Joe Belanger

Joe was certified as a PADI Open Water Diver in 1978. He became an open water instructor in 1984. Joe served as a technical diver and field research technician for Marine Biological Consultants Applied Environmental Sciences from 1983 to 1986. He began photographing California's marine life in 1982. His work has appeared in many diving publications, including Skin Diver, Scuba Times, Discover Diving, Diver and California Diver to name a few. He is a seminar speaker for dive shows/clubs throughout Southern California and talks mostly on California photography and Catalina Island. His seminars about Catalina are truly unique, as Joe delves into historic Catalina in the 1800's and the history of diving at Catalina, from the 1950s to current day reality. His new book about Catalina, Catalina Island, All You Need To Know, is now available!! Click the icon below:

Joe has also served as a volunteer in several capacities. In 1987 to 1989, Joe was a volunteer member of the California Whale Rescue Unit, whose goal was helping to free gray whales who were entangled in fishing nets. He also has volunteered his time participating in kelp transplants, which were intended to promote new growth in areas where El Nino has virtually wiped out kelp existence. And the Boy Scouts of America enjoyed Joe's help through his photography. When the Scouts participate in ocean skill building challenges for merit awards, Joe has photographed them doing so. He then turns over the pictures to the scout leaders for a slide presentation to the families of the scout members, who ultimately receive the slides as a gift.

From a travel viewpoint, Joe has traveled to India, Galapagos, Peru, Egypt, Malaysia, Canada, Bonne Terre Mine, France, Baja California, and all of California's Channel Islands to name a few. Some of his future travel visions include Antarctica, Africa, Thailand, Solomon Islands, Papau New Guinea, and Cocos.

Joe is available for:

-General dive club and dive show seminars
-Special writing and photography assignments
-Photographic sales
-Corporate entertainment seminars

Note from the Photographer:

Thank you for visiting this site and I hope you enjoyed my photos of California's marine life.

For more information regarding the equipment I use, please visit the "Equipment Information" page below:

Sincerely,

Joe Belanger