My Photography Highlights

"Navy subs still show issue with stealth coating" by William Cole, May 5, 2017

Released by Mutual Publishing in November 2017, the book features 10 of my photos of Rocky and Kaimana taken when they were together on Kaimana Beach.  

Photos of Hawaiian Monk Seals featured on website for conservation and education and outreach efforts.   Become a volunteer!

What to do if you see a Hawaiian Monk Seal.  NOAA distance and reporting guidelines.

Article about a Hawaiian Monk Seal mama Pohaku and her pup Nanea...the first monk seal to give birth on Oahu's west side in over 40 years.  

While we have been sheltering at home for the past three months, the Earth has been healing from humanity.  Closer to home, our coral reefs are rebounding in the absence of endless processions of beachgoers. Fish are more present in favorite snorkeling sites like Hanauma Bay and Molokini. Monk seals and honu are relaxing on Oʻahu beaches... 

 America's Marine Sanctuaries: A Photographic Exploration tells the story of fourteen underwater places so important they are under special protection, together forming the US National Marine Sanctuary System.  Through 175 full-color photographs and lively narrative, the book showcases each of the marine sanctuaries and the creatures that live there, from whales and manatees to Hawaiian monk seals and Laysan ducks, as well as sunken ships from the Ghost Fleet and USS Monitor to Shipwreck Alley.   

Click on Photo to Purchase $34.95

Waikiki Aquariumʻs Hoʻokūkū Kiʻi Kai Ocean Photo Contest winner.  Photo of Hawaiian Monk Seal pup entitled "Nohea Tossing Cowry Shell" chosen to be in their 2021 calendar.   

This edition of PALM Magazine will showcase my photos for a feature story about the Official Bird of the City and County of Honolulu...the White Tern or Manu O Ku.  (October 2020)

The Hawaiian Monk Seal, or ‘Ïlioholoikauaua, is endemic to the Hawaiian islands - meaning they are found nowhere else in the world. These beautiful creatures have been on the Endangered Species list since 1976. The extreme decline in their population is a direct result of human behavior and activities. - Photos: Melody Bentz 

 This book is written for an early reader. It features captions, glossary and key text features for a non-fiction book. It is designed for children just learning to read and is the easiest reading level of the Above the Ocean book series. It is a part of a series of books about seabirds, their chicks and their environment. In this book we follow the growth and challenges faced by a Manu-o-Kū (or White Tern chick) named Charlie that hatched on the limb of a tree growing in downtown Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Contributing Photographer:  Melody Bentz.  Available on Amazon ($6.50)