Finding My Passion

Finding My Passion Below the Surface: A Journey into Underwater Photography
text by Gabriela Guberman

THE BUSTLING, OTHERWORLDLY ACTION OF THE SARDINE RUN became tenfold better when I switched vessels to Mission 1 Ocean’s boat. From admiring the frothing seas brimming with life to helping film this world-class natural spectacle, I could hardly believe my luck. I was incredibly fortunate when these well-known French photographers and filmmakers welcomed me aboard—something that would quickly prove to be a life-changing experience. Allured by the peculiar-looking gear and the chance to speak the language I love, I approached the men with an endless stream of enthusiastic questions, a simple act that would become the catalyst for a new adventure. Little did I know they were the renowned Alexis Rosenfeld and Mission 1 Ocean / UNESCO.

For four whole days, I was captivated—totally enthralled and inspired. Their overflowing passion for capturing and preserving the ocean’s magnificence through film and education was contagious. I decided then and there that this was what I wanted to do. My childhood love for the ocean was brought back to the surface. They had planted a seed, but one that would have to wait until I came across Dive Action in Cape Town to properly germinate.
After hours spent dreaming and unproductively searching the internet, I was pointed towards Barry and Sarah at Dive Action—the only Nauticam dealer in South Africa. This would prove to be a vital step in turning my dream into reality.

A few weeks later, I bought the camera of my dreams and headed to Cape Town to pick it up. Much to my surprise, rather than just hand it over, the team at Dive Action went above and beyond in every way possible. They welcomed me for four days, not only showing me the ropes of my new camera but teaching me everything I wanted to learn—from how to edit photos in post-production to giving me a free course on Nitrox diving and even taking me on multiple dives.

This fantastic team from a tucked-away dive operation taught me the ins and outs of my new image-capturing marvel. Everything from how to assemble this complex contraption, to caring for it, and even countless nifty tips and tricks gained from years of experience. They lent me anything I needed without batting an eyelid, helping and encouraging me as I began finding my feet in this wonderful profession.

My first dive in the Cape was eye-opening. The sheer quantity of vibrant life filling these icy waters is outstanding. Huge schools of curious fish pulse in and out of the underwater forests, while carpets of bright, colorful marine life add an otherworldly dimension to the mysterious, watery realm. I was ecstatic, my excitement bubbling over despite being limited to hand signals for communication. The tiniest areas had me glued to the viewfinder, relishing every detail of the reef.

Armed with this fantastic new camera, the world is my oyster. I’m passionate about sharing the wonders of our underwater world with the younger generation—the future custodians of our planet. My goal is to inspire as many people as I can, introducing them to the amazing world found beneath the surface through my lens and pen.

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