Meet Joseph Yerkovich | Fine Art Nature and Underwater Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Yerkovich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a professional underwater and nature photographer, risk has always been an integral part of my career and life. In fact, it’s impossible to capture awe-inspiring images of the underwater world and the wonders of nature without taking calculated risks.

Taking risks has played a pivotal role in my career by allowing me to capture images that others might shy away from. It has led to moments of intense exhilaration and adrenaline, as well as moments of reflection and humility in the face of the immense forces of nature. Some of my most memorable and cherished photographs have been the result of taking calculated risks, whether it’s getting close to a powerful waterfall, diving alongside a school of sharks, or hundreds of tuna in a feeding frenzy passing like torpedoes inches away from me, or venturing into remote and challenging landscapes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart in my profession as an underwater and nature photographer is my unwavering commitment to capturing the raw beauty of our planet’s most captivating environments. I’m most proud of the unique perspective I bring to my work, allowing viewers to connect with nature in a way that feels intimate and inspiring.

My journey to where I am today has been anything but easy. It’s been filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. It demanded countless hours of training, learning from mistakes, and pushing myself to overcome the physical and technical challenges of shooting underwater.

The field of photography can be highly competitive, and breaking into it required persistence and a strong portfolio to showcase my unique vision. Building a brand and reputation took time and patience.

Through all the difficulties, I’ve learned invaluable lessons. Perseverance is key; every setback is an opportunity to grow and improve. Most importantly, I’ve learned that my work goes beyond photography; it’s a tool for advocating conservation and environmental awareness.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just a photographer capturing beautiful moments. I’m a storyteller, an advocate for nature, and a witness to the beauty and fragility of our planet. I want my work to encourage people to appreciate, respect, and protect the natural world that sustains us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
All my activities in South Florida are enjoyed on the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. A week with me would be filled with diving, kayaking, surfing, and hanging out at the beach. Florida has so many amazing places to explore on land and in the ocean and that is what I find the most exciting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to Jacques Cousteau – the guy who got me hooked on underwater photography through his awesome films and books. His pictures and stories took me on a wild adventure into the underwater world at a young age, and I just had to experience it myself.

But, honestly, the biggest credit goes to Mother Nature herself. She’s my muse and the reason I do what I do. Her stunning beauty and mind-boggling complexity keep me on my toes, challenging me to capture her essence in every shot. It’s all about sharing her wonders with the world, and that’s what keeps me going.

Website: www.jaydepthphoto.com

Instagram: jay_depth_photography