A doctor’s eye for marine photography

Picture yourself 80 feet underwater in a cave, weighed down by tanks, and a plethora of awkward gear hanging off your body while your hands fiddle with an Olympus c8080 camera and a cumbersome flash unit—just so you could sneak up on an unsuspecting sea turtle and take a picture of it in its natural setting.

It seems scary, dangerous, and a little bit crazy but for Marianas Eye Institute resident optometric physician Dr. Mark D. Robertson, this is all pure fun and adventure.

He may not be as well known as marine biologist Jacque Cousteau, but his passion for photography and scuba diving has resulted in some breathtaking photographs, all on display at the clinic.

Robertson is the third artist to be featured at the eye clinic. Chief executive officer Russ Quinn said his artwork would be on display for at least a month. Robertson followed Korean artist Jung Ae Lee and Trish Copeland.

Quinn said Robertson’s photographs are “phenomenal” and deserve recognition from the community.

“His artworks have also been featured in magazines” such as [I]Alert Diver[/I] and [I]Asian Diver Magazine[/I], Quinn said.

MEI resident ophthalmologist David Khorram said he is impressed with Robertson’s’ photos. “His photos are phenomenal and of professional quality,” he said.

Robertson spent his formative years in the small town of Laverne in northwestern Oklahoma, where he developed his photography skills. He started photographing weddings and other special occasions in his junior high school years.

He said his skills in photography started as hobby “but it’s always nice to have people look at it.”

Robertson said he’s been holding a camera for over 30 years now. He recalled taking formal courses in photography at Oklahoma State University. He also won various photography honors, with his most memorable being named first place in the inaugural National Wildlife Federation chapter photography contest at that time.

When he moved to the CNMI, he found his niche underwater after discovering that photography and scuba diving go together quite well, as he has become certified both as a master diver and a dive master.

Robertson is an eye doctor providing a full array of optometric and ophthalmic services such as one-hour eyeglasses, contacts, surgery and laser, Botox cosmetic, and comprehensive eye care.

Marianas Eye Institute invites the public to stop by its office to see the beautiful images by Robertson. They will be on display until Nov. 15.

For more information, call the Marianas Eye Institute at 235-9090 or visit its website at www.MarianasEye.com.