Alyssa Rodrigues | Freediver | Photographer | Hawaii
Alyssa is a talented photographer born and raised in Hawai’i. Alyssa says that growing up in such a place surrounded by nature and wonder has taught her a lot. It has grown a deep passion in Alyssa’s heart for conservation.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
My story telling journey started when I was in college, starting to put together all the parts and pieces to who I was. Growing up in Hawai'i, I have always had a deep connection and appreciation for the environment. I went to college at the University of Hawaii and obtained my BS in environmental science. It is so truly important to take care of this planet.. I know it sounds "cliche". "Save the earth", but when everyone online is fascinated with the images social media so freely spreads of crystal clear waters, miraculous wildlife, and magical destinations, we take for granted that our actions affect the condition of these locations and that one day, the planet may not look or feel the same. We don't like to see the sad images of the destruction of earth, animals suffering, sickness, ect… but as a whole it is a part of the reality we need to strongly face, and provide action that will have a positive impact.
Hawaii is home to so many unique species and environments not found anywhere else on the planet. The deep blue oceans I would dive with my dad as a child looking for Tako, the lush rainy valleys, the active volcanoes that breathe life into the islands. We are all interconnected to the land we live on. There is no greater gift than life itself.
“Being a storyteller isn’t about fancy dive gear, cameras, or travel reels. It is about your true passion and heart speaking its truth.”
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Some of my fondest memories were going diving with my dad who has since passed. He was an avid freediver and spearfisher, but his heart was always looking for Tako (octopus). As I grew older I realised how fortunate my dad was to come home every single time. He would always dive with a buddy, but as far as safety knowledge I'm not sure of the extent of his knowledge. Back in those days, there was not a lot of access to freediving safety courses and programs. I can speak from personal experience how this information can be the difference between life and death.
To enjoy the wonders of this world in the ocean is a special thing, but doing it safely is most important. I have gotten the pleasure to volunteer and team up with a special non-profit organisation Freedive Safe Hawaii. This organisation has come together to provide free dive safety courses to Hawaii's youth in order to provide a safer diving community.
This organisation has provided an opportunity for this life-saving information to be obtained and practiced! It has since grown to serve the Hawaii community on most islands and has impacted hundreds of youth. This is always an opportunity I will hold close to my heart, seeing Hawaii's youth getting a chance to learn this life-changing safety and telling that story along the way.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
When I finished college it was right before covid hit. This made it incredibly difficult to find a job within the environmental realm. Most opportunities were volunteer positions or part-time which made it a bit difficult to pay the bills.
During college, I was volunteering at the local zoo and really enjoyed being close to the animals. I’m not an advocate for animal captivity in any way shape or form, I was trying to gain experience at the time working with animals and it was the closest opportunity I had.
As time went on I reconnected with the ocean shortly after and my passion for wildlife came back into the forefront of my life. Since then i have been growing as a diver and a photographer. To invest in your passions is an investment into change.
What/who currently inspires you?
I am inspired by so many different things in life. Nature being my biggest inspiration. The beauty and power behind nature has always been the most humbling experience.
I am also inspired by an important person in my life who actually founded Freedive Safe Hawaii, Niki Stepanek. Her determination to create meaningful change in the world of free diving throughout Hawaii is inspiring to me. She is passionate about what she does and it shows in the work she puts into each and every event she puts together. Through countless hours of prep, phone calls, getting sponsors, booking the venue, gathering the instructors, and putting the whole thing together she does it with a passion.
I see the pure joy on her face when the children get to learn more about something they are passionate about and able to continue to live their truth in a safe manner. It is incredible to see the thought become action and the actions become the change, and she instills this inspiration in me and those around her.
I am also inspired by my best friend Julia. Never in my entire life would I think I would have ever met such a kind-hearted, loving, caring best friend. I used to struggle growing up trying to fit in. Trying so hard to be included in what was going on, that I didn't seem to learn until I was older that your true friends will love you for being you. For your kind heart, for your sense of humor, for your passions and dreams. They love you for being YOU. There is no reason to be anyone else but yourself because there is no one else on this planet that is exactly like you.
Her passion for the ocean shines through as she is a surfer, freedive instructor, teacher, and true friend. She and I have been through a lot together and no matter what life throws her way, she moves through it with strength and a passion to never give up what she dreams. Her strength and determination no matter what life challenges her with, she always comes out the other side stronger, and still very true to herself. This has always been inspiring to me.
