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Przemysław Zyber - ADM Featured Photographer
How did it start?
I fell in love with the beauty of the colorful underwater world from the first dive 20 years ago in the Red Sea. Back then, not as a diver but as a snorkeler, I admired the beauty of Egyptian reefs. I returned to Egypt regularly, always choosing the dive sites with the richest reefs. Swimming on the surface for hours, I couldn’t stop looking at the breathtaking underwater world. I envied the divers swimming below me for the opportunity to commune with nature without haste and incredible closeness. I knew that in time I would find myself in the depths, observing these wonderful creatures.
My adventure with diving started recently, only 6 years ago. I knew that my first dives would take place in Egypt and that my dreams would finally come true. We chose the day charter boat for the first two diving trips. These were amazing experiences, especially since I shared them with my then 10-year-old son. The beauty and richness of the underwater realm was stunning. Thousands of colorful fish dancing to the rhythm of the waves created an unforgettable performance. I started taking a small Sony compact underwater camera with me. Instantly wanting more exotic trips and more interesting photos, I signed up for diving safaris. Five to seven days with unlimited diving and life on the sea fascinated me even more.
Since I have an open-pit mine with flooded excavators nearby, I could dive often and improve my skills. On average, I made around 170 dives a year. Focused on accurate and practical arrangement of equipment, trim and precision of each movement. I quickly climbed the ranks of diving certifications. After 3 years, 500 dives in all conditions, I finally became an instructor. And this was just a prelude to further improvement of skills. I wanted to gain knowledge and practical skills from various sources, so I selected a different instructor who was regarded as the best in his field for subsequent technical courses. During this time, my diving equipment developed from a basic backmount single, to a twin set to sidemount. The photographic kit that accompanied me on every escapade did not leave me behind. From a small “Sony camera”, through Go-pro, Olympus, I finally reached the full-frame Nikon. A professional camera allowed for more, much more, and was a turning point in my underwater photography. Processing the RAW material made it possible to restore the colors to what my eye saw. Now I could focus on what I love the most. Taking photos underwater gives the whole meaning of my diving adventure.
Unfortunately, my old Nikon, deserved to retire after years of wonderful and fruitful cooperation. The choice was hard, especially in the era of the new generation of faultless cameras, which I knew nothing about. Ultimately, the choice fell on the Canon R6. However, my first attempts at photography resulted in disappointment instead of delight. Switching to a mirrorless camera required learning how to use it practically from the very beginning. I needed several sessions to get to know the new capabilities of the equipment and learn to use its strengths.
More advanced photographic equipment and an excellent housing resulted in more interesting photos and the ability to shoot videos at a new level previously unavailable. In the meantime, I extended my diving qualifications to the full cave diver level. Limited frame space and fantastic rock formations or mine tunnel systems expanded my portfolio and diving experience. Unfortunately, the tunnels stretching hundreds of meters at great depths were sometimes inaccessible. The consequence was a switch to closed circuit rebreather. Since I like the sidemount configuration the most, the choice was straightforward - the KISS Sidewinder rebreather. I fell in love with this system from the first dive. The advantage of longer non-decompression time, no effect of disturbing the water (with exhaled air), a much greater sense of security and a significant extension of the time spent underwater. I could direct my thoughts to the primary goal of my dives - photography.
In this way, after 6 years and over a thousand dedicated dives, I have reached the point where I feel comfortable in virtually all conditions I encounter under water. Waiting for more interesting shots and fascinating places drives me. When asked if I still feel chills before diving in a cave or diving with sharks, I will answer that I feel more stressed before the effects of the photo session. Only when I see the first wonderful photos underwater do I relax and know that I will leave satisfied.
In 2022, I dared to send a photo to the Santi Photo Awards competition. My surprise was enormous when I won 2nd place in this prestigious underwater photography competition. A few months later, I submitted my work to another international competition and another surprise. Freshwater photos from Mexico took 2nd and 4th place. In the same month, my video, also from Mexico, took 1st place in the “Depths” Festival competition in the Internet users’ vote. During this competition, I had the pleasure of meeting the editor of the travel and diving magazine “Perfect Diver”. From that moment on, in each subsequent issue, I have the pleasure of sharing my underwater adventures with readers. In just five consecutive issues of this bimonthly magazine, my photo graced the cover twice.
Meanwhile, in October 2023, I won photo week on the Croatian island of Vis, 2nd place in underwater photography. In November, in the competition organized by CN Nautica in the caves and wrecks category, my photo from an opal mine in Slovakia won 1st place. In mid-March 2024, there will be an opening of my photos during the next edition of the “Głębiny” Diving Festival. But that’s still ahead of me.
Besides photography, I take great pleasure in conducting diving courses and imparting knowledge and skills. I usually take my students on their first expeditions to the wonderful, warm and colorful waters of the Red Sea. I love hearing about their experiences after their first dives. Everyone is delighted and radiates positive energy. As their skills develop, we choose more and more demanding water areas for subsequent destinations. A common passion brings people together, and experiencing adventures cements friendships. I am glad that I have found a passion in my life that I can devote myself to and share it with others.
Top of Page: A picturesque mine in the Table Mountains of southern Poland.
The diving sector in the Podgórze Mine is a place for certified cave divers to practice their diving skills. Improper fin techniques can quickly turn the clear water into dark sludge.
Exploration takes place in many corridors, at levels from 30m/100ft, 70m/236ft, 110m/328ft, and 150m/492ft. Studies using sonar detect the bottom around 244m/800ft. Maps of the mine show it reaches a depth of 540m/1771ft, making it Poland's deepest diving reservoir.
