As French underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau once said: "The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."

It's no less true of Sydney Harbour, where a silent world comes to life in front of the macro lens of police officer turned recreational scuba diver Nick Terry.

Photographer Nicolas Terry during a dive. Credit:Nick Terry/Diimex

As the Manly Ferry passes overhead it's amazing to see what is lurking in the depths below Clifton Gardens past Taronga.

"It's a bit like stalking them," Mr Terry said of the underwater creatures he encounters. "You can't chase after them but they will always come back. I do have to get quite close to get the shot."