Michelle Scamahorn

Michelle Scamahorn is an award-winning underwater photographer based on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Michelle learned to dive in frigid Lake Michigan before moving to Kauai in 1991 to begin her career as PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor. During 30 years as a professional SCUBA diver, Michelle has explored and documented some of the world’s most stunning reefs, including:

  • Cayman Islands
  • Similan Islands, Thailand
  • Galapagos
  • Great Barrier Reef, Australia
  • Federated States of Micronesia (Palau, Yap, Pohnpei, Chuuk)
  • Marshall Islands (Kwajalein, Roy-Namur)
  • Philippines
  • Tahiti
  • Tiger Beach, Bahamas
  • Roatán, Honduras
  • Fiji (many different locations)
  • Indonesia (Komodo, Bunaken National Park, Wakatobi, Siladen)
  • …and of course countless places in Hawaii

As a full-time photographer and diver, Michelle is available for assignment work in almost any location across the globe, specializing in tropical locations. Her images can also be purchased as custom prints for private collection.

To inquire about licensing, prints, or assignment work, contact Michelle directly.


Recent Published Work


A selection of recent publications, recognition and photography contest awards.

Dive UK Magazine (2018)

Featured in First Portfolio, online version
Fall print edition: photography for article on Wakatobi, Indonesia

National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year (2017)

Featured as editor’s favorite submission of the week.

Roatán Underwater Photo Fest
2018- 1st place, macro; Best of Show
2017- 1st place, shark image; 3rd place, wreck dive image; 3rd place, DSLR category
2016- 2nd place, night dive; 2nd place, wreck dive

X-ray Magazine

Photography featured in 2016, 2017, and 2018 editions.