Don’t quit on this short film…
Darren Jew: “I’m fortunate enough to have spent the last 30 years of my life capturing and sharing the marine environments of the world. Of the things that I have photographed in my life, I enjoyed photographing the ocean the most. It’s my love. It’s my passion. The creatures within it. The way the light falls within the sea. To be able to capture that and show people what can be achieved with photography under the water is one of the things I love to do. I’ve been in the water with people that have seen whales for the first time, and their mask has been filling up with tears. It’s been that powerful of an experience. Every swim with a whale is different. I’m still in awe of their power and their grace and their acceptance of me when I’m in the water and what they offer up in terms of photographic opportunities. From a young age I’ve wanted to do exactly what I’m doing now. Every time I get in the water, I remember how lucky I am…I am trying to show images of the moments that are most important to me. The ones that have touched me. The ones that I feel are the most descriptive of the experience that I have when under the sea. Whether it’s 8 or 10 animals dancing in the beautiful sunrays. Or intimate moments with a calf interaction. Being able to share intimate moments with these animals is a real privilege…The thing about the Sea is that it is usually pretty silent. So, to have the sea full of whale song is like nothing else. There is no other experience that I could think of that is like it. It vibrates through your body. Literally, you can feel the sound. It is probably one of the most poignant experiences you can have in the ocean. The best encounters with whales are the ones where they are interested, curious about the swimmers in the water. And they’ll come up – look you in the eye. And that’s quite a profound moment. It’s like no other feeling that I’ve had before…Even after 30 years of seeing these amazing creatures in the ocean, sometimes I still have to remember to take pictures because I’m too busy of being in awe of what’s in front of me.”
Stunning. I’m amazed at how close the mother whale lets him get to her calf. I think that would be nerve wracking–thinking that the mother might suddenly perceive me as a threat that needs to be {ahem} eliminated….. But truly ethereal images. I can see why he’s hooked….
They really are (ethereal images). What a job this man has…
“I’m too busy being in awe of what’s in front of me” – yes. I totally get that. Just phenomenal footage.
Yes, it was awesome Mimi. Spell binding…
“Even after 30 years of seeing these amazing creatures in the ocean, sometimes I still have to remember to take pictures because I’m too busy of being in awe of what’s in front of me.” i agree mimi, this last line says it all. amazing grace.
It does. Amazing…all of it.
How wonderful to do what you love. Really. We talk about that all the time, but Darren embodies it. You can see the peace in his face, hear it in his voice. What a Teacher.
Yes, wonderful man. Not hard to see why he’s a Master at his craft.
Soul stirring ~ you are quite right.
Got me right there Yvonne
There are so many “awe-factors” in this film. That he recognizes the animals’ acceptance of us is so profound; that after all the time he has been doing this, he still appreciates the gifts he is being given is inspiring. And what a plug for Canon!
Yes, AWE-period.
I love this David, thanks. And I can only imagine what goes on in the soul of that man at the end of a day of such fulfillment. His life is filled with amazement.
Yes Carol. You can see the wonder and peace in his face and when he speaks. Amazing.
So deeply soul stirring.. I am profoundly moved.. In fact brought to tears by the sheer beauty of these incredible creatures… And I am choked by the thought of what we are doing to their home.. Wow David.. Sunday morning meditation.. Thank you. Sharing..
Thanks Makere. This film moved me the same way. Deep. Period.
Reblogged this on Makere's Blog and commented:
The stunning beauty of these images, and the amazing power and grace of these astonishing creatures moved me to tears.. I am choked by the thought of what we are doing to their home.
Thanks for sharing Makere.
The creatures of the Ocean is a world not yet fully explored, and the knowledge it hold will some day give us a new understanding about our planet.
Yes, and let’s hope we preserve it for generations of exploration.
I agree
Some people have all the best jobs! It must be like visiting an alien world – soooo beautiful! 😀
They do Suzy…incredible.