Part of the REAL FOCUS series
The Ethical Lens: Meet the Professionals Redefining Ethics Below the Surface
Ram Yoro doesn’t just dive into the ocean—he dives into the patterns of it. As a technical diver, award-winning underwater photographer, cave explorer and co-author of Guide to Anilao, he spent years reading the currents, rhythms and creatures of the reef with the quiet precision of someone who sees more than meets the eye. And when it comes to judging underwater photography, it’s not the flashiest image that wins his attention—it’s the one that whispers with purpose.
“REAL FOCUS is about fostering a culture of responsible photography,” Ram shares. “It’s about being conscious of our opportunity—and duty—to make images that inspire conservation.”
In an era flooded with breathtaking marine images, the stakes are high—and so is the bar. But Ram believes that even the most stunning shot must first pass an unspoken test: Did it honour the subject?
A Mirror to Nature
“Ethics is at the core of wildlife photography. Our role is to mirror nature—no more, no less.”
For Ram, it’s not enough that a photograph is sharp, well-lit or rare. It must feel true—unforced, untampered and respectful. His approach to judging is grounded in decades of immersion in the wild: observing animal behaviour, noting seasonal patterns and recognising subtle cues that reveal whether a moment was natural or nudged.
“One of nature’s beautiful mysteries is that it’s full of subtle patterns,” he explains. “To the trained eye, they’re somewhat predictable. We use that knowledge to assess whether an image conforms with what’s naturally likely—or if it’s been influenced.”
This blend of intuition and experience becomes a compass when reviewing hundreds of entries vying for impact. The winning ones? They don’t just depict marine life—they connect with the viewer and respect the reef.
The Image That Lingers
When asked about an image that left a lasting impression, Ram recalls his early encounter with a set of photographs showing bioluminescent corals.
“It made me realise how unique life in the ocean really is,” he says. “It stirred something in me—an urge to learn, explore and preserve.”
That moment ignited a lifelong curiosity, one he still brings into every dive and every judging panel. For Ram, the most powerful photographs are those that channel that same spark of wonder.
“It is human nature to want to protect what is beautiful,” he reflects. “Images that can convey that beauty creatively—without staging or disturbance—stay with us. They shape how people feel about the ocean.”
The Role of the ‘Invisible’ Photographer
Ram’s advice to emerging photographers is simple but profound: learn to disappear.
“Be as invisible as you can when approaching wildlife,” he says. “When animals don’t feel your presence, they behave naturally. That’s when the real magic happens.”
This invisibility isn’t passive—it’s earned. It comes from patience, preparation and understanding your subject. Whether on a reef or in an open ocean drift, Ram believes in blending in, not controlling the scene. This approach not only results in authentic imagery—it also protects the very ecosystems that photographers are drawn to.
Ambassadors by Default
Even if they don’t realise it, Ram believes every underwater photographer is already an ambassador.
“Our images represent the unique marine world to others. They trigger curiosity and shape perspectives. That comes with responsibility.”
And while advocacy isn’t always loud, it’s often most powerful when it’s beautiful, honest and true to the wild. For Ram, that’s what REAL FOCUS stands for—photographers who shoot with intention, and stories that ripple far beyond the dive site.
What He’s Hoping to See
What excites him most about judging this year’s REAL FOCUS competition?
“Purpose drives creativity,” Ram says. “I’m looking forward to the fresh perspectives that this unique event will bring—especially those that tell new stories about the most overlooked residents of the reef.”
In a field of macro marvels and rare encounters, it’s often the humble subjects—the gobies, the blennies and coral polyps that offer untapped potential for storytelling. And it’s the photographers who approach them with quiet curiosity and ethical care that stand to surprise the judges the most. The ocean doesn’t need another subject – it needs storytellers who know how to see the ordinary as extraordinary.
Discover more of Ram’s underwater world:
