A former regional press journalist is taking her career to new depths after starting her own underwater photography business.

Lucy Ray, left, who worked at the Matlock Mercury and Bradford’s Telegraph & Argus between 2003 and 2011, will be photographing mainly underwater portraits of babies and children, as well as some underwater editorial work.

She has worked for the Daily Mail for the last two years but decided to launch the new website, Starfish Underwater Photography, this week to combine her interests of swimming and photography.

“I have been taking underwater photographs for many years and I saw a gap in the market,” said Lucy.

“Quite often it is swimming teachers who have gone into this type of photography but I think my previous press experience will really help.”

Lucy began taking pictures underwater after qualifying as a scuba diver in 2001 and continued to develop the underwater specialism while working as a staff photographer.

For more information on Lucy’s website visit www.starfishunderwaterphotography.com.