Ipah Uid Lynn earns global fame for underwater photography

Kuala Lumpur-based photographer Ipah Uid Lynn has made waves in the international photography community by securing the prestigious Female Fifty Fathoms Award at the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 competition. This annual competition, co-hosted by Oceanographic Magazine and luxury watchmaker Blancpain, celebrates the beauty of the ocean and raises awareness about marine conservation. The Female Fifty Fathoms Award, introduced in 2021, honours pioneering women in ocean photography, and Lynn’s stunning portfolio has cemented her place among the most influential figures in this field.

A Winning Portfolio: Capturing Oceanic Wonders

Lynn’s award-winning portfolio included breathtaking images of marine life and human interactions with the ocean. One of the standout shots was a stunning composition of a whale shark surrounded by a swirling school of fish, taken at sunrise in the shallow waters of Koh Tao, Thailand. “I used an underwater video light and coloured light to highlight the whale shark and the fish against the dark background,” Lynn explained. This image, along with others in her portfolio—featuring gobies, skeletal shrimp, fishermen, and divers—showcases Lynn’s talent for capturing the delicate interplay between marine life and light.

Her dedication to underwater photography, blending art with technical mastery, reflects her unique style. “It’s a recognition that goes beyond personal achievement,” Lynn said during her award acceptance. “It highlights the importance of storytelling through photography and the voices of women in this field.”

The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024: A Global Showcase of Talent

Lynn was one of 18 winners selected from over 15,000 entries submitted by both professional and amateur photographers in the 2024 Ocean Photographer of the Year competition. The competition attracted a wide variety of submissions, including dramatic images of Bryde’s whales consuming heart-shaped baitballs, and humorous underwater encounters. Other major winners included Rafael Fernández Caballero, who took home the Ocean Photographer of the Year award for his striking image of a rare ocean scene, and Jacob Guy, named Young Ocean Photographer of the Year for his capture of a fluorescent algae octopus in Indonesia.

Notably, Henley Spiers was recognised as the Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year, while Shane Gross received the Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year (Hope) award for an image of a green sea turtle’s release in Seychelles. Lynn’s Female Fifty Fathoms Award, however, remains a key highlight, celebrating the achievements of women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Overcoming Adversity: From Near-Death to Underwater Triumph

Lynn’s journey into ocean photography is nothing short of remarkable. At the age of 19, she was involved in a near-fatal accident when a jet ski collided with her at sea. The crash left her with severe injuries, including broken ribs, a torn liver, and punctured stomach. Nearly drowning in the process, she spent two weeks in the ICU and months recovering from the trauma. For many years, she avoided the ocean, fearing it as a place of danger.

However, her life took a dramatic turn when her husband, a scuba enthusiast, encouraged her to try diving in her mid-30s. Despite her deep-seated fear of water, she took the plunge and signed up for a Discover Scuba Diving course. “The fear was gripping,” she recalls, but it was in the depths of the ocean where her outlook transformed. The vibrant coral forests and bustling marine life she encountered underwater rekindled her passion for the sea. “That was the day I told myself, ‘This is a whole new, different world’. If I can break this fear, I can do anything,” she said.

From that moment, her journey as an underwater photographer began, with the same courage and determination that helped her overcome her fear of the ocean.

Building a Career: A Voice for Marine Conservation

Lynn’s professional career in underwater photography blossomed after she became a certified PADI diving instructor. Initially, she and her husband ran a dive centre on Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands. However, juggling the responsibilities of six children, including one with special needs, alongside managing the dive centre, proved challenging. In 2015, the couple decided to sell the centre, allowing Lynn to focus on her photography career.

Her work, known for its intricate details and vivid colours, has won several international awards. Specialising in macro photography, Lynn focuses on small marine creatures, capturing images of tiny fish, nudibranchs, and seahorses in startling close-ups. Her attention to detail reveals the hidden beauty of the ocean’s smaller inhabitants, highlighting their crucial roles in marine ecosystems. “I observe everything because every creature is different in its own way,” she says. “When you start seeing them inside the water and you start to understand, you see the role that they play.”

Lynn’s career extends beyond photography; she is a strong advocate for marine conservation. She frequently visits schools in Malaysia to educate young people about ocean protection and encourages budding underwater photographers. Her message is clear: the future of the planet depends on the health of the ocean. “Most of our oxygen comes from the sea, so if we don’t learn how to take care of the sea, we’re in deep trouble,” she emphasises.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Future Generations

As Lynn continues to make her mark in underwater photography, her focus remains on storytelling, creativity, and conservation. Her recent recognition has only deepened her commitment to raising awareness about ocean protection through her images. “Photography is a powerful tool for storytelling,” she says. “I want my work to inspire others to see the beauty of the ocean and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations.”

An exhibition of all the winning photographs, including Lynn’s portfolio, will open at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on 28 November 2024. The exhibition promises to captivate audiences, showcasing the rich diversity of marine life and the incredible talent of ocean photographers from around the world.