PAUL NAYLOR
We chat to the author and underwater photographer about his seminal book Great British Marine Animals, which is now in its fourth edition (the first for ten years) and still represents the ‘go-to’ tome for divers wanting to identify species in UK waters. Photographs by Paul and Teresa Naylor, and Dave Roswell
Photographing a sizeable lion’s mane jellyfish
Paul in a rare photo above water in Brighton
Q: As we always do with these Q&As, how did you first get into scuba diving? A: I started snorkelling in Norfolk and then Devon as a teenager, and learnt to scuba dive as soon as possible after that so I could spend more time happily submerged. Q: When did your love affair with marine life begin, and did that become a driving force in your scuba diving? A: I think it was the first time I put my head underwater! The shore crabs I saw in Norfolk lagoons entranced me and started it all off; they were busy doing stuff and getting on with their lives even though I was watching them. I wanted to see more! Q: You are well known for your book, but a core element of that are your stunning underwater photographs. When did you first get into underwater photography? A: Believe it or not, it was when snorkelling for a University project on marine life in a disused Mersey dock that had been turned into a mussel farm. Sounds awful? It was wonderful with calm clear water, courtesy of the mussels, and it helped that my supervisor was very positive about my ultra-grainy results on fast 35mm slide film (remember that!) with a Nikonos camera but no flashgun.
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Q: You have a doctorate in marine biology, and obviously that plays a crucial part in the creation of Great British Marine Animals, but how did you come up with the idea for the book in the first place? A: Yes, my background in marine biology and natural history plays a big part. The idea for the books started with wanting to produce a guide that helped identification and also showcased what incredibly intriguing creatures we’re lucky to encounter around the UK.
I started snorkelling in Norfolk and then Devon as a teenager, and learnt to scuba dive as soon as possible after that WWW.MIFLEXHOSES.CO.UK | WWW.MIFLEXHOSESHOP.CO.UK
