Ocean photographer and marine biologist Brandon Cole is releasing a new book with writer and researcher Scott Michael entitled Reef Life: A Guide to Tropical Marine Life, which will be available on Amazon.com. Scuba Diving magazine had the chance to speak with Cole about his latest book and the photography it showcases.

You have been the primary photographer of several other books in the past. How was this project different from others?

I like to think of this book as a hybrid, a blending of genres- critter ID handbook, small format coffee table book, and dive guide all wrapped into one. At its core it’s a useful source for identification of a wide variety of tropical marine critters, from whales to snails, but with more creative and attractive photo treatment than one normally sees in guidebooks.

How important was it for you to have a conservation chapter in this book?

Both the Publisher and I felt it very important to include a conservation section. To only show pretty pictures, to only talk about the beauty on the reef, is only telling part of the story. In this book I felt obligated to take a broader, more responsible view, and discuss many of the challenges facing marine ecosystems worldwide.

What's next for Brandon Cole? What is your next project?

I will be underwater in Micronesia during the official release of Reef Life: A Guide to Tropical Marine Life, and returning to the Galapagos, Socorro, and the Bahamas shortly thereafter. I’m considering a companion guide focusing on temperate waters, as well as a book showcasing my encounters with charismatic megafauna. And in the midst of all of this, I’m delving into video to add a new dimension to my library.

To view more of Cole's underwater art, visit brandoncole.com.