The ocean covers over 70% of our planet, yet so much of it remains unexplored and misunderstood. One of the few people committed to bringing its hidden beauty into the light is Karim Iliya—a photographer, filmmaker, and whale-swimming guide who has made it his mission to reveal the wonders of the deep. Born in the Middle East and raised across Asia, Karim developed a strong curiosity for the natural world early in life. His passion eventually led him from photographing sea turtles as a child in Hawaii to capturing award-winning images of humpback whales for National Geographic and filming for BBC Earth.
Karim’s work isn’t just about breathtaking visuals; it’s about advocacy. He co-founded Kogia, a nonprofit that provides free media resources to protect marine life, and has photographed wildlife in over 45 countries. His lens doesn’t just focus on beauty—it tells powerful stories of conservation, fragility, and connection. Whether hovering weightlessly beneath a whale or watching fish dart through beams of light, Karim brings us closer to a world few have seen and even fewer understand.
While many of us experience the ocean only from beaches or boats, Karim dives beneath the surface to capture marine life in its rawest and most magical form. His photos—featured in this collection—don’t just dazzle the eye; they awaken our sense of responsibility for the seas. Let’s dive into the deep with him and discover the extraordinary lives unfolding beneath the waves.
Scroll down and inspire yourself. You can check Greg’s Instagram link for more amazing photos.
You can find Karim Iliya on the web:
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The Awakening: A Childhood Curiosity Beneath the Waves
Karim Iliya’s journey into the ocean began not with a grand expedition, but with simple curiosity. As a child spending time in Hawaii, he watched sea turtles dive under the surf and wondered where they were going. Armed with just a snorkel and mask, he submerged into a world he would never forget. These early encounters weren’t just recreational—they ignited a lifelong fascination.
When he finally acquired a waterproof housing for his camera, he began photographing the turtles underwater. In their graceful movements and quiet routines, he found both beauty and meaning. This simple act of wonder set the stage for everything to come, revealing that even the smallest glimpse beneath the surface could unlock a hidden universe.
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Whale Song and Saltwater: A Photographer’s Deepening Mission
Working on a whale-watching boat, Karim began by photographing majestic humpback whales from the surface. But something was missing—he wanted to understand their world from within. His quest led him to Tonga, where swimming alongside whales is permitted. There, he captured his first close encounters from beneath the waves. It wasn’t just the size or grace of the whales that moved him—it was their gentleness, curiosity, and individuality.
Beneath the water, he wasn’t a distant observer; he was part of their world. These experiences shaped his commitment to conservation photography, showing how direct interaction with marine life can build empathy, understanding, and a strong urge to protect.
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A World of Weightlessness and Wonder
Underwater photography, Karim explains, feels like stepping onto another planet. Time slows, gravity vanishes, and silence becomes a canvas for movement and light. He describes the surreal feeling of floating in three dimensions, where creatures glide past without fear, and sunbeams illuminate swirling schools of fish. This sense of wonder is what draws him back again and again.
His photos from these moments are more than visually stunning—they offer a glimpse into a peaceful, alien world that thrives just beneath our feet. It’s a reminder that magic exists on Earth, not in distant galaxies, but right here in our oceans.
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Kogia: A Mission Beyond the Lens
Karim’s dedication to ocean conservation extends beyond photography. He co-founded Kogia, a nonprofit media library and production studio that provides free visual resources to scientists, educators, and conservation groups. Named after the elusive pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), the organization supports storytelling that drives awareness and change.
Through Kogia, Karim shares his vast archive of images and videos to help others advocate for marine life. It’s a rare example of an artist transforming personal work into public impact—empowering others to educate, inspire, and protect. In a world of clickbait and fleeting trends, Kogia offers enduring stories grounded in truth and purpose.
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Global Journeys, Local Stories
Karim has traveled to over 45 countries—from the Arctic ice sheets to the warm waters of the South Pacific—each offering a new lens into the ocean’s complexity. Yet, it’s not just the landscapes that interest him; it’s the unique stories within each place. He photographs the bond between humans and marine ecosystems, capturing local fishermen in Indonesia, coral regeneration efforts in the Maldives, and whale encounters in Iceland.
His work emphasizes that conservation isn’t a one-size-fits-all mission—it’s deeply rooted in community, culture, and geography. His ability to blend global exploration with intimate storytelling sets his photography apart.
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The Soul of the Whale
Among Karim’s most iconic images are those of humpback whales—massive, intelligent beings that seem to glide through water with poetry and power. His photos have been published by National Geographic, celebrated for their emotional resonance and technical brilliance. But beyond the recognition lies a deeper truth: Karim sees whales as sentient individuals, not just subjects.
He has captured moments of maternal tenderness, playfulness, and even curiosity directed at him. These photos challenge the notion of whales as “other” and invite viewers to feel kinship with the species—essential in an era where marine mammals face growing threats from pollution and climate change.
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The Dance of Light and Movement
One of Karim’s hallmarks is his mastery of light and motion underwater. His compositions often play with the contrast between dark ocean depths and shimmering rays of sun slicing through. Whether photographing dolphins mid-spiral or jellyfish pulsating through cyan water, he frames each scene like a visual symphony.
In the ever-changing underwater world, where visibility, movement, and lighting are unpredictable, his ability to find harmony is a testament to skill and patience. These photos are not staged—they are captured in fleeting, instinctive moments. Each image invites the viewer to pause, breathe, and marvel at nature’s choreography.
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Space Dreams and Ocean Depths
In 2021, Karim was selected to join the dearMoon mission, a civilian journey around the Moon aboard SpaceX’s Starship. Though the project was cancelled in 2024, the selection reflects how his work transcends oceans—it speaks to humanity’s broader place in the universe.
For Karim, the desire to explore space is linked to his love of the ocean: both are vast, mysterious frontiers. Just as he dives beneath the sea to document unseen life, he hoped to look back at Earth and tell the story of our planet from afar. His ambition reminds us that whether in sea or sky, curiosity and storytelling remain essential tools for understanding—and protecting—our world.
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Conclusion: A Lens of Hope and Responsibility
Karim Iliya’s photography offers more than visual splendor—it’s a call to care. Through years of dedication, risk, and awe-inspiring exploration, he has given voice to the silent stories of the sea. His work not only deepens our connection to marine life but also urges us to protect what we now see more clearly.
By venturing into the depths with his camera, Karim reveals the ocean as a place of wonder, peace, and urgency. His images remind us that every choice we make affects this delicate ecosystem. In sharing his journey, he invites us all to become stewards of the blue planet we call home.
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