ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER and

THE IMAGES

Joel Gitelson has been living in California since 1980 after migrating from the east coast. Spending time in and on

the Pacific Ocean has been his passion. Capturing marine wildlife and the scenery surrounding it is very exciting.

Sharing it with others enables the photographer to make them aware of our natural surroundings. In a time when

the environment is being stressed, it is a joy to see that there are vibrant creatures thriving.

The dolphins seem to be having the most fun of all the marine mammals. The maneuvers they do in the ocean are

done ‘because they can’. All images are taken from the surface off of Los Angeles and Catalina Island.

The whale images were taken in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California. Grace in nature …

The sea lions, although annoying to fishermen and boaters, are also quite amusing to watch and provide many

photo opportunities.

The sea bird images come from Southern California as well. The brown pelican is no longer on the endangered

species list and can be found up and down the coast.

Sea Scapes are the images that combine the marine environment with the local land masses. Heavy snowfall in the

local mountains deceives the viewer as to the location. All images are from southern California

Sea Textures are reflections of the ocean environment. The variety, colors and spontaneity of the images are

endless.

Tiles and tile murals are the newest addition to Ocean Images. By transferring the images onto tiles and

tile murals the intensity of color and texture is dramatic. The tiles can be used in a variety of ways; from

coasters to 18x24 inch backsplashes. The horizontal murals serve as accents in shower and bath

enclosures as well as in the kitchen. Exterior tiles that are ultraviolet, ozone, chlorine and bromine proof

can be used as waterline trim in pools and spas and backsplashes for fountains.  Any image can be made

into a tile or tile mural. Mosaic tiles can be made with any of the images as well. These smaller glass tiles can bring

a dynamic effect to the bottom of a pool or spa with any of the images enlarged.

Joel has won several awards for his photographs.

2005-SOUTH BAY (LA) EASY READER PHOTO OF THE YEAR

LATITUDES AND ATTIDUES MAGAZINE

DAILY BREEZE

2008-CATALINA ISLAND ARTS FESTIVAL-2ND PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

2009-COVER PHOTO FOR ‘IN ROOM’ MAGAZINE-CATALINA ISLAND

THREE COVER PHOTOS ON ‘CATALINA ISLANDER’ NEWSPAPER