I love being a part of making documentaries. There exists a delicate dance between art and science, where the goal is not just to entertain but also to educate and inspire.
Working with Dr Alex Schnell was an added bonus to the assignment with National Geographic, as a photographer is so important to be comfortable working with cast / crew this allows you to relax and bump into your creative state much faster therefore you capture better quality images and you have fun whilst doing so.
My recent venture as a photographer and aerial videographer on the captivating new Disney+ show directed by James Cameron, Secrets of the Octopus plunged me into the depths of the ocean, where I had the opportunity to spend time with these incredibly intelligent and fascinating creatures.
As an experienced nature photographer the ocean, with its boundless depths and mysterious inhabitants, has always held an allure for me. Yet, venturing into the realm of octopuses presented a unique set of challenges. These creatures, masters of camouflage and adaptation, inhabit a world largely unseen by human eyes. Capturing their secret lives demanded patience, ingenuity, and a deep reverence for nature's intricacies.
As the series photographer, my task was to unveil the hidden beauty of these creatures, to capture moments of intimacy and intrigue that would transport viewers into their mesmerising world. It meant working with the production team to navigate the currents and shadows to find moments of connection with these elusive beings.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of my role was my role as aerial videographer for the documentary, a role in which I was required to capture aerial footage for the production as the cast crossed the globe in their search. From above, the ocean took on a whole new dimension, its vastness and complexity laid bare. The challenge lay in finding the perfect vantage point, where the interplay of light and shadow would reveal the intricate dance of life below. It was a delicate balance of technical precision and artistic vision, where every frame told a story of resilience and adaptation.
But amid the thrill of capturing breathtaking imagery, there were moments of profound introspection. As I witnessed firsthand the grace and intelligence of these creatures, I couldn't help but feel a sense of humility. Through stunning visuals and compelling narratives courtesy of a world-class production team, we invite viewers to embark on a journey of discovery, to witness firsthand the beauty and complexity of the octopus - their secrets are more extraordinary than we ever imagined.
