Fahad S. Alabhoul | Scuba Diver | Photographer & Videographer | Kuwait | Jordan
Scuba diver Fahad left his hometown of Kuwait to complete his medical degree in Jordan.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Fahad took the opportunity to start capturing the underwater world. He hopes by sharing his underwater photos and videos, that the stories of those who live below the waves can be shared with the world.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
Ever since I was a little kid I enjoyed watching documentaries about wildlife, it was not until I saw Tales By Light on Netflix in 2020 that made me realize I was also in love with photography/videography as a whole. So during the summer where Covid-19 regulations got less strict that I bought a GoPro Hero 9, a housing, and a red filter, and began taking videos underwater.
At first, it was really difficult to shoot, edit, find the right music, or even have confidence in my work, but some people seemed to like it!
It was not until 2022 that I got my first underwater compact camera and moved from videography to photography, little did I know that photography is harder! Easy to edit sure but way harder to get "the moment". Through all of that, I began to tell the stories of those who live below the waves, I am always hungry for a book or a movie with rich storytelling and writing so hopefully, I will be able to tell the story of our beloved oceans.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Growing up I really loved animals and was fascinated by them, so I spent a lot of time on my grandma's farm. I think that time spent with animals taught me to be kind and gentle to all living things.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I went straight to Med school abroad in Jordan.
What/who currently inspires you?
Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Sylvia Earl, Florian Fischer, Ahmad Inah, Regi Domingo, Madison Stewart, and Simon Lorenz.
What do you value most?
It is still an "idea" but I wanted to start a grand-scale coral restoration program along with planting mangroves, spreading awareness about plastic in my community, and creating Hope Spots/Marine protected areas in Kuwait waters.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The way people view sharks as man-eaters. I want to remind people how beautiful nature is and to teach them how to respect nature.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Blue Planet II, Tales By Light, My Octopus Teacher, Seaspiracy, Chasing Corals, Fin movie. Those documentaries honestly changed me.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
No matter how hard it is at first or how impossible it seems, bear in mind every journey begins with a FIRST step and that it eventually gets easier.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I just hope this tale has a happy ending, for me, for you, and for everyone.
INSTAGRAM: @oceanfahad
