Mauricio Handler
Aliases: handlerphoto (Wetpixel forum username)
Role: Professional marine photojournalist, underwater photography instructor, conservation advocate
First appearance: 2002 ([1])
Affiliation: National Geographic (associate/assistant); Aquatica (field technical advisor); Wetpixel Industry Member
Based: British Virgin Islands
Website: handlerphoto.com
Biography
Mauricio Handler is a professional commercial marine photographer and photojournalist based in the British Virgin Islands. He was a principal underwater photography assistant to David Doubilet, with whom he explored many oceans of the world on assignment for National Geographic ([2]). His personal editorial work has appeared in major underwater publications, and his international commercial clients include Rolex International ([3]). He is the author of two books: The Diving Guide to The British Virgin Islands and The British Virgin Islands: A Photographic Portrait ([4]).
Handler served as field technical advisor to Aquatica, providing real-world testing and feedback on their housings from the company’s early digital era onward ([5]). His first-hand experience in the field included maintenance and troubleshooting in demanding environments. He was closely associated with Aquatica’s Jean Bruneau (Viz’art) and Blake Stoughton, regularly appearing at Aquatica’s booth at industry trade shows ([6], [7]).
In 2008, Handler was featured in the October issue of National Geographic Magazine (page 119), photographed by Brian Skerry standing just feet in front of a southern right whale. Aquatica colleague Jean Bruneau (Viz’art) described it as “the most awesome shot of a whale interacting with a human that I’ve seen” ([8]). Handler also assisted Skerry on his Japan ocean wilderness story for National Geographic in 2008, helping with photography and logistics ([9]).
Handler was also an advanced underwater photography instructor who taught week-long housed system workshops in the BVI and aboard the Turks and Caicos Aggressor and other liveaboards ([10], [11]). He later expanded to leading pelagic photography expeditions, including annual great white shark trips to Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and whale shark and sailfish encounters at Isla Mujeres ([12], [13], [14]).
Contributions
Wetpixel Reviews and Articles
Handler was one of Wetpixel’s earliest and most prolific gear reviewers, writing five articles for the site between 2002 and 2007. His detailed Aquatica housing reviews were among the first in-depth housing assessments published on Wetpixel:
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Aquatica A5000 review (2002): Field-tested in Turks and Caicos, covering the housing for the Nikon Coolpix 5000. Handler praised the aluminum construction, single-latch system, and compact size. All sample images were shot with natural light in manual mode, emphasizing digital cameras’ light sensitivity ([15]).
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Aquatica D100 review (2003): A comprehensive review of the Nikon D100 housing (priced at $1,895), noting backward compatibility with all Aquatica bayonet-mounted film housing ports (A90, A100, A5). Handler detailed the fully mechanical design with only an electrical bulkhead connector, the simple camera installation via saddle knob, and the cast aluminum construction with polyurethane powder paint. He tested both macro (Nikkor 105mm with 2x Kenko teleconverter) and wide-angle (16mm f/2.8 with 8” dome) setups. All sample images were shot in full manual mode with manual focus ([16]).
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Aquatica Kodak 14n/ProSLRn coverage (2004): Shot sample photos with the prototype housing for Kodak’s 14-megapixel cameras on three trips. The images demonstrated the full-frame sensor’s capabilities, looking great at web size but truly impressive at 20” x 30” prints ([17], [18]).
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Whaling and whale watching opinion piece (2007): An impassioned article on the threat to whales from resumed whaling by Japan and Iceland, prompted by the Dominica controversy at Beneath the Sea 2007. Handler called on the Wetpixel community to take action, writing: “I have seen the great whales underwater. Eye to eye. It changes you.” The article generated 13 comments and extended debate, with Handler engaging directly and even obtaining an official response from Dominica’s Chief Fisheries Officer ([19]).
