Business Details
29 Years
experience
Natural History Photography by Phillip Colla
Oceanlight has been at the forefront of natural history photography for over three decades, specializing in marine life, remote ecosystems, and iconic landscapes. Our work focuses on wild marine animals, the California kelp forest, National Parks of the American West, coral reefs, and challenging-to-capture subjects. With a career spanning 33 years, we have documented threatened species and unique environments across the globe, from the depths of the ocean to aerial perspectives of terrestrial wonders. Our portfolio of over 40,000 images has been featured in prestigious publications such as National Geographic Magazine, BBC Wildlife, and Scientific American, as well as in museums, aquaria, and advertising campaigns.We pioneered one of the first online stock photography platforms in 1997, offering editorial, commercial, and fine art print licensing. Our expertise combines technical mastery in extreme environments with a commitment to ethical storytelling, ensuring each image preserves the integrity of the natural world while meeting the highest professional standards.
Services
Stock Photography
Underwater Photography
Aerial Photography
Fine Art Prints
Wildlife Photography
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 33 years documenting marine and terrestrial ecosystems globally.
- Pioneered one of the first online stock photography platforms in 1997.
- Award-winning work recognized in international photography competitions.
- Expertise in challenging environments: underwater, deserts, and sub-arctic regions.
- Portfolio featured in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Science magazines.
Associations and certifications
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year
- Natures Best
- Ocean Views
- National Wildlife Federation
What people say
Exceptional quality
Authentic visuals
Award-winning work
Unique perspectives
Conservation-focused
Services
Stock Photography
Our extensive stock photography collection features over 40,000 high-resolution images of marine life, wildlife, and landscapes. These images are available for editorial use, commercial licensing, or as archival prints. Clients include major publishers, conservation organizations, and media outlets seeking authentic natural history visuals.
Underwater Photography
Specializing in underwater environments, we capture rare marine species and ecosystems using advanced breath-hold diving techniques. Our portfolio includes blue whales, great white sharks, and kelp forests, documented with precision for scientific and educational applications.
Aerial Photography
We provide aerial photography services for landscapes, coastal regions, and remote locations. Our drone-captured imagery highlights geological formations, ecological patterns, and human interactions with natural environments, offering unique perspectives for commercial and editorial projects.
Fine Art Prints
Our fine art print collection includes limited and open edition photographs of natural history subjects. Each print is produced with archival quality on acrylic or aluminum, ensuring vibrant color reproduction and durability for gallery and private collections.
Wildlife Photography
We document terrestrial and marine wildlife in their natural habitats, focusing on endangered species and behavioral patterns. Our work supports conservation efforts and educational initiatives, providing high-impact visuals for publications and advocacy campaigns.
People
Phillip Colla
Photographer & Owner
Phillip Colla is a natural history photographer with 33 years of experience capturing marine and terrestrial ecosystems. His work has appeared in National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, and Science magazines. He specializes in underwater photography and has received awards from international competitions.
Questions
How can I license Oceanlight's photographs?
Visit our website to browse the collection and contact us directly for licensing inquiries, including editorial, commercial, or print rights.
What subjects are covered in your stock photography?
Our portfolio includes marine life, wildlife, National Parks, coral reefs, kelp forests, and aerial landscapes, with a focus on endangered species and remote ecosystems.
Are prints available for personal purchase?
Yes, we offer limited and open edition fine art prints on acrylic or aluminum, suitable for galleries or private collections.
Do you accept custom photography assignments?
We consider custom projects aligned with our expertise in natural history and challenging environments. Contact us for collaboration opportunities.
How are images protected by copyright?
All images are protected by international copyright law. Unauthorized use is prohibited; licensing requires prior written permission from Oceanlight.
What regions do you photograph most frequently?
We focus on California, Alaska, the American West's National Parks, the Galapagos, and other remote locations with unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
