring themes of control, serenity, and human connection with wild environments . His subjects—often intelligent, bold, and unashamed—reflect his belief that true beauty lives in authenticity (c-heads.com).
Current Projects & Underwater Endeavors
Damon continues pushing the boundaries of underwater narrative through personal and commercial shoots. He collaborates with dive gear brands, explores new dive locales like Miami and Belize, and continues refining his signature split-level technique in Southern California’s kelp forests . His ongoing passion for scuba diving since age 15 fuels his creative drive .
Why Damon Loves Outex Underwater Housings
Outex is an important tool in Damon’s arsenal for underwater precision and flexibility? The Outex underwater housing system, he praises, offers an exceptional blend of professional-grade features and affordability:
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Universal camera & lens compatibility—built to support a wide range of setups, from film cameras to medium format and cinema gear. Few housings offer that flexibility. And when your portfolio is broad is wide, so have to be your tools.
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High-performance optical glass ports—delivering tac-sharp level image quality. Unlike most housings, all Outex optics offer professional-grade glass - not acrylic. When every pixel counts, relying on glass ports ensures your work stands out from the crowd. And because of Outex's exchangeable clamps and adaptors, every lens is positioned correctly within the dome for optimal results, from fixed-focal-length to fisheye lenses. No vignetting or unexpected surprises.
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Full manual control—access to all functions and settings, even underwater, regardless of what camera or lens I'm using. This lets me play with settings at-will, which is especially important underwater, where conditions are constantly changing. Most housings limit control access. And Outex's soft cases let me not only use any camera in my arsenal, but also access all of their controls.
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Light weight, compact design — the Outex materials add virtually no weight or bulk to my gear, especially important for travel. It saves me time and money, and lets me take it virtually everywhere I go, so it's there when I want it.
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Modular accessories support— the patented add-on accessories support tripods, mounts, lights, triggers, grips, tethering and more, even for underwater use.
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Cost-effective build— like my cameras, Outex is a system of interoperable, compatible parts that work together as needed. The parts are affordable, and allow me to build according to my needs over time. The system is affordable to own and for travel.
For Damon—and many underwater artists—Outex offers a powerful platform for technical experimentation and creative expression.
Final Thoughts
Damon Loble reminds us that underwater photography isn’t just a novelty—it’s an immersive storytelling tool that blurs reality and imagination. His journey from camera store tech to aquatic art visionary shows that patience, technical mastery, and a fearless spirit are the ideal companions for anyone looking to make waves in this medium.
As he continues exploring split-level narratives and diver portraits, Damon invites us all to look deeper—to see the ocean’s poetry, to feel its power, and to let our creativity flow with the currents.
📸 Curious to learn more or catch his latest work? Follow his journey on Instagram and dive deeper into his interviews on The Photographic Journal and The Underwater Podcast.
