At Ultralight, we believe our gear is only as good as the underwater photographer, cinematographer, or camera assistant it supports—and no one showcases that better than our Brand Ambassadors. To give you a closer look at their images, stories, and the passion behind their work, we asked each Ambassador a series of thoughtful questions about their backgrounds, favorite rigs, and what inspires their photography and filmmaking. It’s our way of sharing not just how Ultralight gear is used, but also the creativity and spirit of the people who bring it to life.
Could you please share a little about yourself and the journey that brought you to where you are today?
My name is Andrea Michelutti, but you might know me as Traveller Mike on Facebook or miketravelleritaly on Instagram. I was born in northeastern Italy and hold a master’s degree in economics. I’ve always had a passion for travel and for capturing little details that hide big stories. Today, alongside running my car dealership, I pour my energy and creativity into underwater photography.
What level diver are you and where do you like to dive?
I’m not an advanced technical diver: just basic certifications. I often dive in the northern Adriatic, in the Gulf of Trieste and in Croatia, because they are close to home. I also love Southeast Asia (especially Indonesia and Philippines), not only for the incredible underwater photography opportunities but especially for the serene and authentic lifestyle of its people. Many of my photos come from that region. Each environment offers unique lighting and marine life, which are key to telling my visual stories.
What inspired you to specialize in underwater photography?
Growing up in a place where the connection between landscapes and people was strong, I developed a love for observing the world. I started by capturing faces and landscapes on land, but my curiosity and desire to experiment eventually pushed me underwater. My journey began with just a few dives a year and basic gear.
How did you get into underwater photography? What sparked your passion?
While I’m mostly self-taught, I owe a lot to friends who are incredible underwater photographers, and their guidance and support have been precious. My photography is all about capturing real emotions, and my mentor, Fabio Iardino, who is a world champion in underwater photography, has had a huge influence.
I have shaped my style with his advice, along with the insights from books by great photographers like Alex Mustard, Martin Edge, Laurent Ballesta, and Francesco Pacienza. I also find a bit of inspiration from classical painters like Terbrugghen, van Honthorst, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt, whom I humorously refer to as the 'original snoot lighting squad.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting?
Photography has always been a part of me, but the underwater world opened up a whole new palette of colors and atmospheres. I’m a color addicted, and the thrill of discovering a hidden universe where every dive turns into a new photography adventure really hooked me. Of course, starting out wasn’t easy. Working with basic equipment, dealing with changing light conditions, and learning to move gracefully underwater were all real challenges. But every obstacle taught me something new and made me more determined.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your underwater adventures?
One of my most memorable experiences was receiving my first recognition at a national competition with the candy crab of the picture below. That moment made me realize that even the simplest dive could hold a story worth telling, one that could evoke emotions and surprise.
When I’m shooting underwater, of course I appreciate rare subjects, but I find more challenging to work with common ones and showing them in a remarkable way. The key for me is how well the subject fits into my vision. In my opinion, the true beauty of a photograph lies not just in the subject itself but in how the image is crafted.
What camera setup do you currently use for underwater photography?
When it comes to gear, my current setup includes a Sony RX100 M7, two Inon Z330 strobes, a Backscatter mini flash with a snoot, and a Snooty snoot adapter for the Z330, along with various wet lenses. My setup is quite unique because I’m all about versatility. I love being able to switch from wide-angle to extreme macro shots within the same dive. To do this, I attach all my lenses to my arms, allowing me to change configurations instantly.
This setup is great for maximizing the versatility of my compact camera, but it does put some stress on the equipment. That’s where Ultralight Camera Solutions comes in: helping me use top-notch gear and test their innovative solutions.
Do you prefer macro or wide-angle photography, and why?
I don’t really have a strong preference between wide-angle and macro. I love both. However, since the seabeds near my home are perfect for macro, I naturally specialized in it. Moreover, macro photography allows me to fully express my addiction to colors.
Do you prefer artificial or natural light, and why?
I mostly use strobes for lighting, as they help me achieve the vibrant look I’m after.
Do you have any favorite techniques that you can share?
I like to experiment with my photography, using techniques like slow shutter speeds, intentional camera movement (ICM), and bokeh. I try to balance natural and artificial light with strobes to create images that convey both dynamism and serenity.
What I’m really aiming for is simplicity. I strip away anything unnecessary to focus on the essence of each shot. While I respect compositional rules, I’m not afraid to break them when exploring new perspectives or deconstructing visual elements. I think this mix of discipline and creative freedom is what makes my style stand out.
How do you stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies in underwater photography?
To stay updated on new techniques, I love comparing my work with other photographers, especially through competitions. Even if I’m not participating, I study the winning shots to spot new trends and refine my style. When I do get awarded, I enjoy analyzing my work alongside other top photos because every image is an opportunity to learn and grow. I also keep an eye on technological advancements from leading brands, including Ultralight.
How do you think underwater photography can contribute to marine conservation efforts?
Conservation is also a big part of my work. I believe photography can raise awareness about marine ecosystems by showing their beauty and fragility. I collaborate with various organizations to protect marine habitats and use my images to support conservation projects, encouraging others to take part in preserving our oceans.
What are common mistakes new underwater photographers make, and how can they avoid them?
For those new to underwater photography, my advice is to be patient and consistent. Every dive offers a chance to learn, and mistakes are just part of the process.
Can you recommend resources (books, courses, workshops) for learning underwater photography?
I would recommend joining specialized workshops and scuba clubs to exchange ideas, opinions, and grow together with other photographers. Additionally, reading photography manuals by renowned photographers like Mustard, Edge, and exploring online guides such as the uwphotographyguide can be highly beneficial. Participating in contests can also provide valuable feedback and help you develop as an artist.
What excites you most about being a brand ambassador for Ultralight?
Becoming an ambassador for Ultralight Camera Solutions has been a real honor. I’ve known the brand for a long time and owned some of their gear before our partnership. Meeting Ken in the Philippines was the perfect opportunity to discuss equipment and explore ways to enhance their products. It felt natural to join the Ultralight family.
Has working with Ultralight influenced your workflow and creative process?
Ultralight gear has had a huge impact on my workflow. Their lightweight, stable equipment has not only made managing my setup easier but also opened up new creative possibilities. Safety is always a priority, and I’ve definitely found myself in strong currents where the stability of Ultralight gear made a difference. Those moments really reinforced the importance of reliable equipment.
What’s next for you in your cinematography journey? Any exciting projects or goals?
I love working with their R&D team, contributing ideas for new products, and testing gear before it hits the market. It’s a rewarding experience to see my input help shape solutions that can benefit other photographers with the same passion for quality and detail.
What’s your favorite piece of gear from Ultralight and why?
My favorite Ultralight gear includes their quick-release arms, which I had the chance to help develop, and the Cut Outs Clamp. The quick-release arms are a game changer for light manipulation with snoots, allowing me to work comfortably with one hand. The Cut Outs Clamp offers an extra axis of movement compared to other clamps, giving me even more flexibility.
What advice do you have for photographers who would like to work with underwater camera brands?
For photographers looking to work with brands, I’d say stay authentic, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Passion, dedication, and a willingness to innovate are key to building meaningful and lasting partnerships.
Thank you, Andrea, for taking the time to share more about yourself and your work with us. We definitely picked up a few new things, and I’m sure our customers did too. It’s always great hearing how someone finds their way into a field they love—the wins, the lessons, and everything in between.”
For more information, you can find Andrea at his photography website, FaceBook and Instagram
