30 Enchanting Photos Capturing Wildlife By Kat Zhou

Bored Panda got in touch with Kat to find out more about her work. The photographer kindly shared with us how she prepares for her underwater shoots: “In my opinion, one of the most important things to think about when photographing is “shooting with intention.” This means having a clear subject, scene, or behavior in mind before you start a dive and preparing both yourself and your camera settings to capture it. Before every dive, I think about the image I hope to create and pre-set my camera accordingly. While nature is always unpredictable, we’re limited by time underwater, so focusing on a particular behavior or shot helps me make the most of each dive. While nature is always unpredictable, research and planning helps me get as close as possible to getting my dream shots.”

Zhou gave us a deeper look into the careful routine that goes into preparing for each dive: “Physically, I also have a pre-dive checklist to make sure all my camera equipment is operational before diving. Underwater photographers know all too well the feeling of jumping into the water and having the camera not turn on, the focus not work, or one of the strobes not fire. Because we can’t fix these things once we’re submerged, it can mean losing an entire dive, which is heartbreaking!”

Kat reflected on the moment that filled her with the most pride and joy during her time as an underwater photographer, and told us: “Being named Underwater Photographer of the Year in 2023 was a surreal moment! More than the award itself, what’s meant the most are the friendships and mentorships that came from it. The award and the community around it connected me to an incredible network of photographers and conservationists around the world—people I continue to be inspired by every day. It’s been a privilege to share my work on international platforms and to learn from photographers I deeply admire and respect.”

The photographer also shared the most profound lesson she’s learned from spending so much time underwater: “Underwater photography has taught me patience and focus in a way nothing else ever has. I have mild ADD and tend to be pretty scatterbrained, but photography forces me to slow down, be present, and really observe the subjects I’m shooting. Many of my favorite critters to photograph are only a few millimeters long, barely small enough for the human eye to perceive. These are living creatures that I never would have noticed or cared to pay attention to previously, but photography has taught me to appreciate the smaller things in life and to see their beauty in new ways. I’ve spent 90 minutes on a single dive watching one subject, waiting for just the right moment to photograph. It can be frustrating, but when I finally get that shot I was hoping for, the feeling is incredibly rewarding.”

Lastly, Kat generously shared some words of wisdom for aspiring photographers who hope to make a positive impact through their work: “Impactful photography isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about creating emotional connections between viewers and the natural world. Learn as much as you can about your subjects, and spend time observing their behavior to understand what makes them unique. Partnering with scientists and conservationists can open your eyes to important but often overlooked species and behaviors, and help you tell stories that matter. The more you learn, the more nuanced and special your images will become. Even subjects that are seemingly mundane can reveal extraordinary behaviors if you’re willing to look closely enough!”