Lensman dives into the ocean's problems
By Xu Wei |
December 30, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FOR 30 years underwater photographer Brian Skerry has been exploring the ocean's wildlife from polar waters to tropical reefs, and says the message behind his spectacular images is simple: If the ocean dies, so do we.
"The ocean is not limitless with endless resources. It is fragile and is suffering from many years of abuse. The ocean and its inhabitants are absolutely amazing, but they will all soon be gone if we do not act."
His photos show not only great beauty but also great damage to species and the ocean environment.
Skerry, an award-winning contract photographer for National Geographic magazine since 1998, recently delivered a talk organized by National Geographic China in Shanghai, showing his photos of rarely seen places and marine behavior. He highlighted many problems, such as over fishing, pollution, solid waste, reckless human development, and lack of protection of the marine environment and species.
He shared amusing stories of his experiences and how he managed to get great shots.
Skerry is the author of five books on the ocean and marine photography, the latest being "Ocean Soul" (2011). His photographs are widely published and he is a frequent speaker about the ocean environment.
Born in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1962, Skerry studied media and communications in college. He said he always wanted to explore the ocean.
He recently spoke with Shanghai Daily.
Q: How did you decide to become marine life photojournalist?
A: I began as a diver, just wanting to explore the ocean. When I was 16, I attended a conference where underwater photographers and filmmakers showed their work. I was inspired and decided this would be a perfect career, exploring the ocean with a camera. I loved storytelling and I'm a very visual person, so this seemed ideal.
Q: What are some of the challenges of shooting underwater?
A: Underwater photography is quite different. To begin, cameras must be placed inside housings, so film (compact flash cards) and lenses cannot be changed. We also cannot really use telephoto lenses due to visibility. We must get very close to our subjects, usually within 1 or 2 meters.
Q: What has amazed you most in your explorations?
A: That wild animals continually allow me into their world.
Q: Considering climate change and pollution, what have you discovered about marine wildlife? What's the message of your photos?
A: The ocean is not limitless with endless resources. It is fragile and is suffering from many years of abuse. The message of my work is that the ocean and its inhabitants are absolutely amazing, but they will all soon be gone if we do not act. And when the ocean dies, we die.
Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience?
A: I've had many fantastic experiences. Perhaps the most memorable was when I was photographing Southern Right Whales in the sub-Antarctic region of New Zealand. This population had recently been discovered and had never seen a human before. They were very curious about me.
Q: What's the most important part of being a successful photographer?
A: Being patient. And also problem solving.
Q: What have been the most satisfying, and regrettable, aspects of your career?
A: It is most satisfying to inspire others. I am most pleased when I hear from people worldwide that my work touched them. I have very few regrets, it's all been very good.
Q: You spend so much time traveling. How do you balance your marine life and personal life?
A: This is very difficult. I typically spend eight months a year in the field. My family is wonderful and supportive, but it's hard at times. I try to make the most of it when I am home and now that my children are older, I try to involve my family in my work.
Q: What's your next project? Anything in China?
A: I'm working on a story on endangered bluefin tuna. I have no plans in China but would love to photograph here soon.
"The ocean is not limitless with endless resources. It is fragile and is suffering from many years of abuse. The ocean and its inhabitants are absolutely amazing, but they will all soon be gone if we do not act."
His photos show not only great beauty but also great damage to species and the ocean environment.
Skerry, an award-winning contract photographer for National Geographic magazine since 1998, recently delivered a talk organized by National Geographic China in Shanghai, showing his photos of rarely seen places and marine behavior. He highlighted many problems, such as over fishing, pollution, solid waste, reckless human development, and lack of protection of the marine environment and species.
He shared amusing stories of his experiences and how he managed to get great shots.
Skerry is the author of five books on the ocean and marine photography, the latest being "Ocean Soul" (2011). His photographs are widely published and he is a frequent speaker about the ocean environment.
Born in Milford, Massachusetts, in 1962, Skerry studied media and communications in college. He said he always wanted to explore the ocean.
He recently spoke with Shanghai Daily.
Q: How did you decide to become marine life photojournalist?
A: I began as a diver, just wanting to explore the ocean. When I was 16, I attended a conference where underwater photographers and filmmakers showed their work. I was inspired and decided this would be a perfect career, exploring the ocean with a camera. I loved storytelling and I'm a very visual person, so this seemed ideal.
Q: What are some of the challenges of shooting underwater?
A: Underwater photography is quite different. To begin, cameras must be placed inside housings, so film (compact flash cards) and lenses cannot be changed. We also cannot really use telephoto lenses due to visibility. We must get very close to our subjects, usually within 1 or 2 meters.
Q: What has amazed you most in your explorations?
A: That wild animals continually allow me into their world.
Q: Considering climate change and pollution, what have you discovered about marine wildlife? What's the message of your photos?
A: The ocean is not limitless with endless resources. It is fragile and is suffering from many years of abuse. The message of my work is that the ocean and its inhabitants are absolutely amazing, but they will all soon be gone if we do not act. And when the ocean dies, we die.
Q: Is there a particularly memorable experience?
A: I've had many fantastic experiences. Perhaps the most memorable was when I was photographing Southern Right Whales in the sub-Antarctic region of New Zealand. This population had recently been discovered and had never seen a human before. They were very curious about me.
Q: What's the most important part of being a successful photographer?
A: Being patient. And also problem solving.
Q: What have been the most satisfying, and regrettable, aspects of your career?
A: It is most satisfying to inspire others. I am most pleased when I hear from people worldwide that my work touched them. I have very few regrets, it's all been very good.
Q: You spend so much time traveling. How do you balance your marine life and personal life?
A: This is very difficult. I typically spend eight months a year in the field. My family is wonderful and supportive, but it's hard at times. I try to make the most of it when I am home and now that my children are older, I try to involve my family in my work.
Q: What's your next project? Anything in China?
A: I'm working on a story on endangered bluefin tuna. I have no plans in China but would love to photograph here soon.
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