Emma Johnson feels more comfortable underwater than she does above the surface.
She has turned her love of the ocean, particularly those that live in it, into a career - opening an ocean wildlife photography business under the moniker EJs Encounters.
Her collection of shots from throughout her travels is now being exhibited in Yallingup.
EJ, a passionate marine conservationist, grew up in the Wheatbelt.
However, she recalls her affinity with the water beginning at a young age when her family would travel to Binningup during the schools holidays.
This time by the sea is when ‘saltwater seeped in to her veins’.
After earning a diploma in marine studies at Maritime TAFE in Fremantle she set out to make her passion her profession.
“I always have had a camera with me whenever I’ve been diving or working on boats but for the last two years I’ve been doing it professionally and employed as a photographer – rather than a dive instructor with a camera,” she told the Mail.
Her shots range from humpback whales in Tonga to whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef, turtles and manta rays on Lady Elliot Island to the potato cod on the Great Barrier Reef off Lizard Island.
EJ has spent much of her life migrating like the mammals she captures.
She moved to Ningaloo Coast ten years ago, and has lived in five different countries since then – not usually spending more than nine months in one spot.
Now, she is exploring the South West and Great Southern, working with Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching and Eco Tours.
EJ said Yallingup was the perfect location for the sea-inspired collection.
“People can relate to these images they are seeing, especially when they can look out the window and see the ocean and see these animals migrating up the coast,” she said.
In what would be intimidating surroundings for many people, EJ said she trusted the elements underwater and has never been fearful of anything she encounters.
“When photographing underwater you are a stepping in to a completely different environment,” she said.
“With the animals you encounter the most important thing is gaining their trust - some people are crazy and hoon up to them.
“I make sure I take time, watch their behaviour that way they are they are not threatened – getting the photo is just a bonus.”
While she is a fan of all underwater creatures, she said it was hard to not be blown away by whales, which she described as puppies of the ocean.
“I can tell you a story about each and every one of them I have ever photographed,” she said.
“They are simply awesome, smart, massive creatures but not one ounce in their body wants to hurt you.
“They are absolutely gentle giants, when they interact with you there is nothing like it. Everything people say about staring in to the eye of a whale is true. That connection sends shivers down your spine.”
The collection is exhibited, with prints for sale, upstairs at Shaana Cafe, Yallingup until April.
Works are also displayed at Swings and Roundabouts Winery and John Miller Gallery Collective.
