Mark Tipple, a rapidly emerging Australian documentary photographer, captures people completely out of their element in his Underwater Project photo series. Exploring Australia’s relationship with the ocean, Mark goes below the sea surface and takes cool photos of swimmers and surfers not when they’re on top of ocean waves, but after they get underwater and forget all about posing and smiling.

Every one of these interesting photos is uniquely organic, with tightened face muscles in reaction to the dive, eyes shut tightly and fingers clawing to the sand. While going through the underwater photography shots, not only do you get to practically feel people’s struggle against the element, but you can also admire the beautiful views of the underwater world, with different shades of water splashes and the waves.

“Coming from a surfing background I used to wonder what happens when we’re duck-diving. I always wondered what it looks like from a different angle than what we can see above the surface,” says Mark. Besides these beautiful photos from The Underwater Project, Mark is a prolific photographer with a rich portfolio with subjects ranging from portraits to weddings to landscape photography art. Check out his website for some great shots!

Website: marktipple.com