Gary Burns

Gary Burns is an underwater photographer and Ikelite ambassador whose passion for scuba diving and photography began in 1976. His work explores the remarkable world beneath the surface, with a particular interest in octopuses, turtles and sharks—their behaviour, intelligence and adaptations to life in the ocean.

Combining technical precision with patience and quiet observation, Gary captures marine life through encounters that unfold naturally. His photographs invite viewers to look more closely at underwater species and discover the extraordinary details that can easily go unnoticed.

Gary’s approach is informed by a distinguished career in aerospace engineering. Beginning with Canadair in 1979 and continuing with Bombardier Aerospace until 2015, he specialized in aircraft noise, vibration and passenger comfort. He later brought that expertise to Safran Engines in France as an Emeritus Engineering Fellow in vibration and acoustics.

Canada is home to the world’s longest coastline, stretching across three magnificent oceans — the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. Canadian underwater photographer Gary Burns explores these waters and beyond, capturing the extraordinary beauty, diversity and wonder of the marine world through his lens. Gary is guided by a lifelong curiosity and a desire to understand—and share—the worlds he explores.