REPLAY: Getting Your Photos Published, With Michael Aw
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A rare, 90-minute masterclass with one of the world’s most accomplished underwater photographers and publishers
Few underwater photographers have had such a profound mark on our industry as Michael Aw. With 68 major awards, 38 books, and photo essays published in National Geographic, BBC Earth, Smithsonian, and many other leading magazines, Michael has spent three decades at the intersection of visual storytelling, publishing, and conservation. He founded three magazines — including the highly respected Ocean Geographic — and continues to review and commission images from photographers around the world.
In this exclusive webinar for The Underwater Club, Michael offered something photographers almost never get:
a practical, honest look at how to get your underwater images published in 2025 — straight from someone who has been on both sides of the editorial desk for more than 30 years.
During a focused 60-minute presentation, Michael shared insights from his journey from advertising professional to full-time photographer and publisher, explains how the media landscape has changed since the 1990s, and discusses how today’s photographers can successfully pitch magazines, publish books, sell images, and build a meaningful profile.
Participants then enjoyed a 40-minute interactive Q&A session & image reviews, where Michael commented on images submitted by attendees, and shared his thoughts on their publishing potential.
Whether your goal is to be published in magazines, launch your own photo book, or simply elevate your visibility as a photographer, this session brings you guidance you cannot find anywhere else, delivered by one of the most respected voices in underwater photography.
Meet your speaker
Michael Aw is one of the most influential underwater photographers, publishers, and ocean advocates of the past three decades. Based in Australia, he has authored 38 underwater photography books, founded three magazines — including Ocean Geographic — and his images and essays have appeared in National Geographic, BBC Earth, GEO, Smithsonian, and major media worldwide.
A recipient of 68 international awards, Michael has been honoured by the NHM Wildlife Photographer of the Year, NOGI Awards, Our World Underwater, and the Nikon Underwater Grand Prix, and serves as an ambassador for SEACAM, Mares, and DAN.
Beyond publishing, Michael has led more than 150 expeditions, including several Explorers Club Flag missions to both the Arctic and Antarctic, uniting scientists, artists, and storytellers to document the changing ocean.
As Founder and Editorial Director of the Ocean Geographic Society, he continues to mentor emerging photographers and champion visual storytelling as a catalyst for conservation.
Today, Michael Aw remains a visionary voice in underwater imagery — bridging art, science, and advocacy, and inspiring photographers to use their images with purpose.
To see more of Michael’s work, visit his website and follow his Instagram page.
Michael’s latest book is called SOULS — a deeply personal piece and living memoir, featuring reflections from Dr. Sylvia Earle, David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, Richard Pyle, Brian Greene, and more — and why alignment of purpose, values, and voice matters more than exposure alone.
Topics Covered
This session is split into two parts: a focused 60-minute presentation by Michael Aw, followed by a 40-minute live Q&A with participants’ image reviews.
Part 1 — 60-Minute Presentation with Michael Aw
Michael walked through the realities of getting published as an underwater photographer, drawing on more than 30 years of experience as a contributor, editor, and publisher.
Topics discussed include:
From advertiser to full-time underwater photographer — Michael’s career path and key turning points
Working with magazines: how editorial demand evolved over time and how to pitch magazines today
Publishing an underwater photography book
Growing your profile as an underwater photographer
- Selling your photos
Part 2 — 40-Minute Live Q&A + Image Reviews
What attendees said about the webinar
Participants had a great time! But don’t take our word for it, here are some of the comments typed in the meeting chat:
💡 “Michael, thanks you so much for your enlightening insights and quality presentation” — Ian M.
🔥 “That was AMAZING! Thanks so much Michael and Nico!!!!” — Maryline R.
🙏 “Massive thank you, Michael, this was so insightful!” — Paulina S.
🌟 “Loved it — the time has gone so fast. Thank you so much Michael, you have been an inspiration for many years, your stories as much as your photography skills.” — Bill K.
👍 “Thanks again — very enjoyable.” — John W.
😊 “Thank you, it was great!” — Paula V.
✨ “Thank you very much Michael, it’s been inspiring and really helpful.” — Bill G.
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7 courses
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40 lessons
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16 hours of video
-
Private Club Forums
-
Live Q&A Calls
-
Monthly webinar invitation
-
Replay all webinar recordings
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Member-only partner offers
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