Photography Style
Handler was known for his distinctive approach to underwater photography, favoring natural light and slow shutter speeds. His DEMA 2010 presentations were titled “First Light/Last Light” and “Natural Light Wide-Angle Photography” ([20]). At the 2005 Florida Dive Show, he described his technique of using high-end digital cameras to create motion in images of large animals, particularly great whites, “seldom working with shutter speeds above 1/15th of a second” ([21]).
Forum Community
Under the username “handlerphoto,” Handler was an active Wetpixel forum participant with 132 posts across 41 threads from 2003 to 2024. He provided technical advice on Aquatica housings, shared insights on gear comparisons, and promoted his photo expeditions. Despite his industry affiliation, community members valued his contributions; as one forum member noted, “Because you are in the industry as a highly regarded photographer I think you have a lot more experience and insights into the finer details of the housings” ([22]).
Conservation Advocacy
Handler was vocal about marine conservation, particularly whale protection. His 2007 Wetpixel article on Dominica’s position regarding Japanese whaling was one of the most substantive conservation pieces published on the site, engaging readers and prompting official government responses ([23]).
Photo Workshops and Expeditions
Handler led professional underwater photography workshops and expeditions throughout his career:
- BVI workshops: Week-long housed system workshops based in the British Virgin Islands ([24])
- Aggressor Fleet: Workshop trips aboard the Turks and Caicos Aggressor ([25])
- Guadalupe great white shark expeditions: Annual trips to Isla Guadalupe, Mexico, aboard the Solimar V (at least 2004-2006), which he called “the best place on the planet to encounter Great White Sharks in the wild” ([26])
- Sipadan Water Village Photo Week (2006): Featured as a photo pro alongside Marty Snyderman and Clay Wiseman ([27])
- Amazing Seas Book Event (2010): Featured photographer at the Sipadan and Mabul book event in Malaysia, described as a “world renowned underwater photographer” whose work “has been featured by National Geographic” ([28])
- Isla Mujeres expeditions (2011-2012): Led whale shark and sailfish photography trips ([29], [30])
Timeline
- 2002-09: Reviewed Aquatica A5000 housing after field testing in Turks and Caicos; described as “a professional underwater photojournalist and advanced underwater photography instructor” based in the BVI ([31])
- 2003-02: Published comprehensive Aquatica D100 housing review on Wetpixel; identified as former assistant to David Doubilet for National Geographic and field technical advisor to Aquatica; noted Rolex International among commercial clients ([32])
- 2003-03: Additional Aquatica D100 review coverage published ([33])
- 2003-10: Present at Aquatica booth at DEMA 2003, showing photos taken with Nikon 12-24mm digital lens using Aquatica’s 8” dome port ([34])
- 2004-03: Present at Aquatica booth at Beneath the Sea 2004; raised point about prioritizing creativity over gear ([35])
- 2004-08: Aquatica Kodak ProSLRn prototype housing shown, for which Handler would provide field testing ([36])
- 2004-10: Present at Aquatica booth at DEMA 2004, alongside Todd Essick ([37])
- 2004-11: Shot sample photos with Aquatica prototype housing for 14MP Kodak 14n/ProSLRn on three trips ([38])
- 2005-03: Present at Boston Sea Rovers 51st Clinic, socializing with Norbert Wu, Brian Skerry, Bret Gilliam, Todd Essick, Mike DeGruy, and others ([39])
- 2005-06: Present at SEASPACE 2005 at Aquatica booth with Blake Stoughton ([40])
- 2005-08: First to field-test Aquatica D2X housing, reporting enthusiastically on the improved viewfinder and saddle mount system; wrote “Not since using my Aquatica 5 with the large action finder have I really been excited about a rig” ([41])
- 2005-10: Present at DEMA 2005, gave “Top 10 images and the stories behind them” seminar and great white shark presentation; attendee praised his “passion for underwater photography” as “contagious” ([42])
