Mike Bartick

Aliases: mbartick, mikebartick
Role: Underwater photographer, dive resort manager, technique author, competition judge, marine natural history researcher, international speaker
First appearance: 2007 (Wetpixel forums as “mbartick”); 2012 (Wetpixel articles)
Affiliation: Crystal Blue Dive Resort (Anilao, Philippines); Saltwater Photo
Website: saltwaterphoto.com
Instagram: @divecbr
Brand ambassadorships: Sea & Sea, Kraken Sports, Ultralight Control Systems

Biography

Mike Bartick is an American underwater photographer and dive resort manager based at Crystal Blue Dive Resort in Anilao, Philippines. Originally from Southern California, he came to underwater photography after a 20-year career as a professional chef. His culinary mentor, who was also a diver, encouraged him to try scuba diving, and Bartick began shooting underwater soon after getting certified as an adult, purchasing a camera within a week of his first certification dives. ([1])

Bartick’s early photography training came from Joe Liburdi, whom he met at a dive club in Southern California’s Orange County area. Liburdi became his primary underwater photography mentor, teaching him about lighting and technique. Bartick credits this mentorship with shaping his career. He began getting published in California Diver News magazine while still working as a chef, and started shooting with an Olympus system before moving to a Nikon D70 and later to Sea & Sea equipment. ([2])

Bartick first visited Anilao in 2006 and was captivated by the area’s marine biodiversity. He started running workshops around 2009, initially bringing groups of photographers to the Philippines. By 2011, he had partnered with business partner Emma and the resort owner to transform Crystal Blue into the first dedicated underwater photographers’ resort in Anilao. He concentrated on the natural history of the area and created signature guest experiences, including his “Critterfest” group events. Scott Geitler of Bluewater Photo began bringing groups, and the resort grew from there. ([3])

As of 2020, Bartick had lived at Anilao for over 10 years and logged more than 4,000 dives in the area, giving him an exceptionally deep knowledge of the local marine life and reef systems. ([4])

He is widely recognized as a pioneer of blackwater diving photography and a leading authority on macro photography techniques. His official bio describes him as “a widely published, award-winning photographer, writer and international public speaker with work appearing monthly in various publications, aquariums and museums.” ([5])

Contributions

Blackwater diving photography

Bartick is one of the most prominent figures in the development of blackwater diving as an organized photographic discipline. He began blue water diving off the coast of California approximately 10 miles offshore, drifting at depth to photograph plankton. His first formal blackwater dive was around 2012 in Anilao, when he photographed a larval flounder. Around 2014, working alongside friend Scott “Gutsy” Tuason, he began conducting regular blackwater dives at Crystal Blue Resort. ([6])

Early blackwater attempts involved tying off to the boat with a long rope, but wind would blow the boat away, leaving divers in pitch-black water. After trying sea anchors and other methods, Bartick developed the lit buoy-and-downline system used at Crystal Blue: a lit orange buoy on top with a 33-meter weighted rope and high-powered lights attached to attract plankton, allowing divers to free-swim at any depth without being tethered. ([7]) ([8])

Bartick photographed the first larval wunderpus (Wunderpus photogenicus) around 2014 in Anilao, with the help of his dive guide Edgar. The subject was identified by scientists at the California Academy of Sciences. This discovery was the catalyst for Bartick’s focus on pelagic larval photography. ([9])

He founded the Facebook Blackwater Photo Group, which grew from about 12 members to over 4,000 in a short period, becoming a central community resource for sharing blackwater imagery and identification. ([10])

In 2022, Bartick published his book The World of Blackwater, an eBook documenting his journey into blackwater diving and photography, available as both PDF and iBook. The book features compilations of his images, natural history information, photo tips, and can serve as a digital field guide for blackwater diving in the Indo-Pacific. ([11])

