Photographer Spotlight: Bo Mancao, Underwater Photography

Bo is a multi-award winning underwater photographer and a marine cinematographer. He has represented the Philippines in numerous international shoots and his images are constantly used to promote diving by the Department of Tourism. He has filmed for award winning documentaries concerning our oceans, international lifestyle programs and short films focusing conservation.

He has over 10,000 hours of underwater time and is in the field 9 months in a year. Bo is also the only Fujifilm Digital Influencer specialising in marine imagery. He is also a brand ambassador for Crest Scuba. Combining the deepest appreciation for scuba, imagery, and sustainable tourism, Bo is iconic in the South East Asian dive industry.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your education, your first job maybe, and how did you start photography?

I grew up in a dive centre in Cebu and I’ve been around divers ever since. I was lucky to start diving very early on and even luckier to fall in love with the ocean. There was always a dive magazine and books with amazing photography lying around and this amazed me. Years later, I saved up to enough for a used digital camera with an underwater housing. Although already dated at the time, I got to learn so much about light in the water with that small point and shoot.

#fotografíaSpotlight © Bo Mancao, Underwater Photographer

What do you love most about what you do?

Being close to, on and in the ocean is what drives me.

What or who inspires you? Where do you find inspiration?

That intimate feeling from the sea. Inspiration come from the wildlife, other like minded divers, ocean lovers. The diversity of the fish, beauty and vastness of the reef, the thrill of swimming with big sharks, that sort of stuff.

What is your favourite camera and lens? Could you tell us a bit about the equipment you use?

I’ve had a few but right now I am in love with the Fujifilm X-T3 with a 10 to 24 lens on it. It’s goes in the water inside a Nauticam housing. I’ve also been shooting a lot of video on it with SUPE video lights.

#fotografíaSpotlight © Bo Mancao, Underwater Photographer

Name an interesting place you’ve ever photographed? Travel destination? Favorite road trip perhaps?

Travel is a big part of what I do, South Africa in November to Cabilao Island in December, but to narrow it down, I’d say Palau in Micronesia is pretty memorable. There’s a hike up a hill that leads you to a lake filled with hundreds if not thousands of jellyfish. Tricky with the visibility and the light but Spectacular for photography.

What music do you like to listen when you edit images? And can you name artists?

Wow though. Recently, a lot of the 8D audio and Binaural beats.

What is your dream photo shoot, dream photo assignment?

Dream Assignment – The Artic, underwater of course.

#fotografíaSpotlight © Bo Mancao, Underwater Photographer

Name at least 2-3 Filipino photographers you look up to?

Like I mentioned, flipping to magazines and books as a kid, amongst all the foreign names, the one guy that made an impact was a filipino. I admire the work of Scott Tuason, who is still coming out with insanely great photographs.

Not too long ago,I got to dive with Jun de Leon, he gave me so much insight on life in the photography industry that I almost shed a tear. Pun intended.

And I sincerely look up to my students and divers that have taken my course, seeing their progression in underwater photography is a true joy.

Do you ever get burned out? If yes, what helps you get back into the creative process?

With Photography no never but with the countless task that come with it, Yes. The diving helps a lot, the call to the ocean always brings me back. From the second we roll in, and for about 60 mins underwater, its bliss.

#fotografíaSpotlight © Bo Mancao, Underwater Photographer

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

I’d say get your diving skills down before anything else. Buoyancy, spatial awareness and underwater experience is so important.

Then get a camera learn it inside out, then keep on diving and keep on shooting. And travel, get out there. Go to new spots, find new creatures and meet more divers.

Any photography project or discipline would you like to do after the enhanced community quarantine?

All of our projects got put on hold, and good ones that I was really excited about. I do hope we can get them back on track after all this. If they do get back on track, ill let you know.

Any message to fellow creatives during the pandemic?

Hang in there. And “Sea” you after the storm 😉

#fotografíaSpotlight All images © Bo Mancao and used with permission. To see more of his work, you may visit his website and follow his Instagram. You may also want to subscribe to his new Youtube channel here.