Alex Mustard
Aliases: alex_mustard, Alex_Mustard Role: Underwater photographer, marine biologist, author, Wetpixel associate editor First appearance: Early 2000s (Wetpixel forums) Affiliation: Wetpixel (associate editor), British Society of Underwater Photographers (president 2024), Nauticam ambassador
Biography
Dr. Alexander Mustard MBE (born c. 1975) is a British underwater photographer and marine biologist who became one of the most influential figures in underwater photography through his prolific forum contributions, educational writing, and competition judging. He holds a PhD in Marine Ecology from the University of Southampton and a BSc in Marine Biology, but left academia in 2004 to pursue underwater photography full time.
Mustard began diving and photographing underwater at age 9. He became an associate editor of Wetpixel and its most prolific forum contributor among editorial staff, with over 7,100 posts. He averages 365 dives per year.
In 2018, he was awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II “for services to underwater photography.”
Contributions
- Wetpixel forum expertise: Over 7,100 forum posts providing technical advice, gear reviews, and technique guidance to the community.
- Wetpixel Live: Co-hosted 200+ episodes with Adam Hanlon; also hosts 150+ episodes of YouTube’s The Underwater Photography Show.
- Magic Filter: Invented the Magic Filter for available-light underwater photography. The filter is a combination of three standard off-the-shelf filters (not a proprietary design), designed for tropical waters from surface to 15m+ with manual white balance. A separate “Point and Shoot (PAS) Magic Filter” variant was developed for cameras without manual WB, working at 5–17m depth. Sold commercially from 2005 (£19/sheet, £30/3-pack). ([1], [2])
- Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY): Founder and chair of the jury for this major international competition, revived in 2014 with Dan Bolt and Peter Rowlands.
- Publications: Author of The Art of Diving (2006), Reefs Revealed (2007, International Grand Prize for best UW photo book), Underwater Photography Masterclass (2016, reprinted within 2 weeks), Secrets of the Seas (2016), Diving The Thistlegorm (2020), 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography (2024).
- Competition success: Awards in 9 categories of Wildlife Photographer of the Year; GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2013; 200+ magazine covers; 900+ published articles.
- Nauticam collaboration and WACP origin: In December 2014, Mustard pool-tested an optical corrector port prototype — a Carl Zeiss element adapted by optical designer Pete Ladell — showing 1-3 stop corner improvement over dome ports. This was the direct precursor to the commercial Nauticam WACP product line. The WACP-C was later described as “Alex Mustard’s prototype lens.” He also contributed to the development of Nauticam’s SMC, MFO, FCP, and EMWL optical products. (forum community)
- World-exclusive camera tests: Wetpixel routinely received pre-production cameras for first-ever underwater tests through Mustard: Nikon D7000 (2010, only 2 housings in existence worldwide), Nikon D4 (2012, world’s only housing), Nikon D800 (2012, pre-production unit). (forum community)
- Competition ethics advocacy: Raised debate about subject manipulation (flying octopuses, Doubilet nudi on white sand), retiring winning images, and photographic ethics. Introduced [M] “MODIFIED” designation in Reefs Revealed for manipulated images. (forum community)
- Scientific discovery: Co-discovered a previously unknown blenny species in the Red Sea. First photographed by community member Bart at Marsa Shagra (2013), Mustard independently found the species at Gubal Island. Specimens collected by Emily Troyer were formally described in 2019 as Cerogobius petrophilus (rhinoceros blenny) — a new genus and species. ([3])
- Pole-cam technique: Developed a bicycle-brake-operated pole-cam system for surface reflection and over-under shots, first documented during the 2008 Wetpixel July Expedition. ([4])
- British Society of Underwater Photographers: President (2024).
