BROOKS II, Ernest H.

BROOKS II, Ernest H. “Ernie”

USA (1935- )

Last updated: March 26, 2020 at 1:36 am

Pioneering underwater photographer; author; educator; president of the Brooks Institute of Photography from 1971 to 2000; transformed the Institute into a coveted four-year university-level program; former U.S. Air Force pilot; met Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1956 after flying over the Calypso and then introducing himself at the dock the following day; instructed Calypso photographers for 17 years after retiring from the air force; has led multiple photographic expeditions around the world, including both poles; contributed to numerous high-profile magazines and organizations; graduate of the Brooks Institute of Photography, which was founded in 1945 by his father, Ernest H. Brooks; was first published in a newspaper at age five; took his first underwater photos using a custom-built aluminum housing for his father’s Exakta camera; began diving in 1949 and has since made over 15,000 dives.

“This is my moment in time, this is what I see. Your moment will be different.” — Ernie Brooks

Legend of the Sea (Beneath the Sea, 2012)
Our World-Underwater Award (2011, 1991)
International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (2005)
Hans Hass Diving to Adventure Award (HDS, 2003)
Partner’s Award (American Oceans Campaign, 1996)
National Award (The Underwater Society of America, 1977)
NOGI Award (Arts, 1975)
Triton Award (Inner Space Pacifica, 1973)
Diver of the Year (Beneath the Sea)

Ernie Brooks

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