Dive to Be Alive -

Dive to Be Alive

When Emotions Surface from the Depths

Article by Eduardo Macedo

When we think of underwater photography, we usually imagine coral reefs, fish, and stunning ocean landscapes. But Brazilian photographer and SDI Instructor Marcos Alberti decided to dive deeper — not into the sea itself, but into the emotional transformation that diving provokes. His latest project, “Dive to Be Alive,” captures the before and after expressions of divers in one of the most breathtaking locations on Earth: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

The Concept Behind the Project

In partnership with Dive for Fun and Noronha Divers, Alberti and his team set out to document the authentic human experience of diving. The idea was simple yet powerful: photograph people right before their dive, and then again after resurfacing.

As Marcos explains:

“Before entering the water, divers are usually quiet and tense… but once they’re back on the boat, all that tension is gone. What remains is pure joy and an adrenaline rush.”

The focus of “Dive to Be Alive” is not the ocean — it’s the emotion. Each photo is a story of transformation, showing the fear, excitement, and release that come with taking the plunge.

Why Is This Approach So Unique

Reversing the visual priority: Traditional underwater photography celebrates marine life and scenery. Alberti’s lens turns inward, emphasizing human emotion instead of the environment.
Storytelling through contrast: Each diptych — before and after — reveals a narrative arc of tension, courage, and liberation.
Universal resonance: Whether it’s someone’s first dive or their thousandth, the emotional impact is the same. As Alberti says, “It doesn’t matter if you have one or ten thousand dives — you always finish with a smile.”

The Magic of Fernando de Noronha

The project was shot entirely in Fernando de Noronha, one of the world’s top diving destinations. The crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life provided the perfect backdrop — even though the ocean wasn’t the main character.

The collaboration with Dive for Fun and Noronha Divers was essential. These local operators made the logistics, safety, and emotional support possible, creating a relaxed atmosphere that allowed each diver’s authenticity to shine through.

Before the dive, we see concentration, even anxiety. Afterward, we see relief, euphoria, and a sense of rebirth. The result is a collection of portraits that feel both intimate and universal.

A Symbolic and Emotional Journey

“Dive to Be Alive” is not just about diving — it’s about facing the unknown and emerging renewed. The project mirrors that moment in life when you take a leap of faith, surrender control, and discover a new version of yourself on the other side.

It’s a reminder that photography can reveal what’s invisible: emotion, transformation, humanity.

For art and photography lovers, the project reinforces:

The power of imagery to evoke emotion beyond aesthetics.
The beauty of human experience as a form of storytelling.
And the idea that diving, like art, can be a deeply transformative act.

Connection with Alberti’s Previous Works

Marcos Alberti is known for exploring emotion through unconventional lenses. His viral projects — such as The Wine Project and The “O” Project — have reached millions worldwide by capturing raw, human reactions in unexpected contexts.

“Dive to Be Alive” continues this legacy. It blurs the boundaries between documentary and art, inviting viewers to feel something real rather than just see something beautiful.

A Call to Dive Deeper — Literally and Metaphorically

If you’ve never dived before, this project might inspire you to try.

If you already love diving, it may remind you why you fell in love with it in the first place.

Take a moment to:

Visit the gallery and observe each transformation up close.
Reflect on your own “dives” — moments when you’ve taken a leap into the unknown.
Share this story with friends who appreciate photography, adventure, or emotion.
Follow Marcos for future projects that merge art, humanity, and experience in surprising ways.