The Reef Print Collection by Marc Mauro

 

Sometimes, the pursuit to discover and photograph a unique and original subject can be an extremely daunting task; then late one night, you attempt to chronicle the evolution of your aquarium. What starts out as an experiment to document your reef tank’s prosperity and elegance, ends up becoming a passionate quest, to envision an extraordinary compilation of breathtaking images entitled The Reef Prints Collection.

 

Now, unless you have experience owning a reef tank, it is virtually impossible to construe to someone how a person can get lost for countless hours, gazing at millions of diverse life forms subsiding in this peaceful underwater sanctum. Exploding with exquisite color and spiritual life in every crevice and valley, it becomes effortless to capture the onlooker’s eye, and brings out the curiosity of anyone who is not familiar with this submerged utopia. It becomes even more intimate, to those who are. I felt like it almost seemed unjust, not to expend every creative juice accessible, in order to bring this spectacular wonderland to those who have yet to be enlightened of its existence.   

 

In order to seize the perfect representation of each one of these epic sea creatures in their natural habitat, I find it takes meticulous patience, and impeccable timing. Since each one has a different personality and responds according to the rhythm of the current and the break of the light, it required a focused persistence to capture each subject at its maximum perfection. The further I ventured into my journey, the more I found myself captivated, excited, to unveil to the world’s eyes, how beautiful each one of these treasured souls are. My intentions became clear, to have people see what I see, to draw them in and have them be consumed by the flow, absorb the motion, to become lost in the moment, the way I would become lost. To hypnotize my spectator with their electric colors, and make them feel like an innocent bystander living in a microscopic world streaming with vivid fluorescence. I wish for each image to individually guide the beholder into releasing their stresses, disengaging from the weight of the world, to aid them in locating that soothing calmness from within, and to become mesmerized by each magnificent photograph as you forget about everyday life for a brief moment in time.

 

Many will tell you how important it is to take a minute to stop, and smell the roses. Well in reefing we say, take a minute to stop, and breath in the saltwater. As an artist, I strive to recognize the small things that others might happen to overlook. Therefore, it makes me proud to present to you a very special collection of photographs, of a subject that millions are not even aware they share this planet with. So, with that being said, I invite you to take a trip with me, and allow me to take you deep into the abyss, as you lose yourself in magical landscapes warming to the soul, that ignite a sea full of comforting happiness. And I give you my word, by the time you rise to the surface, your worries, fears, and worst problems, will all be left at the bottom of the ocean floor. I welcome you, to my secret underwater paradise.

 

Sit back, relax, breath, and enjoy your adventure, into another dimension. Thank you.

                                                

 

 

                                                                                                           Marc Mauro, www.MarcMauro.com