Scientific contribution

Bartick co-authored a peer-reviewed scientific paper with Christine Huffard, published in the journal Molluscan Research in 2014. The paper, entitled “Wild Wunderpus photogenicus and Octopus cyanea employ asphyxiating ‘constricting’ in interactions with other octopuses,” cataloged instances of aggressive constriction in octopuses, including apparent sexual cannibalism and competition for food sources. ([12])

Wetpixel technique articles

Bartick authored an extensive series of technique articles for Wetpixel beginning in 2018, each a detailed tutorial with camera settings, gear recommendations, and annotated example images:

Bartick wrote 6 guest articles for Wetpixel covering blackwater diving, macro lighting techniques, and gear reviews, published through Adam Hanlon’s and Abi Smigel Mullens’s editor accounts.

Gear reviews

Publications

Bartick contributed articles to multiple dive publications beyond Wetpixel:

Wetpixel Live appearances

Bartick appeared on two episodes of the Wetpixel Live video series hosted by Adam Hanlon and Alex Mustard:

Competition judging

Bartick served on the judging panels of multiple international underwater photography competitions:

Speaking engagements

Competition wins

Crystal Blue Dive Resort

Bartick manages Crystal Blue Dive Resort in Anilao, Batangas, Philippines, which he positioned as the first dedicated underwater photographers’ resort in the area. The resort offers:

Bartick is credited by many with helping put Anilao on the map as an international macro diving destination, though he himself downplays the claim, noting the area had been dived for 40-50 years before his arrival. He acknowledges that his articles, social media promotion, and workshop programs drew significant attention to the region. ([53])

Gear and technique

Bartick’s primary shooting approach centers on macro photography. His preferred lenses include the Nikon 60mm macro (for wider working distance and tracking moving subjects) and the 105mm macro (for tighter compositions and backlighting). He uses Sea & Sea housings and shoots with fiber optic cables to fire strobes, allowing him to swap strobes underwater. For blackwater, he recommends ISO 400, F22, 1/200 shutter speed for DSLR shooters. ([54]) ([55])

Forum activity

Bartick posted on the Wetpixel forums under the username “mbartick” between 2007 and 2008, with 8 posts across topics including a Lembeh Straits daily photo blog documenting his trip to Indonesia, where he shared images shot with a new Sea & Sea housing and a Nikon system. ([56])