(Click images to Enlarge)
Above: Traveling on a week-long trip to the Croatian island of Vis.
I took part in the annual photographers' convention organized by the local Nautica diving center. The plane wreck, which lies at 73m/240ft deep, is remarkably well-preserved and sustained minimal damage upon its impact with the water. At 73M/240ft, divers need to be trimix certified, therefore not everyone can visit this wonderful attraction. Out of our 25-person group, only 3 people could admire the wreck of the B17 aircraft.
Below: In north-western Germany, 100 km from Hamburg, in Hemmoor, there is a wonderful reservoir which is an excellent location for divers.
Throughout the year, the water remains crystal clear and maintains a temperature below the thermocline at 6c/42f. The reservoir is immense and its submerged waters offer many attractions for divers. Two planes, one of which floats at a depth of 10m/32ft and the other resting on the bottom at 53m/173ft. There is a large barge at 62m/203ft along with a Mercedes truck. Additionally, there's a beautifully arranged sailing ship on the escarpment, along with automobiles and various other attractions. The reservoir is perfectly situated, surrounded by Norwegian-style houses on the shore, adding to the charm of this picturesque location.
Above: The Yucatan, not only about cavern or cave diving in crystal clear water.
Get ready to meet the bloodthirstiest Bull-sharks, practically within 200m/650ft of Playa del Carmen's beaches. At a depth of around 34m/110ft, we come face to face with dozens of these magnificent creatures, close enough that I’m sure they could see the whites of our eyes. Behaving calmly and dignified, they knew they were always the ones in charge.
Below: The Wiedzie lake is located in north-eastern Poland.
Here, you can enjoy varied views of fauna and flora and experience the local waters, abundant fish populations and various varieties of aquatic plants that create a stunning landscape. Fish benefit from the densely growing plants, as they provide abundant food and hiding places, resulting in a rich and diverse ecosystem.
The Extreme Dive Center can be found at the lake's edge. Here you can rent a floating house that is connected to the mainland via a pier. A perfect escape for a distinctive weekend getaway.
Above: My favorite place - Opal mine in Slovakia
Anyone who dives in caves or mines knows perfectly well that they are dark, with virtually no colors. In Mexico, the white limestone walls dominate within the caves of Yucatan. Of course, the cave formations are wonderful and very spectacular to view, but very mono-colored.
Recently I was told about an opal mine in Slovakia, but it had been closed to divers for a very long time. Only recently, the Opal Divers organization made diving visits to this fascinating place possible. If you are interested in the opal’s mines history, please visit the website of the museum of this place:
Even if you don’t have a cave diving certification, you can have fun exploring the mine’s dry corridors and passage. I recommend that you consider visiting the oldest opal mine in the world by taking a weekend trip to this wonderfully unique place.
Below: Plane wreck at 53m/173ft in the open-pit mine of Hemmoor in northwestern Germany.
Above: The Opal mine at its lowest level is called “Level -40”.
The vast abundance of minerals found in igneous rock causes various colors to shimmer in the gleam of our powerful underwater lights used for taking photos. The mine becomes an unparalleled experience similar to what one would see in a vivid Disney or Pixar film. At times, the corridor shines in a bright yellow shade with a touch of blue, while other times it transforms into a vibrant orange color. Near Willingen in Germany, the mines are black and dark. The uranium mine in Kowary also gives you a thrill with its raw, dark interior. The limestone Kobanya mine in Budapest is bright, with ubiquitous white walls. Unlike the others, this opal mine is truly unique.
Below: Opal mine in Slovakia.
This photo won the title of the best cave photo in the fall of 2023, in a photography competition coordinated by the Nautica diving organization.
Above and Below: If someone asked me what my diving Mecca is, I would answer without hesitation: Mexico and the caves of the Yucatan.
It’s already a tradition that every year around January I organize a trip to Mexico.
At the beginning of my diving experience, as a non-cave diver, I only visited caverns, but the idea of swimming beyond the “for cave divers only” sign always intrigued me. After obtaining my cave diving certification, I immediately sought trips to the Yucatan caves.
Above: The B17 plane crash off the coast of the Croatian island of Vis.
Below: A sailing ship positioned eloquently above the escarpment in the Hemmoor, German mine forms a breathtaking sight amidst the thriving algae.
Above: Croatia's reputation is not only for its spectacular wreck diving but is probably better recognized for its abundance of macro life. You can find a vast variety of nudibranchs here. It is a dive mecca for any underwater photographer specializing in macro.
Below: Budapest, the capital of Hungary and its breathtaking caves.
Diving takes place in warm 26c/78f in crystal clear water. The entrance to the Cave is in the center of the city and has corridors stretching for kilometers beneath the very center of Budapest.
Above: Once again, we are visiting the magical caves of Yucatan, Mexico. Stalagmites and stalactites create an incredibly striking landscape.
Below: The Level -40 in the Slovak Opal Mine.
Exquisite features adorn the ceiling, (sulfur bacteria) creating a remarkable sight. When swimming by, be extra cautious as any water movement from fins could harm these delicate structures.
Above: Crystal clear water enables stunning photography of these gigantic caves near the city of Tulum, Mexico.
Below: Entrance to the bells of hell.
You descend through a vertical tunnel in the Zapote cenote to a depth of 30m100ft, where the narrow tunnel turns into an immense room. Within the vast space are monumental structures hanging off the walls that closely resemble giant bells. Clouds of hydrogen sulfide touch their bases. The entire spectacle is a breathtaking phenomenon that leaves us in awe of their grandeur.
