Preparation. It’s a key part of the work Dr. Christopher McQuitty, professor and provider with the UTMB Department of Anesthesiology, does every day when caring for patients.
It also serves him well when he’s off the clock nurturing his passion for underwater photography.
“I'm not sure there are many parallels between work and underwater photography, other than putting in the time to take care of your equipment and preparation for the dive to make sure you can spend your time effectively looking for a shot and not fighting your dive equipment and buoyancy—just like you need to prepare for taking care of a patient so you're not scrambling around getting things ready when the patient needs care," he said.
McQuitty's interest in underwater photography began more than a decade ago when, during a scuba camp with his family, he received a complimentary underwater camera system.
Fast forward to today and the primarily self-taught photographer now has his own underwater camera system, complete with specialized lights.
“The lighting is probably more important than the camera for underwater subjects,” said McQuitty, who has been a member of the UTMB faculty since 1994. “You have to get very close because of the light degradation down there.”
Sharks, shrimp, sea turtles, crabs and more—McQuitty’s photographs have captured a number of different scenes and subjects over the years. When asked to pick a favorite, he simply can’t.
“I’m too invested,” he said. “I like them all.”
While the art of diving and photography drives McQuitty’s pastime, he’s also fueled by a sheer appreciation for and admiration of marine life.
“The ocean is such a big part of the planet.
I try to be an ambassador to bring new people to diving so they can appreciate it
and maybe help take care of it a little better.”
Despite capturing some pretty closeup—sometimes 6 to 7 feet away—images of sharks, McQuitty said he’s never had to swim in a cage around the animals and has never felt in danger or feared for his life as a diver.
“I don't have any crazy stories but have had lots of cool interactions with turtles,” he said. “You can predict their routes pretty easily as they are pretty linear swimmers, and I put myself into their path to get good pictures a lot.
"A couple just don't want to move and play chicken with you a little." he added. "So you can get really nice close-ups as they swim right next to you or over you.”
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