Timeline

References


Sources

  1. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  2. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  3. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  4. Wetpixel article, Mar 31, 2020: Going Big In Little Town By Mike Bartick
  5. Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2021: Introducing The 2021 Masters Esteemed Judging Panel
  6. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  7. Wetpixel article, May 28, 2018: First Installment Of
  8. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  9. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  10. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  11. Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2022: Shipping The World Of Blackwater By Mike Bartick
  12. Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2014: Paper Catalogs Octopuses Stranglings
  13. Wetpixel article, May 28, 2018: First Installment Of
  14. Wetpixel article, Jun 28, 2018: Backlighting Article By Mike Bartick
  15. Wetpixel article, Jul 23, 2018: Mike Bartick Effective Snooting
  16. Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2018: Mike Bartick Bokeh Licious
  17. Wetpixel article, Dec 31, 2018: The Big 4 By Mike Bartick
  18. Wetpixel article, Feb 7, 2019: Mike Bartick Slugfest
  19. Wetpixel article, Mar 12, 2019: Mike Bartick Reflection Tubes
  20. Wetpixel article, Apr 2, 2019: Mike Bartick Blanket Octopus
  21. Wetpixel article, Mar 31, 2020: Going Big In Little Town By Mike Bartick
  22. Wetpixel article, Feb 5, 2020: Review Mike Bartick On The Backscatter Mini Flash And Optical Snoot
  23. Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2020: Field Review Retra Reflector By Mike Bartick
  24. Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2012: Underwater Journal Issue 23 Available
  25. Wetpixel article, Apr 14, 2012: Underwater Journal Issue 24 Available
  26. Wetpixel article, Jan 11, 2017: X Ray Magazine 77 Available To Download
  27. Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2017: Issue 78 Of X Ray Magazine Is Available
  28. Wetpixel article, Jan 2, 2019: Issue 106 Of Underwater Photography Magazine Is Available
  29. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  30. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2015: Anilao Guide Published On Itunes
  31. Wetpixel article, Aug 5, 2020: Wetpixel Live Blackwater Photography With Mike Bartick
  32. transcript (unknown)
  33. Wetpixel article, Aug 18, 2020: Wetpixel Livetools For Blackwater Photography
  34. Wetpixel article, Nov 3, 2014: Announcing The Second Anilao Underwater Photo Festival
  35. Wetpixel article, Mar 27, 2020: Results Announced Deep Indonesia 2020
  36. Wetpixel article, Jul 5, 2020: Results Share Our Air 2020 Contest
  37. Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2021: Introducing The 2021 Masters Esteemed Judging Panel
  38. Wetpixel article, Nov 26, 2021: Results Dpg Wetpixel Masters 2021
  39. Wetpixel article, Dec 14, 2021: Results Anilao Underwater Shootout 2021
  40. Wetpixel article, Sep 21, 2015: Dema Announces Irc Schedule
  41. Wetpixel article, Jul 15, 2015: Call For Entries Monterey Shootout 2015
  42. Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2016: Call For Entrants 2016 Monterey Shootout
  43. Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2017: Call For Entrants Monterey Shootout 2017
  44. Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2021: Underwater Imaging Speakers At Phidex 2021
  45. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2022: Phidex Is Open
  46. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced
  47. Wetpixel article, Apr 19, 2018: Nicholas More Anilao
  48. Wetpixel article, Apr 19, 2018: Nicholas More Anilao
  49. Wetpixel article, May 28, 2018: First Installment Of
  50. Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2021: Introducing The 2021 Masters Esteemed Judging Panel
  51. Wetpixel article, Apr 19, 2018: Nicholas More Anilao
  52. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  53. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  54. Wetpixel article, May 28, 2018: First Installment Of
  55. Wetpixel article, Jul 23, 2018: Mike Bartick Effective Snooting
  56. Forum thread: Lembeh Straits Daily Photo Blog
  57. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  58. Forum thread: Lembeh Straits Daily Photo Blog
  59. Forum thread: Lembeh Straits Daily Photo Blog
  60. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  61. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  62. Wetpixel article, Jan 18, 2012: Underwater Journal Issue 23 Available