Timeline
- Age 9: Begins underwater photography
- 2003-05: Photos contributed to Dive Magazine’s first all-digital cover article alongside Douglas David Seifert. ([5])
- 2003-07: Co-authors ambient light photography feature with Craig Jones, introducing filter-based strobe-free technique to still shooters. ([6])
- 2003-10: Gives digital photography presentation at Visions in the Sea 2003; wins Visions in the Sea Award with YUP members. ([7])
- 2003-11: Receives prize at Birmingham Image 2003 Festival. ([8])
- 2004-02: Joins Wetpixel as moderator. Previously won four Antibes Festival awards in 2002. Founded Young UW Photographers’ Group (YUP). Member of BSoUP. ([9])
- 2004-02: Reviews BBC’s Deep Blue film for Wetpixel. ([10])
- 2004-03: Named to Wetpixel photo contest jury alongside Stephen Frink, David Fleetham, Jim Watt, and others. ([11])
- 2004-08: Reviews Subal ND70 housing for Nikon D70, noting it was designed by Arnold Stepanek on his laptop. ([12])
- 2004-10: Receives honorable mention at Celebrate the Sea/Wetpixel digital portfolio contest. ([13])
- 2004-10: Contributes articles to UwP Magazine issues 20 and 21. ([14])
- 2004-11: Writes comprehensive Antibes Festival 2004 report for Wetpixel; notes Nikon D70 is most popular DSLR. ([15])
- 2004-11: Hosts Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005. ([16])
- 2004: Leaves marine biology academia to pursue UW photography full time
- 2004: Begins TTL vs Manual flash debate on Wetpixel — defends TTL for opportunistic shots. This became a foundational community discussion. (forum community)
- 2005-03: Cover of Dive Magazine. ([17])
- 2005-03: Publishes first-look review of Nikon D2X with Subal ND2 housing from Red Sea diving. ([18])
- 2005-05: Reviews UR Pro Shallow Water CY filter, finding excellent results for digital available-light shooting. ([19])
- 2005-07: UwP Magazine issue 25 features Magic Filter’s first cover shot. ([20])
- 2005-08: Magic Filter goes on sale — a new approach to UW ambient light color correction for DSLRs. ([21])
- 2005-10: Wins BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Animal Portraits category. ([22])
- 2005-10: Third place in Seahorses of the World competition (pygmy seahorse, Lembeh Strait). ([23])
- 2005-10: Speaks at Visions in the Sea 2005 conference in London. ([24])
- 2005-11: Judges BP Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition. ([25])
- 2005-11: Macro article published in UwP issue 27. ([26])
- 2005-2006: Sells Magic Filter sheets commercially (£19/sheet, £30/3-pack). Claims first UWP Magazine cover with Magic Filter (July 2005). (forum community)
- 2006-01: Publishes “The Trouble with TTL” arguing manual strobe control superior for digital UW photography. ([27])
- 2006-03: Publishes first book The Art of Diving (co-authored with Nick Hanna, 272 pages, 200 images). ([28])
- 2006-06: Runs Cayman Digital Madness photo event at Ocean Frontiers. ([29])
- 2006-07: Shows underwater photography to Queen of England. ([30])
- 2007: Reefs Revealed wins International Grand Prize for best UW photo book
- 2007-06: Publishes complementary filter technique article with James Wiseman and Craig Jones. ([31])
- 2008: Uses Subal D2X for 67,000+ shots without spare body; obtained wider Subal port (96mm vs 85mm standard) for 105mm VR. (forum community)
- 2008: Confirmed 7 Subal housings over career. ([32])
- 2008-07: Leads Wetpixel July Expedition (Bahamas); introduces pole-cam/bicycle brake technique for surface reflection shots; photographs sharks, dolphins with Subtronic Alpha strobe, 60mm lens. ([33])
- 2008-09: Publishes landmark 3-part Nikon D3 field review — first comprehensive FX vs DX underwater test. Uses Subal ND3, Inon Z-240, tests in Canada, California, Mexico. ([34])
- 2008-10: Shares DEMA 2008 booth with Wetpixel; demonstrates Magic Filters with Peter Rowlands. ([35])
- 2008-11: Publishes Nikon D700 in Subal ND700 field review — comprehensive full-frame comparison in Red Sea. ([36])
- 2009-01: Begins monthly PhotoPro column in DIVE Magazine (UK). ([37])
- 2009-01: Builds DIY ring flash from two Inon Z240s and homemade reflector ring, tested in Cayman. (forum community)
- 2009-02: “Shooting Magic” DVD released (produced with Peter Rowlands). ([38])
- 2009-05: Leads Wetpixel Bahamas Oceanic White-Tip Shark Expedition. ([39])
- 2010-11: Conducts world’s first underwater test of Nikon D7000 — only 2 housings existed worldwide at time of first dive. Peter Rowlands joined for Red Sea video testing. (forum community)
- 2010-12: Publishes field review of Nikon D7000 and Nauticam NA-D7000 housing — first major Nauticam DSLR housing review. ([40])
- 2011-08: Launches “The Wetpixel Rinse Tank” — a regular opinion column on Wetpixel. ([41])
