Michele Westmorland is an American photographer who specializes in underwater photography.[1] She is a fellow of theInternational League of Conservation Photographers andThe Explorers Club. She runs Westmorland Images inRedmond, Washington, where she resides.[2]
Westmorland's preferred area of travel is Papua New Guinea. Her stock is represented by Getty, Corbis, and Fotostock.[3]
Westmorland was born inSeattle, Washington and attendedBarry University inMiami, Florida from 1990 to 1992. She worked in the corporate world for 22 years before taking up photography.[4]
Westmorland's photographs have been published in publications such as:Smithsonian,National Geographic Traveler & Adventure,Outside,[5]Outdoor Photographer,Sport Diver,Ocean Geographic,Scuba Diving,Elite,Unterwasser,Wyland’s Ocean Realm,Asian Geo,Diver Canada,Alert Diver, andScuba Diver Australasia.[6]
In 2005, Westmorland was inspired to retrace the journey of American portrait artistCaroline Mytinger, who traveled to Melanesia in the 1920s to paint portraits of the indigenous peoples. TheHeadhunt Revisited project became a documentary film;[7] the documentary,Headhunt Revisited: With Brush, Canvas, and Camera, premiered in 2017, combining historical footage with modern-day documentation of the people and cultures in Melanesia. This project underscores Westmorland’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage through photography and film.
Westmorland is also active in environmental advocacy. As a fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), she contributed to the Global Reef Expedition, documenting underwater ecosystems and the scientists working to protect them.[8] Through her photography, she aims to raise awareness about the fragility of marine environments and their importance to coastal communities.
Westmorland's work includes portraits of indigenous communities in Melanesia and Polynesia, exploring the deep connection between these societies and the ocean. Her images highlight traditional ways of life that are closely tied to marine resources, with a focus on both the beauty and challenges of preserving these cultural practices.[9]
Westmorland was inducted into theWomen Divers Hall of Fame in 2011.[5] Awards she has won include the Environmental Photography Invitational, Photo District News, and the PNG Underwater Photo Competition.[2]
[1] Headhunt Revisited
