I’m Kate Jonker — underwater photographer, storyteller, educator, and unapologetic ocean addict.

I’ve been a scuba diver since 1999 and a professional underwater photographer and coach since 2015.

Today, I’m internationally recognised underwater photographer, workshop leader, writer, competition judge, helping divers around the world create sharp, creative, and emotionally powerful images beneath the surface.

When I’m not teaching or travelling for workshops, you’ll usually find me in my happy place: somewhere off Gordon’s Bay in Cape Town, camera in hand, obsessing over tiny critters or laughing underwater with my dive buddies.

My mission is simple: to help underwater photographers skip the guesswork, understand their settings and lighting, and create images they’re genuinely proud of — right in-camera.

From Diver to
Underwater Photography Mentor

I’ve spent decades in and on the ocean — as a dive boat skipper, dive guide, and co-owner of Indigo Scuba Diving Centre in Gordon’s Bay, South Africa.

Since 2015, and through my underwater photography education company, Underwater Photo Company, I’ve specialised in teaching underwater photography to beginner through to advanced photographers who are tired of feeling frustrated by their results.

Over the years I’ve:

  • Coached hundreds of divers through 1-on-1 sessions, live workshops, and online courses

  • Led dedicated underwater photography trips and workshops in some of the world’s top macro and wide-angle destinations

  • Built a teaching style that is logical, step-by-step, practical, and deeply encouraging — with plenty of real-world examples from thousands of hours spent underwater

I believe the best photos are made in the camera (not “fixed” later), and that every image should tell a story and evoke emotion. My students don’t just learn settings; they learn how to capture with purpose and create with passion.

My Gear (For the Gear-Curious)

My current underwater setup typically includes Canon R5 and R7 bodies in Marelux housings, paired with Sea & Sea and Marelux strobes and a Marelux SOFT Lite snoot.

I rotate between lenses such as the Canon RF 35mm macro, RF 100mm and EF 60mm macro, and the Canon 8–15mm fisheye for creative wide-angle work.

When I do shore dives, I like to jump in with my TG6 because it makes diving quick and easy (and I don’t want to miss anything!).

These tools help me do what I love most: create images that are crisp, well-lit, and full of life — and then help my students do the same with whatever gear they have in their hands.

Writer & Storyteller

Alongside teaching, I’m an active writer and contributor to international dive and photography publications. My work focuses on:

  • Underwater photography techniques

  • Lighting and gear

  • Destination features and trip reports

  • The creative craft and mindset of underwater storytelling

My articles and images have appeared in:

I’ve also been profiled by Women in Ocean Science and featured as Photographer of the Week and Featured Photographer on leading underwater photography platforms.

Writing allows me to reach divers who may never join a workshop in person — but still want clear, practical, and inspiring guidance they can trust.

International Judge & Industry Voice

I’m passionate about judging underwater photography competitions because I believe your images deserve a fair, thoughtful voice.

I’ve been invited to judge a range of prestigious international contests, including:

  • Scuba Diving Magazine’s “Through Your Lens” underwater photo competition (multiple years)

  • The CMAS World Championship of Underwater Photography (2023 & 2025)

  • National and regional championships, including the Danish Underwater Photography Championships

  • Competitions in the Middle East and Asia, such as the Emirates Diving Association Underwater Photography and Film Competition,

  • Voice of the Ocean live judging at ADEX Singapore, UWPC Asia, and DPG Masters

As a judge, I look for images that combine technical excellence with emotion, story, and intention — and I bring that same standard into my teaching.

Awards and Recognition

While my main focus is on coaching, writing, and mentoring, I occasionally enter competitions to showcase what’s possible and to champion underwater photography from South Africa and beyond.

My work has been recognised in respected international contests, including:

  • Close-Up Photographer of the Year – Second Place and multiple finalist placements in the Underwater category
  • Oceanographic’s Ocean Photographer of the Year – Finalist and Highly Commended
  • Underwater Photographer of the Year Awards – Finalist and Commended
  • Underwater Photo Marathon – Third in Macro and Wide Angle categories
  • Other Multiple honours and podium finishes in international and local underwater photography competitions since 2015

These recognitions are a lovely bonus — but for me, the real reward is seeing my students’ images improve and their confidence grow – so that they can be placed in contests.

Speaker, Presenter & Guest

I regularly share my experience through talks, interviews, and webinars — both online and at international events.

Some of my speaking and media highlights include:

  • Featured by Beautiful News, celebrating inspiring people making a difference

  • Presentations at Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town) and Orms School of Photography

  • Talks and interviews on macro underwater photography, South African diving, and building a career underwater

  • Interviews and features with OffGassing Podcast, Wetpixel, Hunters of Light, BoomBiology, CameraShake, and others

  • Webinars and online presentations in collaboration with brands such as Datacolor and OrcaTorch

  • Speaker and live judge at ADEX Singapore

Whether it’s a packed auditorium, a quiet Zoom room, or a podcast mic, my goal is always the same: to make underwater photography feel more accessible, less intimidating, and a lot more fun.

Workshops, Courses & Coaching

I offer a range of ways for divers to learn with me, including:

  • In-person workshops and photo trips at world-class dive destinations

  • Self-paced online courses designed specifically for underwater photographers

  • 1-on-1 online coaching, tailored to your camera, your level, and your goals

Every lesson, whether live or online, is built around clarity, structure, and encouragement. I want you to understand why you’re changing a setting, how to use your strobes with intention, and what to look for in your composition — so you can leave each dive with purpose, not just hope.

Let's Connect!

If you’re a diver who wants to feel more confident with your camera, a brand looking to collaborate, or a publication seeking a dedicated underwater photography voice, I’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can create images that don’t just document the underwater world – they tell its stories, honour its beauty, and inspire people to care about it.

Contact me