To The Edge

"The fear of deep water often mirrors the fear of heights—both tap into a primal sense of vulnerability. Although you can't "fall" in deep water as you might from a great height, the sensation of sinking can evoke a similar rush, especially during a rapid free dive. The key difference, though, is that unlike falling through the air, sinking underwater offers a measure of control. You can always turn and swim back to the surface—a luxury gravity doesn't afford at altitude. In capturing this photo of a freediver swimming to the edge of the world-famous Dean’s Blue Hole, I wanted to emphasize the scale of this natural wonder compared to the human form. Each visit to this blue hole is an opportunity to capture the stark contrast between the deep, dark waters within and the bright, white sand surrounding its edge. Dean’s Blue Hole, plunging to a depth of approximately 663 feet (202 meters), is the third deepest blue hole in the world—a breathtaking abyss that challenges both our fears and our fascination with the unknown."