Ahmed Ajfan Azeez | Ocean Storyteller | Video Game 3D artist | Maldives
Born and raised in the Maldives, Ajfan began his storytelling journey in 2020 with a small Nikon coolpix, capturing his adventures with his freediving group. Although, Ajfan’s interest in what lies beneath the waves came far before this, off the back of his fathers career as a professional scuba diver, who took his DIY underwater camera housing with a handheld camcorder on his trips, enabling Ajfan and his family to explore this marvellous blue world through a screen.
Just as his father inspired him to explore the deep, Ajfan wants to give the next generation a glimpse under the waves and impart the spirit of exploration and boldness to future ocean advocates.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
the awful practice of dumping garbage into the ocean.
Who/what currently inspires you?
Watching BluePlanet inspired me so much. for individuals so many underwater cinematographers and photographers. Andre Musgrove, Ben Thouard, MArtin Zapanta, Alexis Rosenfield, Roger Munns, and a dozen more local underwater photographers and friends.
What do you value most in life?
Well-being, physically and mentally.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
As soon as I returned from my higher studies back to Maldives, in 2020 I started to go with my freediving group and brought along my small Nikon coolpix camera.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
The best gear, is the one you already have. doesn't matter if its a Gopro or a 15 year old camera, if it does the job, start using it. I started out with a nikon coolpix, and then a canon g15, and then finally all the while I had a Sony A7III, i only was able to bring it down with me very recently when i borrowed a housing for it. If i waited all that time untill i got the housing, I would have missed out the opportunity to shoot over 300+ photos and the knowledge I gained from editing them.
INSTAGRAM: @ajufaanu
YOUTUBE: Ajfan Azipro
