1. How old were you when you started scuba diving?

 15.

2. When you first started, did you have any idea that your diving would lead you to become an underwater photographer? 

 No I didn’t, I just thought I would stick with diving.

3. What inspired you to become an underwater photographer?

In 2011, in Mexico, I participated in 2 dive trips where I saw all these sharks and manta rays; which I found pretty amazing.

4.  When you first began your journey as an underwater photographer what camera did you use?

I first used a Niko D90 camera.

5. Would you say it took you a while to master the techniques and strategies that come with underwater photography?

Yes, however I had previously practiced photography before; so I didn’t have much trouble with the learning of underwater photography.

6. Do you use artificial light or sunlight/moonlight?

 I use strobe light and sunlight.

7. At what depth is natural light best?

Between 10-20 ft, I believe to be the best depth. Below 15-20 ft you can use background light; although the color isn’t always great.

8. What has been the longest time that it has taken you to set up a series of shots or single picture shot?  

At a river it took me 2-3 hours to set up a series of pictures to photograph salmon spawning.

9. Do you encourage other divers or non-divers to take up underwater photography? Do you conduct courses in underwater photography? Do you visits schools or universities? 

Yes, I allow those interested to join in the workshops that I run. I don’t impose people with the learning of underwater photography, unless they want to take it up. I don’t visit colleges and schools, but I find this interesting to try.

10. How do you multitask underwater taking photos, yet at the same time keeping in mind your air supply and all the other safety considerations that come with scuba diving?

Yes, your life depends on it. There should be a balance between focusing on your photos, yet also diving skills (buoyancy, air). Before attempting a picture dive, one should feel like they’re diving skills are second nature to them; otherwise it is dangerous.

11. Have you ever been so focused on your photography that you have risked running out of air, or run out of air?

 No, but a couple times I have exceeded my limits of safety. In Mexico, these hammer head sharks I was photographing distracted me from paying attention to my air supply.

12. What is your favorite animal or organism to photograph and why?

Salmon, they are so accessible for me to photograph, as I live near them in Campbell River. If I didn’t live near a river of salmon they probably wouldn’t be my favorite animals to photograph. I do like photographing sharks, but everyone seems to photograph them.

13. Has there ever been a time when you were physically attacked by the specimen that you were photographing? If so, how did you deal with this?

No, but quite recently a salmon bit my hand when I was photographing it, it must have assumed my hand was another salmon.

14. What is your favorite dive location and why?

Socorro Island in Mexico, an offshore island; because of all the animals that I can photograph, such as the sharks and manta rays.

15. Would you say it is more important to stay warm when your use you mind, eyes and body to take photographs, compared to regular diving?

Yes, because when you’re cold you most likely aren’t moving, and your goal is to move around and start taking pictures. This is a sort of awareness for your body.

16. Is underwater photography more of a hobby or profession for you? If you didn’t make any money taking underwater photos, would you still do it?

Underwater Photography is a profession for me. Even if I didn’t make money on it, I would still do it.

17. What is the most dangerous situation you have encountered?

 It hasn’t happened; besides a few minor mishaps like the salmon biting my hand and managing my air supply and other dive- related problems.

18. What is the deepest depth that you have taken photos?

In Tansas, Vancouver Island, BC I went to a depth of 162 ft. to take photographs.

19. How did you manage to have a photo published in “National Geographic” Magazine?

Luck, I didn’t plan it; it just happened. I was taking photos in a swamp and a person approached me and asked if I would like to have a photo published in National Geographic. My photos struck people and that is why I’m famous today.