Luis Marden

Photography Appreciation

Luis Marden was a renowned photographer and explorer who made significant contributions to the field of underwater photography. 

Born Annibale Luigi Paragallo in Chelsea, Massachusetts on January 25, 1913, Marden was introduced to photography at a High School chemistry class. At the age of 19, he wrote a book on 35mm color photography called Color Photography with the Miniature Camera.

He began his career at a Boston radio station (WMEX) photography program which he hosted. He would then become a freelance photographer for The Boston Herald.

The self-taught photographer then landed a career as a photojournalist for National Geographic magazine in 1934.

Marden's passion for underwater photography began in the 1930s, when he was sent on a mission to document the Caribbean's coral reefs. He quickly fell in love with the beauty and mystery of the underwater world and dedicated much of his career to exploring and photographing it.

He also pioneered the use of new underwater photography techniques, such as the use of flash and color film, which helped to bring the beauty and detail of the underwater world to the surface. 

Marden's work not only gave people a glimpse of the beauty of the underwater world but also helped in raising awareness of the importance of marine conservation. 

Throughout his career, Marden received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the prestigious Royal Photographic Society's award for Underwater Photography. 

Self-portrait in front of Chichen Itza, Mexico (1936)

"Three fishermen regard an antique mariners' 

compass off the cost of Amalfi, 1959"

National Geographic

"Divers swim in the Indian Ocean as part of 

Jacques Cousteau's expeditions in the 1950's"

National Geographic

Sources:

Wikipedia

National Geographic

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