Miha Gutman – The 15-Year-Old Slovenian Photographer Conquering Underwater Photography and Supported by Canon

March 1, 2026

From

the Maldives to Piran, the world beneath the ocean's surface is not just an adventure for Miha Gutman—it's a way of life. This 15-year-old Slovenian talent already stands shoulder-to-shoulder with professional underwater photographers, and his victory at the open championship in underwater photography, along with the support of the Canon brand, confirms what is clear to anyone who sees his work: we are witnessing an exceptional young artist. Growing up between Umag and the Maldives, surrounded by the sea, diving, and constant travel, Miha captures a world through his lens that many will never see. In an interview for Nice Life Magazine, he reveals what his day looks like between school and the ocean depths, what inspires him, and which moments underwater are most special to him.

You grew up with the sea, diving, and constant travel. What does your “normal” day look like between school, the sea, and photography?

During plane, train, or boat journeys, I use the time to study.

It depends on where I am. I love to travel, so studying looks a bit different then. School is not just “sitting with books,” but also discovering new destinations, cultures, and languages. During plane, train, or boat journeys, I use the time to study.
Through the lens, I capture moments, people, their customs, animal and plant species, which I later use in biology, geography, and other subjects.

Do you remember the moment you first picked up a camera and realized that’s exactly what you wanted to do – photograph the world beneath the surface?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we were “trapped” in the Maldives, on an island in the middle of the ocean. Since my parents are diving instructors, and I was nine years old, I managed to persuade them to start a diving course in the shallow lagoon.

Your parents are professional diving instructors. How much have they influenced your perception of the sea and photography today?

Being

a dive center owner and diving instructor is not just a job, but a way of life. If you plan a vacation to remote diving destinations after a strenuous diving season, you must truly love the sea. Since my parents took me on a two-month trip around Sumatra when I was just six months old, I inadvertently adopted this nomadic lifestyle over time. Because of this, my parents opted for homeschooling and, despite all their obligations, took on great responsibility for my education. I am finishing 9th grade and I am happy that, in addition to basic school knowledge, they have also provided me with the broader perspective that life offers.

You live between Umag and the Maldives – two completely different worlds. What does each of these destinations offer you as a photographer and as a person?

I was born in Slovenia, spend most of the summer in Umag, winter in the Maldives, and in between, we travel as much as time allows. Unlike the stressful pace imposed by the pursuit of material things in our region, people in “poorer” parts of the world are much more relaxed, approachable, and cheerful. They are often the subject of my photographs.

You recently won a photography competition and are also supported by Canon. How do you perceive these recognitions?

Yes, in October 2025, the open championship in underwater photography was held in Piran, with recognized photographers from Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina participating. I, by far the youngest competitor with basic equipment, surprised everyone and became the absolute winner in the “fish” category. Canon Slovenia recognized my enthusiasm and potential as a young photographer, and they repeatedly help me by lending specialized equipment that I do not yet have in my backpack. I am extremely proud that such a renowned company has an ear for young enthusiasts.

Do you have a particular photograph or moment that stands out in your memory – and why that one?

Every photograph has its own story, and all of them are dear to me in some way. Perhaps I would highlight the photograph of a shark. Besides diving knowledge, you must maintain calm, low adrenaline, and hope that the elegant predator approaches close enough for a good shot. I am also particularly fond of “macro” photography, as you only see all the details of beautiful small creatures during post-processing on the computer.