- 2005-12: Speaker at Florida Dive Show, delivering two talks: “10 images and the stories behind them” (highlighting National Geographic work) and “Digital in Motion” (on creating motion in large animal images) ([43], [44])
- 2006-01: Started forum thread comparing Nikon D200 vs D2X ([45])
- 2006-08: Led great white shark photography expedition to Guadalupe Island aboard the Solimar V ([46])
- 2006-11: Present at DEMA 2006 at Aquatica booth; tested AquaView viewfinder and confirmed it worked well for split shots (“eyes and nose are above water”); attended Wetpixel happy hour ([47], [48])
- 2006-11: Featured as photo pro at Sipadan Water Village Photo Week 2006, alongside Marty Snyderman and Clay Wiseman ([49])
- 2007-01: Tim Rock tested Aquatica D200 housing and AquaView viewfinder in Grand Cayman; noted that “Intrepid pro Mauricio Handler had a chance to dive with it… in a pool” at DEMA 2006 as first test ([50])
- 2007-03: Seminar presenter at Boston Sea Rovers 53rd Annual Clinic, alongside Jeff Rotman, Annie Crawley, Stan Waterman, Eric Cheng, and others ([51], [52])
- 2007-03: Present at Beneath the Sea 2007, showing off Aquatica’s new 9-inch optical glass dome ([53])
- 2007-04: Published whaling and whale watching opinion piece on Wetpixel, sparking extended community debate about Dominica and the IWC ([54])
- 2008-03: Assisted Brian Skerry on Japan ocean wilderness story for National Geographic, helping with photography and logistics alongside Hiro Drogin ([55])
- 2008-10: Featured in National Geographic Magazine October 2008 issue (page 119) in a photograph by Brian Skerry showing Handler standing feet from a southern right whale ([56])
- 2010-10: Featured photographer for Amazing Seas Book Event in Sipadan and Mabul, Malaysia ([57])
- 2010-11: Presenter at DEMA 2010, delivering “First Light/Last Light” and “Natural Light Wide-Angle Photography” seminars ([58])
- 2011-08: Led whale shark photography trip to Isla Mujeres ([59])
- 2012-02: Led sailfish photography expedition to Isla Mujeres ([60])
- 2012-05: Credited for top-of-page photograph in Brian Skerry’s Ocean Soul book review on Wetpixel ([61])
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Sep 30, 2002: Aquatica A5000 Housing For Coolpix 5000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 7, 2003: Dema 2003 Show Coverage1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2005: Seaspace 2005 Report ↩
- Forum thread: Fellow Wetpixel In The National Geo Latest Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 12, 2008: Brian Skerry Japans Ocean Wilderness ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 30, 2002: Aquatica A5000 Housing For Coolpix 5000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Forum thread: Great White Sharks Guadalupe ↩
- Forum thread: Whaleshark Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Forum thread: Sailfish Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 30, 2002: Aquatica A5000 Housing For Coolpix 5000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2004: Aquatica Kodak 14nproslr Sample Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 20, 2004: Aquatica Kodak Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 2, 2007: Whaling And Whale Watching Go Head To Head ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2010: Imaging Presentations At Dema 2010 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 1, 2005: Mauricio Handler Florida Dive Show ↩
- Forum thread: Aquatica D2x Housingjust Tried It ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 2, 2007: Whaling And Whale Watching Go Head To Head ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 30, 2002: Aquatica A5000 Housing For Coolpix 5000 ↩
- Forum thread: Great White Sharks Guadalupe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 12, 2006: Sipadan Water Village Announces Winners Of Photo Week 2006 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 22, 2010: Amazing Seas Book Event In Malaysia In Oct Nov 2010 ↩
