Swimming with the wild dolphins was a wonderful and magical experience that touched the very core of my soul. I feel utterly privileged to have experienced these magnificent sentient beings in their own home, on their own terms and to share the mutual joy of being together in the crystal clear, warm waters off the coast of Bahamas. The pristine waters offered an unbelievable clarity with incredible colors, ranging from crystal clear turquoise to all imaginable shades of blues: ultramarine, azure, cerulean, royal blue, sea green and even rich purples. Holding my breath while free diving down to 30 feet to position the massive underwater camera system for the perfect shot was both enthralling and challenging. From below, the surface shimmered as though it was glass, reflecting the beautiful dolphins and offering a unique perspective on this underwater paradise.
Torleif Lie is an award winning fine art photographer based in Stavanger, Norway. His work captures not only the beauty of the natural world, but also the essence of a particular place. On the surface of his images the viewer can perhaps see an environmental message, or a celebration of the beauty of the natural world, but in the depth of his photographs one can sense a homage to the cultures that have inhabited these extraordinary locations for millenniums, the true essence of what is in front of us with its ancient resilience and beauty.