  63. Wetpixel article, Apr 14, 2012: Underwater Journal Issue 24 Available
  64. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  65. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  66. Wetpixel article, Oct 19, 2014: Paper Catalogs Octopuses Stranglings
  67. Wetpixel article, Nov 3, 2014: Announcing The Second Anilao Underwater Photo Festival
  68. Wetpixel article, Jul 15, 2015: Call For Entries Monterey Shootout 2015
  69. Wetpixel article, Sep 2, 2015: Anilao Guide Published On Itunes
  70. Wetpixel article, Sep 21, 2015: Dema Announces Irc Schedule
  71. Wetpixel article, Aug 20, 2016: Call For Entrants 2016 Monterey Shootout
  72. Wetpixel article, Jan 11, 2017: X Ray Magazine 77 Available To Download
  73. Wetpixel article, Mar 15, 2017: Issue 78 Of X Ray Magazine Is Available
  74. Wetpixel article, Aug 14, 2017: Call For Entrants Monterey Shootout 2017
  75. Wetpixel article, May 28, 2018: First Installment Of
  76. Wetpixel article, Jun 28, 2018: Backlighting Article By Mike Bartick
  77. Wetpixel article, Jul 23, 2018: Mike Bartick Effective Snooting
  78. Wetpixel article, Aug 30, 2018: Mike Bartick Bokeh Licious
  79. Wetpixel article, Dec 31, 2018: The Big 4 By Mike Bartick
  80. Wetpixel article, Jan 6, 2019: Conversations With Underwater Photographers Mike Bartick By Henley Spiers
  81. Wetpixel article, Feb 1, 2019: 2018 World Shootout Results Announced
  82. Wetpixel article, Feb 7, 2019: Mike Bartick Slugfest
  83. Wetpixel article, Mar 12, 2019: Mike Bartick Reflection Tubes
  84. Wetpixel article, Apr 2, 2019: Mike Bartick Blanket Octopus
  85. Wetpixel article, Feb 5, 2020: Review Mike Bartick On The Backscatter Mini Flash And Optical Snoot
  86. Wetpixel article, Mar 27, 2020: Results Announced Deep Indonesia 2020
  87. Wetpixel article, Mar 31, 2020: Going Big In Little Town By Mike Bartick
  88. Wetpixel article, May 5, 2020: Dive Into The Pink Announces Sharing Our Air Photo Contest
  89. Wetpixel article, Aug 5, 2020: Wetpixel Live Blackwater Photography With Mike Bartick
  90. Wetpixel article, Aug 18, 2020: Wetpixel Livetools For Blackwater Photography
  91. Wetpixel article, Oct 12, 2020: Field Review Retra Reflector By Mike Bartick
  92. Wetpixel article, Mar 19, 2021: Underwater Imaging Speakers At Phidex 2021
  93. Wetpixel article, Oct 8, 2021: Introducing The 2021 Masters Esteemed Judging Panel
  94. Wetpixel article, Dec 14, 2021: Results Anilao Underwater Shootout 2021
  95. Wetpixel article, Aug 19, 2022: Phidex Is Open
  96. Wetpixel article, Nov 1, 2022: Shipping The World Of Blackwater By Mike Bartick
  97. Underwater Journal issue 23 available (article)
  98. Underwater Journal issue 24 available (article)
  99. Paper studies inter octopus asphyxiation (article)
  100. Announcing the second Anilao Underwater Photo Festival (article)
  101. Call for entries: Monterey Shootout 2015 (article)
  102. Anilao guide published on iTunes (article)
  103. DEMA announces IRC schedule (article)
  104. Call for entrants: 2016 Monterey Shootout (article)
  105. X-Ray Magazine 77 available (article)
  106. Issue 78 of X-Ray Magazine (article)
  107. Call for entrants: Monterey Shootout 2017 (article)
  108. Nicholas More: Anilao (article)
  109. Blackwater Diving: First installment by Mike Bartick (article)
  110. Backlighting: Article by Mike Bartick (article)
  111. Mike Bartick: Effective Snooting (article)
  112. Mike Bartick: Bokeh-licious (article)
  113. Mike Bartick: The Big 4 (article)
  114. Conversations with Underwater Photographers: Mike Bartick by Henley Spiers (article)
  115. Issue 106 of Underwater Photography Magazine (article)
  116. 2018 World Shootout results announced (article)
  117. Mike Bartick: Slugfest (article)
  118. Mike Bartick: Reflection Tubes (article)
  119. Mike Bartick: Blanket Octopus (article)
  120. Review: Backscatter Mini Flash and Optical Snoot (article)
  121. Results Announced: DEEP Indonesia 2020 (article)
  122. Going Big in Little Town by Mike Bartick (article)
  123. Dive into the Pink: Sharing Our Air Photo Contest (article)
  124. Results: Share Our Air 2020 Contest (article)
  125. Wetpixel Live: Blackwater Photography with Mike Bartick (article)
  126. Wetpixel Live: Tools for Blackwater Photography (article)
  127. Field Review: Retra Reflector by Mike Bartick (article)
  128. Underwater Imaging Speakers at PHIDEX 2021 (article)
  129. Introducing the 2021 Masters Judging Panel (article)
  130. Results: DPG/Wetpixel Masters 2021 (article)
  131. Results: Anilao Underwater Shootout 2021 (article)
  132. PHIDEX is Open (article)
  133. Shipping: The World of Blackwater by Mike Bartick (article)
  134. Lembeh Straits Daily Photo Blog (forum) (forum)