These two women in my life have inspired me in my own life's journey to be the best version of myself.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would love to see change in smaller aspects of how we live our lives. It's easy to say I want to see HUGE changes in life and yes, that’s the end goal. But it starts with self-awareness.
It starts with small steps and changes to how we live our lives. Education is a huge part of it, but second to that is individual mindsets. Small changes in how we live our daily lives add up to the bigger picture. Picking up trash when you see it, being kinder to one another, minimising single-use plastics, and purchasing from ethical and local businesses, there are so many small ways that add up to greater things.
I think starting small is a great way to build consistency on the path to greater change. It's a lifestyle, not just a thought or temporary thing. Good habits build and add up to the greater good.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
I really love the Netflix documentary "Chasing Corals". I remember watching it and connecting with the fact I have been following Dr. Ruth Gate’s work here in Hawai'i since I was a little girl.
I remember reading her work in the local newspapers as my mom would always hand me nature articles. My mom has played a large part in my love for nature. Always encouraging me to follow my passions and love for nature. These films always are heart-wrenching and bring me to near tears. They really put into perspective what is happening that we don't see with our eyes everyday but over time have come to see the effects.
Mission Blue is also another documentary I truly love. Sylvia Earl has been such an impactful figure in the world of ocean science and for women in science. Her research and work all over the world has paved a path for science and conservation. To see how she had to struggle with the balance of having a regular "American Dream" life with a husband and kids, to following her true passions and creating great change across the globe, it is always inspiring and humbling to be reminded that even your heroes are humans just like you. They go through things just as you do because at the end of the day, we are all human.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Follow those dreams and your heart. It will lead you to places you would have never imagined. The friends I now call family, the places it takes you, the ocean wonder yet to be discovered. The possibilities are endless when you just have the courage to try. When you have the courage to tell yourself everything will work out well. The fear of security, whether it be financially, physically, mentally, can be what holds you back from what is on the other end.
I have personally understood the feeling. Wondering how the bills will get paid if I take more days off to put back into my passions as a photographer. For many years I have always worked with the cheapest of equipment as I could never afford high-end equipment until years of saving up.
Being a storyteller isn't about fancy dive gear, cameras, or travel reels. It is about your true passion and heart speaking its truth.
Telling that story in any possible way that works best for you. It's a journey of self reflection, expression, eduction. It is so much more than a photo or how many followers you have online. In a world full of strangers, who know nothing about you, your ability to create and inspire is limitless. Never forget to stay true to you.
Find your tribe, your true friends and support system and never look back. Being a story teller you will meet a lot of different people. Some are meant to come and go, while others are meant to be a strong part of your life and this is what is so special about the ability to connect with others easily now days.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
At the end of the day, I hope to leave a legacy of positive change and hope. Being a photographer and capturing a moment in time is so truly important and special because this will be remembered for years to come, even after my physical body returns to the earth.
The impact we have today affects greater generations tomorrow.
The earth will continue to exist and do her thing no matter if we as humans are here or not. It will continue on its journey. To all those who are passionate about conservation, the environment, the ocean, or whatever it is that you love, don't let anything stop you from chasing your dreams. Your thoughts, your ideas, your passion, and your hard work, could be the breakthrough that creates change not just locally but globally.
One bright idea could lead to a whole ripple of good things to come. Believe in this and yourself for anything that comes after will be miraculous.
Current Projects
I currently am always searching for more meaningful projects to pour my heart into. At the moment I partner with a couple of organisations to help tell their story with passion and purpose. I have partnered with Hoomau Hawai'i. Hoomau Hawai'i is a small organisation of individuals who have come together to spread awareness and education on how to respectfully and safely visit our home here in Hawaii.
We have created a pledge which incorporates 5 important things to consider when visiting Hawai'i.
1. I will come with an open heart and mind.
2. I will be considerate and show respect to the local cultures and customs.
3. I will learn ocean safety and I will be safe during my visit.
4. I will support local by buying local products and services.
5. I will leave Hawai'i better than I found it.
These serve as a guideline for a more respectful and safe visit! It’s truly something we have been passionate about sharing with the world and a great place to start when planning to visit the islands.
I also volunteer with Freedive Safe Hawaii to help tell the story of some of the events they run here in Hawai'i. I truly love being a part of such an amazing team of instructors, divers, ocean lovers, and friends coming together for a greater purpose. I am always searching for more involvement in storytelling when it comes to wildlife and conservation.
INSTAGRAM: @_allysssa
WEBSITE: akrphotographyhawaii.com
