Fairyland Reef Print – Dreamy Coral Scene from Raja Ampat
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Time to read 6 min
An underwater wonderland unfolds before me, and this one had that little extra wow factor...
Diving the reefs of Raja Ampat is an underwater lovers delight. The water is crystal clear, the reefs are vibrant and full of colour, and the structures leave you in awe of what is hiding within! But you may not see these colours with the naked eye... check out the video to learn more!
The Story Behind 'Fairyland'
I truly love making large prints from my images, not only because they are spectacular in print, but also because they enhance my memory of the experience, long after I click the shutter.
This scene was part of a larger coral garden bed that was nestled under a rocky overhang. It was also quite surge'y, meaning I was being swept (ever so gently) left to right in the water column, making you really feel like you're one of the fishies!
The waves were also crashing into the rock wall making for extra dimension in the top section of the print.
Fish darted through coral structures like little fairies, and the whole reef shimmered with life. It was peaceful, surreal and pure magic.
And so this image earn't its name 'Fairyland' and it's become quite a client favourite. It’s the kind of print that makes you stop, take a breath, and smile!
Visitors to the gallery often say it brings a sense of calm too. What do you feel?
Fairyland looks incredible on the wall - the bigger the better!
Other Ways You Can Take Fairyland Home...
The Finer Details - For The Photo Buffs!
Piece name: Fairyland
Medium and size available: Get Fairyland as an Unframed Print, Framed Fine Art Print, Brushed Aluminium (as seen on the Gallery wall in the video), Framed Canvas, Wood Block or Acrylic. Multiple size options available from 11 x 16 inches up to the 60 x 40 inch size seen in the Gallery.
Subject: Underwater colour-rich fish and coral reef scene.
Location: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Equipment Used: Canon 5DMIV + 16-35mm L series lens. Ikelite housing and strobes
Depth/Height: Shallow dive, around 4–5 metres
FAQ's – The 'Fairyland' Print
1. What inspired this artwork?
This piece was created during one of those rare, magical moments underwater. I was diving through a reef section in Raja Ampat when I swam across a coral bommie teeming with tiny fish, sunlight filtering through like something from a dream. The scene felt like an underwater fairy tale and so the name Fairyland was a natural fit.
Take this lovely piece at home, shop ‘Fairyland’ now:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
2. Where was the original photo taken?
This photo was captured in the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia - often called the crown jewel of the Coral Triangle. It’s one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, bursting with colour, life, and clarity.
Click the link below to take this print yours:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
3. Why is the print called 'Fairyland'?
The reef was absolutely bursting with colour and life, with shafts of sunlight lighting up the coral and fish like something from another world. It felt like a magical kingdom below the surface—so Fairyland seemed just right.
Shop 'Fairyland' here:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
4. What size is this print available in?
Fairyland is available in a range of sizes, starting from 11 x 16 inches all the way up to a stunning 80 x 40 inches. Whether you’re after something small and personal or a bold statement piece, there’s a size to suit.
Explore all the sizes here:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
5. What print mediums do you offer?
You can choose from a variety of premium mediums, including:
· Canvas (framed or unframed)
· Brushed aluminium (as it is in the Gallery)
· Acrylic glass
· Fine art cotton rag paper (framed or unframed)
· Timber-mounted options
As seen in the Fairyland video, it’s printed on brushed aluminium - which gives it this stunning metallic, almost TV-like glow. It catches the light beautifully, almost like a lightbox. That said, all our finishes are gallery-quality and crafted to last, so it really comes down to your style and space.
Customers in the gallery often make the remark of how peice resembles a big fish tank and we respond with 'It is just less maintenance.' So for a fuss-free fish tank, check out 'Fairyland'.
Click here to pick your perfect finish and make ‘Fairyland’ part of your space:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
6. Is Fairyland available in any smaller formats or gifts?
Yes! Fairyland is also featured on our greeting cards, acrylic photo blocks, and in small to medium-sized photo mounts - perfect for gifts, desks, or smaller spaces where you still want a pop of reef magic.
Shop the gift range of fairyland products here:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
7. What kind of spaces does this artwork suit?
This piece brings a sense of calm, wonder, and nature’s beauty into any room. It works beautifully in:
· Coastal or beach-inspired homes
· Living rooms or bedrooms with soft, earthy tones
· Nurseries and kids’ rooms (it's whimsical and gentle!)
· Studios or creative spaces
· Any spot where you want a little magic from the sea
Do you have the perfect spot in mind? Click here and take home ‘Fairyland’:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
8. Are your underwater images edited or enhanced?
All my underwater images are colour corrected to reflect what the human eye would naturally see underwater if it had a light source! However, I never composite or “add” elements. What you see in Fairyland is what I saw—a real moment just as it happened.
Check out all the sizes and options here:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
9. How long have you been doing underwater photography?
I’ve been photographing underwater for over a decade. My background in professional photography and love for scuba diving and the ocean naturally evolved into a passion for capturing marine life in their element, moments of connection, curiosity, and wonder.
Learn more about me here...
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/pages/story-2024
10. Can I get this print framed and ready to hang?
Absolutely. We offer framing services for most sizes and mediums. Each print arrives ready to hang, with your choice of black, white, or oak frame (for fine art prints), or floating frames for canvas. Just let us know your space and style, and we can help guide your choice.
Click here to see more on framing options:
https://aboveandbelowgallery.com.au/products/fairy-land-underwater-reef-print
Other Reef Prints
If this Fairyland Underwater Reef Print has caught your attention, there’s so much more reef beauty to discover. Each print in our 'below' collection showcases the vibrant colours, delicate coral, and peaceful charm of the underwater world.
Looking for something to brighten a hallway or narrow wall? Our vertical reef prints are ideal, drawing the eye into the scene and giving the feeling of diving straight into a coral wonderland.
For a striking focal point, consider going large. A statement-sized reef print transforms a space, surrounding you with rich blues, intricate coral details, and the calm that only the ocean can bring. Whether you prefer a wide reef vista or a close-up coral view, the scale and detail will transport you beneath the waves.
And the best part, these are all unique prints, captured by Whitsunday Photographer Brooke Miles. Never mass produced, you’re buying direct from Brooke's gallery.
About Above and Below Gallery & Brooke Miles
Above and Below Gallery™, founded and owned by Australian photographic artist Brooke Miles, is based in the heart of Airlie Beach in the beautiful Whitsundays of North Queensland.
Every piece is captured by Brooke herself, never mass-produced, never offshore, and shipped straight from QLD or VIC. You’re buying direct from the artist, with no middleman and no bulk production, just honest, meaningful art made with purpose!
The gallery is proud to be 100% artist-owned, a member of 1% For The Planet, and committed to using packaging that is mostly recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable.
Brooke’s collections are a visual feast, from unique aerial views of the islands and reefs to intimate underwater moments with whales, turtles, and vibrant marine life, as well as stunning shots of rainforests, cities, and more.
Sought after by hotels, luxury homes, and airports, Brooke Miles's gallery offers breathtaking photographic art and luxurious gifts in-store and online, with free Australian shipping* and international options available.
Have a question for the team?