- 2012: Leads Wetpixel Whale Sharks expedition to Isla Mujeres with Nikon D4, Sigma 15mm, Nauticam housing, Zen 230 dome. 300-400 whale sharks. (forum community)
- 2012-04: Conducts world’s first underwater test of Nikon D4 — world’s only housing — at Iceland’s Silfra. (forum community)
- 2012-05: Publishes Nikon D4 field review. ([42])
- 2012-06: Reviews Olympus OM-D E-M5 for Wetpixel — landmark mirrorless camera review for UW photography. ([43])
- 2013: GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year (“Night Moves”)
- 2013: Co-discovers unknown blenny species at Gubal Island, Red Sea (independently of Bart’s Marsa Shagra sighting). Formally described in 2019 as Cerogobius petrophilus (new genus + species). ([44])
- 2013-10: “The Making of an Image: Night Moves” — documents the creation of his GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year winning image. ([45])
- 2014: Co-founds/revives Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition
- 2014-09-07: Marries Eleonora Manca.
- 2014-11: Two-part Nikon D750 field review published, shot in the Red Sea.
- 2014-12: Pool tests optical corrector port prototype — Carl Zeiss element adapted by Pete Ladell. Showed 1-3 stop corner improvement. Direct precursor to Nauticam WACP product line. (forum community)
- 2015: Serves on judging panel/chairs Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015. Masterclass at Natural History Museum London. Wetpixel/Mustard Macro Workshop Lembeh 2016 announced. Serves as judge at Our World Underwater 2015 and UPY 2015. Member of CMAS 2015 jury.
- 2016: Nikon D5 first thoughts review published. Contributes to D500 review. Co-leads coordination of inaugural Lembeh-Gulen Critter Shootout as overall organizer.
- 2016: Co-authors Secrets of the Seas book with Callum Roberts.
- 2016-01: Underwater Photography Masterclass book published. First printing sold out within 2 weeks.
- 2016-01: Launches Instagram account.
- 2016-10: Lembeh Macro Workshop runs with 28 participants.
- 2017: Reviews Nikon 8-15mm fisheye lens for underwater use. Reviews Nauticam WACP (Wide Angle Conversion Port) in September.
- 2017: Captain of Team Lembeh for Lembeh-Gulen Shootout 2018. ([46])
- 2017-02: Previews Retra Flash strobe. Reviews Retra Flash in August 2017 (disclosed collaboration with Retra). Co-tests SAGA Trio underwater lighting system.
- 2018-06: Awarded MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours for “services to underwater photography.” ([47])
- 2018-06: Team captain for Team Lembeh at The Shootout 2018. ([48])
- 2019-07: Field reviewed ONEUW 160X strobe in Red Sea. ([49])
- 2020: Publishes Diving The Thistlegorm
- 2020-06: Hosted virtual image review for Lembeh workshop participants during COVID lockdown. ([50])
- 2020-07: Co-launched Wetpixel Live YouTube series with Adam Hanlon. ([51])
- 2021-05: Full Frame essay on Misool, Raja Ampat published on Wetpixel. ([52])
- 2021-10: Won WPY 2021 Natural Artistry category with “Bedazzled” (ghost pipefish, Nikon D850, Trioplan 100mm, Subal housing, Retra strobes). ([53])
- 2022-03: Participated in Wetpixel Live “Is the SLR Dead?” discussion. ([54])
- 2022-09: Field reviewed Nauticam EMWL 160° lens at God’s Pocket, Canada. ([55])
- 2023-02: Reviewed Sony a7R V — declared it “the first mirrorless I enjoyed shooting more than my SLR.” ([56])
- 2024: Becomes President of British Society of Underwater Photographers; publishes 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
References
- amustard.com biography
- Nauticam Ambassador — Alex Mustard
- [57] — editorial
- [58] — editorial
- [59] — editorial
- [60] — editorial
- [61] — editorial
- [62] — editorial
- [63] — editorial
- [64] — editorial
- [65] — editorial
- [66] — editorial
- [67] — editorial
- [68] — editorial
- [69] — editorial
Sources
- Forum thread: Underwater Filter Discussion ↩
- Forum thread: Setting White Balance ↩
- Forum thread: Red Sea Rhinoceros Blenny ↩
- Forum thread: Sharks Dolphins And Reflections ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 15, 2003: Dive Magazine First Digital Cover1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 21, 2003: Feature Ambient Light Photography ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 24, 2003: Visions In The Sea 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 11, 2003: Birmingham Festival 2003 Coverage ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 27, 2004: Alex Mustard Joins Wetpixel ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 11, 2004: Deep Blue Bbc Movie ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 21, 2004: Wetpixel Announces Bi Monthly Photo Contest ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2004: Subal Subal D70 