Although Eric Hanauer made his first dives in Chicago’s lakes and quarries in 1959, he didn’t focus primarily on diving until 15 years later.  In the meantime he was a successful swimming and water polo coach at Morgan Park High School (Chicago) and at California State University Fullerton.  He developed the grab start, which is now used by swimmers worldwide. 

Hanauer founded the scuba program at Cal State Fullerton, and when he moved from coaching into teaching began shooting pictures underwater instead of shooting fish.  He introduced thousands of students to the underwater world during his 35 years as an associate professor of physical education. 

In 1977, he broke into a new field with his first article in Skin Diver magazine.  Over the past 30 years, his photos and articles have been published in magazines, books, posters, and CDs worldwide.  He has written guidebooks to the Red Sea and Micronesia, as well as an oral history of diving in America (see Publications page).  Recently Hanauer began shooting underwater video, and his work as been selected for showing in festivals, on the internet, on iTunes, and in TV commercials.  He is past president of the San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition (UFEX).

Born in Stuttgart, Germany and raised in Chicago, Eric was educated in the Chicago Public Schools, then earned a BS in Physical Education at George Williams College, and an MS in Physical Education at UCLA. His wife, Karen Straus, is also an active diver and underwater photographer. They live in San Diego.

To contact Eric regarding image licensing, prints, or assignments, please send e-mail to: cubs4vr@gmail.com