tobiaS friedrich
Tobias Friedrich is probably one of the most successful underwater photographers in the last 10 years. He has brought home almost every award there is in the underwater space and was being named Underwater Photographer of the Year 2018 - the most prestigious aquatic award.
Tour Guide
AUTHOR
Photographer & JUDGE
He first started taking pictures with a DSLR underwater in 2007. Since then his images have been published in prestigious scuba diving magazines and newspapers around the world. He has written several books including coffee table books and photography teaching books.
Tobias feels at home in all waters; ranging from subzero to 30° Celsius, as long as there are captivating images to shoot, he is game.
Another great passion of his is leading international expeditions and workshops where he invites everybody to join and share his love for the underwater world.
As highest possible achievement he was recently called to be on the judge panel of the UPY award as youngest ever panel member.
AWARDS
2020|10
1st place in the "The Beauty of Nature" category at the Siena International Photo Awards 2020.
2020|10
1st place for the best portfolio in the CIMASUB 2020 San Sebastian.
2020|01
"German Photographer of the Year" and 3rd place in "Best 5 Images" at Wordshootout 2019.
2019|02
1st and 2nd place at FestiSub 2019 in "Ice" category.
2019|02
"Underwater Photography book of the Year 2019" at UPY London.
2018|02
"Underwater Photographer of the Year 2018" at UPY London.
2018|02
1st and 3rd place in the wreck category at UPY London.
2017|01
1st place "macro" category at Worldshootout 2016.
2015|03
1st and 3rd place at Underwater Photographer of the Year UPY 2015 London in International Wrecks category as well as Commented place in Internantional Macro category.
2012|11
1st place at Worldshootout 2012 in SHARKS category.
2011|10
1st and 2nd place at the monthly Dive Photo Guide contest with the topic "Blue Water".
a chat with tobias
When did you start exploring the ocean and how did your passion develop from there?
I started Scuba Diving in 2001 as I was always interested in the adventures of the Calypso and Jacques Couseau. Since then my passion, especially for underwater photography, has developed a lot and I can’t image to dive without having a camera.
What was your best moment in the wild thus far?
My best moment in the wild was for sure to witness a pod of over 20 Orcas hunting hering in Northern Norway.
What do you like about being a group leader?
I really like to meet new and interesting people from around the world as well as to see their happy faces when they had a good encounter or took a nice picture.
The most important things you are trying to achieve for your guests?
For me it’s really important that everyone has all what they need and that they have a great time during the trip to make them join the next trip as well as it’s always great to travel with Insider Divers.