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 4, 2004: Celebrate The Seawetpixel Contest Winners ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 6, 2004: Uwp Mag Issue 21 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2004: Antibes Festival 2004 Report1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2004: Grand Cayman Digital Jam 2005 Walex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2005: Alex Mustard Cover Of Dive Magazine ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2005: Nikon D2x And Subal Nd2 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 28, 2005: Ur Pro Shallow Water Filter Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 4, 2005: Uwp Magazines 25th Anniversary Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 25, 2005: Magic Filters Available ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 20, 2005: Alex Mustard Wins At Bbc Wildlife Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2005: Results Seahorses Of The World Photo Comp ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 23, 2005: Visions Conference Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 2, 2005: Bp Kongsberg Underwater Image Competition ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2005: Uwp Magazine 27 Available For Download ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2006: The Trouble With Ttl ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2006: Alex Mustards Art Of Diving ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2006: Cayman Digital Madness ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 23, 2006: Dr Alex Mustard Featured On Rob Galbraith ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 15, 2007: Complementary Filters And Wide Angle Underwater Photography ↩
- Forum thread: What Housing For A D700 ↩
- Forum thread: Sharks Dolphins And Reflections ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 16, 2008: Nikon D3 Field Review In The East Pacific Part 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 29, 2008: Dema 2008 Magic Filters And Uwp Mag ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2008: Review Nikon D700 In Subal Nd700 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 14, 2009: Alex Mustard Writes Photopro Column ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2009: Magic Filters Releases New Dvd Shooting Magic ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 24, 2009: Wetpixel Bahamas Oceanic White Tip Expedition 2009 Returns To Port ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 2, 2010: Field Review Nikon D7000 And Nauticam Na D7000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 21, 2011: The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 3, 2012: Nikon D4 Field Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 1, 2012: Alex Mustard Reviews Olympus Om D E M5 ↩
- Forum thread: Red Sea Rhinoceros Blenny ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 28, 2013: The Making Of An Image Night Moves By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 22, 2017: Call For Participants The Shootout 2018 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 8, 2018: Alex Mustard Is Awarded An Mbe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 16, 2018: The Shootout 2018 Is Underway In Lembeh And Gulen ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2019: Field Review Oneuw 160x Strobe By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 7, 2020: Alex Mustard Hosts Virtual Image Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jul 10, 2020: Announcing Wetpixel Live ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 2, 2021: Alex Mustard Misool ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2021: Results Marine Related Winners Of Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2021 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 1, 2022: Wetpixel Live Is The Slr Dead ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 25, 2022: Field Review Nauticam Emwl With 160 Degree Lens By Alex Mustard ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 4, 2023: Review Sony A7r V By Alex Mustard ↩
- Alex Mustard joins Wetpixel (article) ↩
- Subal D70 Review by Alex Mustard (article) ↩
- Antibes Festival 2004 Report (article) ↩
- Nikon D2X and Subal ND2 Review (article) ↩
- Magic Filters available (article) ↩
- Alex Mustard wins at BBC Wildlife Competition (article) ↩
- Ambient Light Photography feature (article) ↩
- UR Pro Shallow Water Filter Review (article) ↩
- D7000 + Nauticam NA-D7000 field review (article) ↩
- The Wetpixel Rinse Tank Number 1 (article) ↩
- Nikon D4 field review (article) ↩
- Olympus OM-D E-M5 review (article) ↩
- Night Moves — Making of an Image (article) ↩