Scottish Underwater Photographer Finds What Appears To Be Aliens Under The Sea

Things are not always what they seem, and this is definitely the case when it comes to these trippy underwater photos!

Underwater photography of the third kind

Freediver and photographer Janeanne Gilchrist can hold her breath up to 45 feet beneath the surface of the waves, and what she sees down there is truly mind-blowing.

In a recent photo series, the Scottish artist and image maker has captured what look like actual aliens, but upon closer look are something much more dismal: rubbish and debris. From a plastic bag to fishermen’s ropes, the images are both beautiful and haunting.

Rorschach test

Janeanne actually describes her work as akin to a Rorschach test, a psychological examination where subjects analyse ink blots describing what they see. In a similar way, she believes the photographs come across differently to viewers depending on their mindset at the time of viewing them.

Truly one-of-a-kind, she describes her process as trying to ‘capture something that’s never going to be in the same location, same light, same position, ever again’.

Photographing while freediving, taking one breath only and holding it underwater, is no easy feat. She explains: ‘I have to get to the place, to compose the shot, to manoeuvre myself around it, to get what I need and come back up, all the time focusing on how much air I have got in my body.’

Pollution becomes art

The fact that Janeanne photographs pollution-based components that have made their way into the natural habitat adds a layer of complexity to her images, begging the question of why the waste is in the water and what we can do to change this in the future.

The irony of the rubbish looking so beautiful is of course not lost on the Edinburgh-based artist. ‘People have become quite numb to photos of piles of waste. These images are created to last longer and I want people to have these discussions.’

Want more unusual sights? Then visit our article on adventurous things to do in Scotland.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.