Renee Capozzola is an award-winning, conservation-oriented underwater photographer who specializes in wide-angle and split-level images. Her work is an intriguing combination of artistic talent honed through oil painting during her youth, a professional background in biology, and growing up by the ocean as a Southern Californian native. Since Renee started scuba diving in 2004, she has developed a true appreciation for marine organisms through her diverse travels and believes that striking images help increase awareness of our fragile marine ecosystems, encouraging others to help protect our oceans. To that end, her images have been awarded over fifty prestigious international accolades, including “Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021” in the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition and the “Female Fifty Fathoms Award” from Blancpain through the 2021 “Ocean Photographer of the Year.” Her work has also appeared throughout the world in leading publications, including National Geographic in print, and she serves as an Ocean Geographic Photographer-In-Residence. Renee has been featured by multiple news outlets such as CNN, USA Today, the BBC, People, the Today Show, and France 2. Renee is also a fellow of The Explorers Club and an Ambassador of SEACAM. In recent years, Renee has been invited to judge several photo competitions, lead photo workshops, and speak at many in-person and online events. When she is not in the water with her camera, Renee strives to educate others about the challenges facing our oceans and the importance of conserving marine ecosystems.