Kayleigh Slowey | Photographer | Waterwoman | Marine Ecologist
Kayleigh has always been passionate about protecting our Ocean. Originally from Devon, she grew up surrounded by sweeping coastlines, beautiful fishing hamlets and sandy coves. After moving down to Cornwall in 2017, she completed her degree in Marine and Natural History Photography and is now studying MSc Bioscience with the University of Exeter.
Her focus is on underwater photography which has led her to travel the world, going to places such as The Red Sea and Hawaii. She believes photography is a powerful tool, allowing us to tell our story and display the framing of the world around us. With the intention to create an emotional connection with wild subjects and also portray and share the underwater landscape that not all are fortunate to witness.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me would start at around 7:00 am where I will wake up and begin my day, firstly checking through my emails and social media. After breakfast I would then delve into my Postgraduate research that I am currently studying at the University of Exeter, this would usually take up most of the day. Towards the end of the afternoon is when I wrap up my work and use the rest of my time to then begin planning or writing a post for my blog. I like to then finish the day with a walk or swim (weather dependant) at the beach.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I have very fond memories of surfing with my dad on our summer holidays, I believe this is what ignited my love and passion for the ocean. My family often refer to me as the mermaid of the family as even when I was a child it was hard to keep me out of the water. Whilst I didn't exactly stick with surfing, I found a new in-water hobby, diving. This brought me closer to the ocean and really gave me the drive for ocean conservation. Experiencing first hand the effects we were having on the marine world was devastating but if anything inspired me to want to be an advocate for the ocean and its residents.
What/who currently inspires you?
I am surrounded by so many individuals that inspire me daily. I have various friends in science from Geology to Marine to Geography who are all doing some awesome research to benefit the welfare of our planet. Another individual that inspires me is my nephew. The younger generation is so hands-on when it comes to the environment and even though he is only 10 he understands the importance of what we have to do for a better and brighter future.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
After school, I went to Exeter College to study photography. At the time I felt I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, it wasn't until the end of college I decided I wanted to mix my passion for the environment and photography into one which led to my undergrad at Falmouth University studying Marine and Natural History Photography.
What do you value most in life?
I value my friends and family, they keep me grounded.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
My focus is on the marine environment and whilst there are so many issues I would like to change my main focus is on sharks. I would like to change the regulations on shark finning and the general exploitation of sharks. With issues such as overfishing, loss of habitat and hunting, sharks face extinction. However, without sharks, we would have what is called a trophic cascade meaning everything beneath them would crumble so it is vital we have them in our waters.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
There are so many books that have guided my thinking but here are a few of my favourites. The end of the line by Charles Clover, Sharks in the arts by Vivienne Westbrook and others, Monster of God by David Quammen and The great naturalists by Robert Huxley. When it comes to documentaries, David Attenborough has always shaped the way I think and see the natural world but also, Blackfish, Sharkwater extinction and Facing Jaws are also a few of my favourites.
What brings you the most joy?
What brings me the most joy is seeing so many others around me that are also inspired by the ocean. Whilst I have only started writing my blog posts in the last year, I have had the opportunity to share my experiences and research and it brings me so much joy that people have felt they have learnt something from them and by having this platform and other social media, I have networked with other ocean advocates, bringing our views and expanding our knowledge on our personal interests and experiences.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
The legacy I hope to leave is that I would have contributed towards creating a better future for the younger generation. I want them to have experienced the world as I have (if not better), exploring the oceans and learning about the incredible species that live there. I do not want them to have to look at an animal in a textbook of what there once was, I want them to able to go out into the wild and see them for themselves.
