Cinematic Visuals & Underwater Perspectives
A collection bridging two worlds: the silent depths of the ocean and the cinematic energy of life on the surface. Each frame is a hunt for light.
A freediver ascends through beams of light in a Mexican cenote. This is the essence of my underwater work: using natural light and the quiet approach of freediving to capture surreal, authentic moments.
The morning light sweeps across the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal in New York City. I used a Leica Q2 Monochrom to emphasize the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, turning commuters into silhouettes in a larger story.
A green sea turtle glides through the clear waters of Aruba. Capturing wildlife requires patience and respect for their environment, something I prioritize on every dive.
The 2022 Super Moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon in Sagittarius, sets behind a country road. I used a long lens to compress the perspective, making the moon feel immense and otherworldly.
A telephoto view of the Statue of Liberty, framed by the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. This clip, shot from the Manhattan Bridge on a Sony a1, captures a layered and iconic NYC moment.
A split-level or over-under photograph showing a rocky island and the underwater world beneath it. This technique offers a unique perspective, telling the story of what's both above and below the surface in a single frame.
A motion blur shot capturing the energy of Tokyo at night, with a passing train above and a pedestrian in motion below. This technique transforms a simple street scene into a dynamic, abstract piece of art.
A portrait of Kiara Arends in New York, using the stark shadows from a window to create a dramatic, high-contrast effect. My portrait work focuses on finding interesting light to shape and define the subject.
About Featured
When I shoot underwater, I do it on a single breath. No tanks, no bubbles, just quiet observation. This is not about getting the shot; it is about becoming part of the environment so the subject remains undisturbed. Whether it is a portrait or marine life, the goal is always to capture the image exactly as it feels in that moment, not just as it looks.
The Surface: Cinematic Urban Life
My work in cityscapes is about finding drama in the mundane. Whether I am shooting the morning light as it cuts through Grand Central Terminal or capturing the abstract motion of Tokyo, I lean into high-contrast, cinematic framing. I use the Leica Q3 or Sony A1 to ensure the final images have that classic, moody feel. My approach isn't about perfectly posed subjects, it is about catching a fleeting second of reality.
The Depths: Freedive Photography
Underwater photography requires a completely different technical approach. By using breath-hold freediving, I eliminate the noisy air bubbles and restrictive gear that usually scare off marine life or break the immersion of a portrait. This allows me to get close to subjects, like sea turtles in Aruba or cenote swimmers in Mexico, in a way that feels intimate and surreal.
How We Work
Whether we are shooting a commercial brand film or a personal fine art portrait, I prefer a collaborative process. We start by nailing down the concept and the lighting, then we pick the gear that fits the story. My process is heavy on natural light and real-world conditions, resulting in images that look honest and raw.
David Courbit
I'm David, but most people know me as Jetlag. I spend my time hopping between commercial sets in New York and freediving in the Caribbean. My camera is just a tool to capture the stories I see, whether that's the morning light in a terminal or a moment beneath the waves.
Looking for a different perspective?
Search my other work or specific service types below.
More from Underwater & Fine Art Photography by David Courbit
More services by David Courbit