#NAUIDiveSpotlight: Brandi Mueller | A Life Shaped by Saltwater and Storytelling
Meet Brandi Mueller, Our latest #NAUIDiveSpotlight! With a camera in one hand and a compass in the other, Brandi Mueller has spent the last two decades navigating the world’s oceans. As a USCG Merchant Marine Captain, photographer, author, and group leader, she has traveled to more than 70 countries while documenting marine life, shipwrecks, and the stories hidden beneath the waves. Her work reflects a deep commitment to both technical excellence and artistic storytelling. Through teaching, writing, and leading workshops, Brandi continues to inspire divers of all experience levels to approach the ocean with curiosity, respect, and a sense of wonder.
A Journey Fueled by Curiosity and Experience
Brandi Mueller began her professional path in marine biology. After a few unsuccessful battles with chemistry, she pursued dive training alongside her undergraduate studies.
This dual path led to a realization that time spent in the water brought more fulfillment than time in academic labs. Following a master’s degree and several years working toward a PhD, she stepped fully into the dive industry. Her time on liveaboards introduced her to professionals in underwater photography and writing, which slowly transformed her hobby into a career.
Photography became a regular part of her work while serving as a Photo Pro aboard liveaboards. That role eventually led to writing magazine articles, publishing books, and leading photo trips around the globe. Her journey showcases how diverse experiences within diving can converge into a fulfilling lifestyle. Her book, Underwater Museums, is available now!
A Wreck That Sparked a Lifelong Obsession
In 2012, Brandi traveled to Truk Lagoon. The experience left a lasting impression. Diving nearly 20 Japanese WWII wrecks aboard the Truk Odyssey opened her eyes to the complexity and depth of underwater history. Each wreck told a different story. From its construction and role during wartime to its sinking and the marine life that has since claimed it. Brandi describes this transformation as witnessing a preserved moment in time that continues to evolve.
The artifacts, coral growth, and marine residents on these sunken vessels are visual reminders of resilience and memory. They ignited her passion for storytelling through both images and words and shifted her creative energy toward documenting underwater heritage.
Wearing Many Hats on the Water
With more than 20 years of teaching experience and a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners captain’s license, Brandi knows the realities of multitasking. Each contract brings a different mix of roles. At times she is leading dives and photographing daily. In other phases, she serves as captain and only dives occasionally. Even when her dive time is limited, she brings her camera to stay creatively connected. Her off-seasons provide opportunities to visit new destinations, gather content, and conduct photography workshops.
She often reminds aspiring professionals that variety in roles can actually sharpen your skills. Leading dives keeps her connected to students. Captaining offers a broader view of the logistics and planning behind marine travel. Photography adds a layer of observation that deepens every underwater moment.
The Most Unexpected Piece of Gear
Out of all her tools, Brandi swears by her muck stick. When used appropriately, it helps stabilize her position in the water. This small tool provides the balance needed for crisp shots and helps minimize movement around marine life. She especially likes the version made by Backscatter, which includes a mount for off-camera lighting.
While it may seem insignificant compared to high-end housings or strobes, the muck stick has proven essential. It supports good buoyancy habits, protects fragile marine ecosystems, and provides stability for fine-tuning focus on macro subjects.
Lighting the Darkness in Cave Photography
Brandi recently completed her cave diver certification and has started capturing images in overhead environments. Cave photography brings a unique set of challenges. Brandi trained with Mauro Bordignon of Cave World in Mexico, who helped guide her through both safe diving practices and lighting techniques. She recommends high-ISO capable cameras, carrying multiple strong lights, and tracking where lights are placed. Above all, she emphasizes that preserving the cave environment must come first.
She notes that the skills gained in caves also translate well to wrecks and low-light reef dives. Thinking ahead, keeping gear organized, and moving deliberately all contribute to better safety and better photos.
Personal Growth Through Technical Diving
Brandi had completed thousands of dives before she explored technical, cave, and cold-water diving. These new disciplines pushed her out of her comfort zone. Through this training, she realized there was much more to learn and many more ways to grow. The process made her a stronger, more aware diver.
She describes the experience as humbling. After years of success in recreational diving, stepping into unfamiliar territory required vulnerability.
Advice for Young Women Exploring Dive Careers
Brandi encourages women to follow what brings them joy. She has taken on many roles—captain, instructor, photographer, writer—and each came from saying yes to new opportunities. She reminds aspiring professionals that no path is permanent. Trying something new can open doors to the unexpected, and sometimes the best opportunities start with uncertainty. Her advice is simple: reflect on what brings you happiness, do more of that, and allow yourself the freedom to adapt as you grow.
She also emphasizes the importance of community. Many of her opportunities came through connections built on boats, in the field, or at workshops. Staying open to collaboration and forming genuine bonds within the dive industry can make all the difference in a successful and sustainable career.
Follow Brandi's Work:
Brandi’s Book Underwater Museums: Link
