​​D  A  V  I  D    P A L F R E Y

Based in the UK, I’m an underwater cinematographer, self-shooting Assistant Producer, Photographer and award winning Filmmaker drawn to wild places and the stories unfolding beneath the surface. My work sits at the intersection of science, conservation and adventure, blending creative techniques with a passionate drive to make environmental storytelling resonate. I thrive in remote environments and challenging conditions worldwide. I believe ocean stories deserve more than quiet attention, and my aim is to shake audiences out of indifference and spark fresh attention around stories that matter. 

Shooting Experience

• Underwater, topside, aerial & remote camera operator.
• Capable of self-shooting and self-directing.
• Experienced with Gates & Nauticam housings paired with RED, Sony, Canon and Arri camera systems.

As a multi-genre underwater operator, I have experience on feature films, live sports including the Paris 2024 Olympic games. More recently I have began ROV and remote camera operating as well as working with immersive technologies and Virtual Production to capture underwater habitats. From macro to megafauna, I love problem solving and developing creative solutions for filmmaking needs. I bring a strong understanding of storytelling, contributor-led filming and editorial intent, enabling me to capture material that serves both the narrative and the production.  

Diving Experience

• HSE Part 4 commercial diver, BSAC Dive Instructor, TDI Solo Diver, Advanced Freediver and a Closed Circuit Rebreather Mod 1 certified​ Revo III owner.
• Active scientific survey diver & skipper.
• Extensive remote location experience in SE Asia, The South Pacific, Australasia and the Caribbean (10 years)

Having worked in conservation and marine research, I have 3000+ logged dives behind the camera in varying conditions as a predominantly independent diver. I strive to have minimal impact on the natural world around me and have a profound respect for safety and wildlife. During this time I have witnessed rare and exciting natural events and developed a strong understanding of animal behaviour. 

Multi Skilled

• Experienced at researching and developing narratives from pre-production phases to post-production.
• Trained camera technician with remote systems, bespoke cameras and ROV experience.
• Competent editor trained in edit assisting workflows on Avid, Premiere and DaVinci workflows.

As an independent filmmaker I write, produce, shoot and edit my own short films. I often work as a self-shooting Assistant Producer and freelance camera operator, combining editorial awareness with underwater camera operation to capture both narrative and observational sequences in challenging marine environments. I enjoy shaping sequences from the earliest ideas and seeing them from production right through to post. ​

Services I offer:

• Underwater camera operation for natural history TV.
• Self-shooting AP roles for documentary production.
• Marine conservation, scientific and NGO filmmaking.
• Feature film and commercial underwater camera operating.
• Scientific diving and marine research documentation
• Aerial + topside supporting cinematography.

Production Work & Credits

• ​2026 - The One Show - Nudiblitz! - Underwater camera operator - Bryan Leith Productions for BBC 1 (coming soon)
• 2026 - SHARK! (Australia) - Underwater cinematographer - ITV/Plimsoll Productions for Channel 9 (Australia)
• 2026 - Deadly 60 - Series 7 - UK Special - Underwater camera operator - BBC Natural History Unit
• 2025 - Visit Wales Campaign - Underwater camera operator - Orchard Productions
• 2025 - The One Show - Octopus Invasion! - Underwater safety team - Bryan Leith Productions for BBC 1
• 2025 - SHARK! Celebrity infested Waters - Hybrid AP/camera operator - Plimsoll Productions for ITV

• 2025 - Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning - Cruise/Wagner Productions & Skydance Media

• 2024 - Deadly 60 - Series 5 - Hybrid Researcher/ Underwater Camera Operator - BBC Natural History Unit

• 2023 - Fast and Furious X - Universal Studios

• 2023 - Deadly Mission Shark - Hybrid Researcher/ Underwater Camera Operator - BBC Natural History Unit
• 2023 - Spy In The Ocean - Hybrid underwater camera assistant/camera operator - John Downer Productions for BBC
• 2020 - Ocean Souls - Additional underwater photography - Ocean Souls Films / Wildlife Media
• 2013 - Doctor Who - Series 7 - Assistant editing & Additional content creation - BBC Cymru
• 2012 - Pobol Y Cwm - Edit assistant - BBC Cymru/S4C

Available for underwater camera operator and self-shooting AP roles across UK and international productions.​
I love a challenge, am always up for hearing about potential projects.
I look forward to hearing from you.