Opinion Leader

Thomas van Puymbroeck

Nationality: Belgium
Website: thomasvanpuymbroeck.com

Opinion Leader

Thomas van Puymbroeck

Nationality: Belgium
Website: thomasvanpuymbroeck.com

BIOGRAPHY

 

Thomas Van Puymbroeck, based out of Belgium, is an award-winning photographer.

His passion for underwater photography began over 10 years ago. Growing up he was always passionate about underwater life, and even though he graduated as a multimedia graphic designer, he pursued his dream job at the local aquarium in Antwerp. Working there he also took a diving course. After his first few dives he knew for sure: he wanted to take pictures.

Photography is his way of showing others the wonders of the underwater world. Besides the beauty, it is also his way of making people aware, of making them see a world which too few people are exposed to and which urgently needs our protection.

Together with his wife he travels the world in search of the most beautiful diving spots, capturing unique moments, places and animals.

He is often referred to as one of the Belgian shark ambassadors. Every year, millions of sharks are killed out of fear or simply for profit. Thomas’ aim is to make people conscious of the need to protect these magnificent creatures, to learn more about them instead of killing them… Sharks play such an important role, they are at the top of the food chain in virtually every part of every ocean. In that role, they keep populations of other fish healthy and ecosystems intact. Only an ocean full of sharks is a healthy ocean.

You may have come across Thomas’ pictures in a National Geographic calendar or in a national or international diving magazine.

Since 2018 he has been an Olympus Visionary. He works with the Olympus OMD EM1 II and the Olympus OMD EM5 II.

When in Belgium and Holland you may bump into him in the Eastern Scheldt - although he has travelled and dived in many tropical waters, his absolute favorite dive site is the one closest to home.

Ask him about the diversity underwater and macro life possibilities - he will amuse you for hours with pictures and fun facts about the marine life.