Acclaimed photographer and industrial designer Matt Draper has opened his latest solo exhibition, "Within One Breath," at the Leica Gallery New York. The remarkable collection features underwater photographs captured entirely on single breaths while freediving, using only Leica rangefinder cameras and natural light to minimize disturbance to marine environments.
Draper's unique approach combines technical mastery with environmental consciousness. All images in the exhibition were taken during freedives across diverse locations including the South Pacific, Australasia, the Indian Ocean, and Hawaii. His subjects range from sharks and seals to whales, captured in stunning black-and-white compositions that emphasize form, emotion, and the ancient connection between humans and marine life.
The photographer's monochromatic style stems partly from his colorblindness, which he says naturally led him toward black-and-white photography. "Black and white has always felt natural to me. It draws attention to shape, form, and emotion without distraction," Draper explains. He recalls a friend's observation that the animals he photographs "sing to something ancient within us," a sentiment that continues to resonate with his artistic vision.
Draper's work is characterized by extremely rich, deep blacks that he describes as "almost impossible" to achieve both in capture and print. Working with Tim and Vanessa from Thirds Fine Art Printing in Australia, he goes to extraordinary lengths to achieve perfect prints. "Getting those blacks right is almost impossible, but when it works, it's magic," he notes. The printing process is so demanding that even the smallest error, such as a drop of sweat landing on a print, can ruin an entire piece.
The artist's journey to photography began far from the art world. After leaving school as a teenager, Draper worked in construction and mining until 2014, when he purchased his first camera and underwater housing to photograph surfing friends. What started as an escape from uninspiring work evolved into his life's calling. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when he met environmental activist David de Rothschild, who became a mentor and encouraged Draper to take his art seriously.
Freediving is integral to Draper's photographic process and the concept behind "Within One Breath." He explains that holding his breath creates a unique state of consciousness: "Time slows, noise fades, and you feel completely present. It is the purest reminder of what it means to be alive." This technique allows him to be quieter and less intrusive underwater, waiting at the surface until the perfect moment presents itself for collaboration with marine subjects.
One of Draper's most significant achievements involves his photograph "Bow," featured in the current exhibition. This image was selected for the UNESCO Memory Disc, a cultural time capsule sent to the Moon as part of three lunar missions since 2024. As the only photograph included alongside works like the Mona Lisa, this recognition represents what Draper calls "the coolest and most ridiculous flex imaginable" and validates his commitment to taking his art seriously.
Draper's industrial design work through his company Sub13 has revolutionized underwater photography by creating specialized housings for Leica cameras, including rangefinders. Born from obsession to make the Leica M fully functional underwater, Sub13 represents nearly a decade of trial and error. The company produces limited edition housings, creating new versions to celebrate each Leica exhibition, including a one-of-one Leica M6 Orca Edition and a special M11 version for the current show.
Using rangefinder cameras underwater presents unique challenges that Draper embraces. "The rangefinder is, without question, the hardest and most impractical camera I could have chosen to take underwater," he admits. However, this difficulty fuels his inspiration and aligns with his philosophy that "effort and discipline always outshine raw talent." He advocates for artists to create primarily for themselves, noting that authenticity always shows in the work.
Leica's support for Draper reflects the company's commitment to artistic excellence. Art Director Karin Rehn-Kaufmann describes his work as embodying "patience, respect for nature, and a deep emotional connection to the subjects he photographs." The gallery's layout for "Within One Breath" is designed to be spacious, calm, and immersive, with works installed chronologically to show the evolution of Draper's vision over time.
This exhibition coincides with Leica's celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the world's first 35mm camera. Rehn-Kaufmann emphasizes that this milestone "is not only about history; it is about continuing to support artists who redefine how we see, feel, and understand the world." The anniversary year highlights a century of extraordinary photographers who have shaped visual storytelling.
"Within One Breath" runs at the Leica Gallery New York until January 11, 2026, with free admission to both regular viewing and special events. The exhibition opened with a celebration on November 6, demonstrating continued public interest in Draper's unique artistic vision that bridges technical innovation with profound respect for marine life.
