Brooke Pyke: From Fear to Fascination Beneath the Waves

Award-winning ocean photographer Brooke Pyke has found her calling beneath the waves of Ningaloo Reef, where each frame she captures sparks awareness and inspires action for ocean preservation. Based in Western Australia, Brooke’s imagery serves as a visual journey through the diverse and mesmerising underwater world, acting as a catalyst for conservation. As a dedicated supporter of Protect Ningaloo, she tirelessly works to highlight the importance of preserving one of Earth’s most fragile marine ecosystems. Her journey from graphic design to underwater photography has fueled her passion for ocean conservation, leading her to become a voice for marine protection through her art.

Embracing the Ocean: A Childhood Transformed

Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Brooke developed a fascination with the ocean despite an early childhood fear. Standing on the shoreline, mesmerised by the power of the waves, she felt both awe and trepidation. It wasn’t until she learned to snorkel that the ocean’s mysteries began to reveal themselves, transforming fear into deep fascination. This newfound connection became the foundation of her journey toward photography.

“If you had asked me years ago where I'd end up as an adult, becoming an underwater photographer would have been a surprise,” Brooke reflects.

What started as a simple curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion, taking her from Melbourne’s shores to Thailand’s vibrant dive sites and ultimately to the breathtaking Ningaloo Reef.

The Turning Point: Discovering Underwater Photography

Brooke’s path to photography was anything but conventional. Originally pursuing graphic design, a life-changing encounter with scuba diving during a trip to Thailand redirected her career. Enchanted by the tranquility of the underwater world, she transitioned from design to becoming a dive instructor, working in Thailand and Indonesia while immersing herself in marine conservation.

In 2014, she purchased her first underwater camera, teaching herself the art of capturing the ocean’s beauty. This shift allowed her to merge her creativity with her passion for conservation, solidifying her purpose. Through years of dedication, she honed her skills, documenting marine life with a unique artistic lens.

A New Chapter at Ningaloo: The Path to Professional Photography

In 2021, Brooke took a bold step—relocating to Western Australia to pursue underwater photography full-time. The Ningaloo Reef, teeming with marine biodiversity, became her creative playground. Working on a whale shark tour boat granted her unparalleled access to an array of marine life, from gentle giants like whale sharks and manta rays to elusive dugongs and migrating humpback whales.

“The Ningaloo is truly a magical place, always surprising and inspiring. It’s the dream location for any underwater photographer or nature lover,” she shares.

Now, three years into her journey, Brooke continues to capture the breathtaking moments beneath the waves, collaborating with brands and conservation organisations to document the reef’s rich ecosystem.

A Conservationist at Heart: Protect Ningaloo and Beyond

Brooke’s love for the ocean extends beyond photography—it fuels her dedication to conservation. Contributing her images to scientific research, conservation articles, and ID catalogs for manta rays and whale sharks, she hopes her work fosters a greater appreciation for marine life.

As a proud supporter of Protect Ningaloo, Brooke stands with a coalition committed to safeguarding this extraordinary reef. Her images amplify the message of conservation, showcasing the reef’s unparalleled beauty and the urgent need for protection.

Rising Recognition: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022

Just two years into her professional photography career, Brooke achieved a significant milestone: winning the 2022 Ocean Photographer of the Year Female Fifty Fathoms Award. This prestigious accolade celebrates inspirational women in ocean photography, recognising Brooke’s powerful storytelling and unwavering dedication to marine conservation.

For Brooke, the award is both an honor and a reminder of the impact her work can have. Through her photography, she continues to advocate for the ocean, bringing its wonders to a global audience and inspiring collective action.