- Forum thread: Whaleshark Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Forum thread: Sailfish Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 30, 2002: Aquatica A5000 Housing For Coolpix 5000 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Feb 12, 2003: Aquatica D100 Housing ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 2, 2003: Mauricio Handlers Aquatica D100 Review ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 7, 2003: Dema 2003 Show Coverage1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 26, 2004: Beneath The Sea 2004 Expo Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 24, 2004: Aquatica Kodak Proslrn Prototype ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 15, 2004: Dema Show 2004 Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 17, 2004: Aquatica Kodak 14nproslr Sample Photos ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 17, 2005: Boston Sea Rovers 51st Clinic 2005 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jun 10, 2005: Seaspace 2005 Report ↩
- Forum thread: Aquatica D2x Housingjust Tried It ↩
- Forum thread: Dema 2005 Mini Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 1, 2005: Mauricio Handler Florida Dive Show ↩
- Wetpixel article, Dec 18, 2005: Florida Dive Show Report ↩
- Forum thread: D200 Vs D2x ↩
- Forum thread: Great White Sharks Guadalupe ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Aquatica ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 15, 2006: Dema 2006 Socialing Wetpixel Happy Hour Nov 10 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Nov 12, 2006: Sipadan Water Village Announces Winners Of Photo Week 2006 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 26, 2007: Judas Returns Nikon To Canon And Back Again ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 1, 2007: Boston Sea Rovers 53rd Annual Clinic ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2007: Boston Sea Rovers 53rd Clinic 2007 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 29, 2007: Beneath The Sea 2007 Dive Show Report ↩
- Wetpixel article, Apr 2, 2007: Whaling And Whale Watching Go Head To Head ↩
- Wetpixel article, Mar 12, 2008: Brian Skerry Japans Ocean Wilderness ↩
- Forum thread: Fellow Wetpixel In The National Geo Latest Issue ↩
- Wetpixel article, Jan 22, 2010: Amazing Seas Book Event In Malaysia In Oct Nov 2010 ↩
- Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2010: Imaging Presentations At Dema 2010 ↩
- Forum thread: Whaleshark Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Forum thread: Sailfish Madness Isla Mujeres ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 22, 2012: Book Review Ocean Soul By Brian Skerry ↩
- Aquatica A5000 Housing for Coolpix 5000 (article) ↩
- Handler on the Aquatica A5000 (article) ↩
- Aquatica D100 Housing (article) ↩
- Mauricio Handler’s Aquatica D100 Review (article) ↩
- DEMA 2003 Show Coverage (article) ↩
- Beneath the Sea 2004 Expo Report (article) ↩
- DEMA Show 2004 Report (article) ↩
- Aquatica Kodak ProSLRn Prototype (article) ↩
- Aquatica Kodak 14n/ProSLR Sample Photos (article) ↩
- Aquatica Kodak Housing (article) ↩
- Boston Sea Rovers 51st Clinic 2005 (article) ↩
- SEASPACE 2005 Report (article) ↩
- Mauricio Handler @ Florida Dive Show (article) ↩
- Florida Dive Show Report (article) ↩
- Sipadan Water Village Photo Week 2006 (article) ↩
- DEMA 2006: Aquatica (article) ↩
- DEMA 2006: Socializing (article) ↩
- Boston Sea Rovers 53rd Annual Clinic (article) ↩
- Boston Sea Rovers 53rd Clinic 2007 (article) ↩
- Beneath the Sea 2007 Dive Show Report (article) ↩
- Judas Returns: Nikon to Canon and back again (article) ↩
- Whaling and whale watching go head to head (article) ↩
- Brian Skerry: Japan’s ocean wilderness (article) ↩
- Amazing Seas Book Event in Malaysia (article) ↩
- Imaging presentations at DEMA 2010 (article) ↩
- Book Review: Ocean Soul by Brian Skerry (article) ↩
- Aquatica D2X housing…just tried it! (forum) ↩
- Dema 2005 mini report (forum) ↩
- D200 vs D2x (forum) ↩
- Great White Sharks / Guadalupe (forum) ↩
- Fellow Wetpixel in the National Geo latest issue (forum) ↩
- Whaleshark Madness - Isla Mujeres (forum) ↩
- Sailfish Madness - Isla Mujeres (forum) ↩