People protect what they have experienced.
I am Gunnar Oberhosel, a photojournalist based in Cape Town. I photograph the sea, publish the print journal Element, and take small groups into the water in False Bay.
I photograph the ocean and the people whose lives run alongside it, mostly along the South African coast.
The work rests on one idea: people become advocates for the sea once they have felt it. Everything I do, on assignment, in print and in the water, is built to create that moment.
Photojournalism
Stories from the water, for the people who love it from the shore.
I work as a photographer and writer on marine conservation, coastal communities and the wild edges of southern Africa. Commissions, licensing and assignment work are welcome.
Recent work includes the rabies outbreak in Cape fur seals, a humpback whale wash-up in Simon's Town, marine pollution, wildfires, and an interview with Craig Foster of My Octopus Teacher, mostly for Daily Maverick. I have contributed underwater features to PADI's Dive Magazine, and National Geographic featured a frame from my ongoing kelp forest work.
Alongside journalism I supply imagery and footage to conservation projects, including WWF, the documentary The Last Shark, and Rise from the Cape Flats.
Awards
- South African Photographer of the Year Finalist, 2023
- Andrei Stenin Award Finalist, 2024
- Kelp Forest Award 2024
Seen in
- National Geographic
- Daily Maverick
- WWF
- PADI Dive Magazine
Latest project
Element
A print journal about the South African coastline. Photography, long-form writing and the people who live at the edge of the sea.
I founded and publish Element. It is made to be kept, not scrolled: heavy stock, generous plates, and stories given the space they deserve. Contributors include Jean Tresfon, Chris Fallows and Justin Fox.
Guiding
Get in the water with me.
I take small private groups into False Bay to freedive, scuba dive and explore the coast. No crowds, no schedule you have to keep up with, and no pressure to perform in the water.
Everything is built around the group I have in front of me: the conditions on the day, how confident you are, and how much time you have. I am a PADI Divemaster and freediving instructor, an FGASA marine guide and a wilderness first responder, and I have been diving this coastline for years. If you have never put your face in cold water before, that is a fine place to start.
Gunnar's qualifications
- PADI Divemaster and freediving instructor
- FGASA marine guide
- SAS skipper and powerboat licence
- Emergency and wilderness first responder
Freediving the kelp forest
From R3,200 per group, 3 hours
One breath, cold water and a forest that moves with the swell. Suited to complete beginners as well as experienced divers who want a guide who knows where to look.
Up to 4 guests. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins included.
EnquireScuba diving in False Bay
From R2,900 per person, shore dive
Certified dives on the bay's reefs, wrecks and kelp. Gear and boat arranged, dives chosen for the conditions rather than the calendar.
Boat dives from R3,400 per person. Certification required.
EnquirePrivate group touring
From R11,500 per group, full day
A day or several, shaped around your group. Coastline, wildlife, water and the quiet corners of the peninsula, with time built in to sit still and look.
8 to 10 hours, up to 4 guests. Transport and lunch included.
Enquire
Part of every day
Palm Rock, Simon's Town
Every dive finishes here, a few minutes from the water. Sit in the sauna if you want to, get something warm to drink, and stay until you have stopped shivering.
- Sauna looking out over False Bay, whenever you want it
- Somewhere warm and private to change
- Something warm to drink afterwards
- Rooms if you would rather stay the night
Let's talk.
Commissions, licensing, Element, or a day in the water.
gunnar@oberhosel.com