Kelsey Williamson | Freediver | Photographer & Videographer | Hawaii | French Polynesia
Kelsey is originally from Colorado in the United States but has spent the past 9 years in Hawaii and the past 4 years in French Polynesia.
Submerging under the ocean in one breath, Kelsey is on a mission to share the beauty of the oceans through her stunning underwater images and videos.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I started when I moved to Hawaii about 7 years ago. There was so much beauty to capture and after spending time in the mountains and underwater there I was motivated to share the worlds beauty with others.
“... our world always needs more storytellers out on the water to reach more people across the globe.”
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Any time I spent by the ocean and in the water were my fondest memories. Since I grew up inland, not by the coast, I was always determined to live by the ocean once I got the chance. I used to say I would have "ocean sicknesses" instead of homesickness, as soon as I started driving inland away from the coast. I would get this feeling of sadness which is why I chose to move to an island where no matter which direction I drove it would be toward the coast.
My room was beach-themed growing up and when I went back home during university I changed the theme of my room to a French theme, so it's pretty funny that all these years later I ended up in French Polynesia. I like to say I foreshadowed my future from my love for the ocean growing up.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I studied business marketing at university but was focused on my scholarship in track and field, and honestly, I always dreamed of being in the Olympics.
However, after university I decided I wanted to live somewhere I loved and figure out a career path from there which is why I chose to move to Hawaii in 2014. It was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made and led me to the life I live currently.
I was always interested in photography growing up but never really learned until I got to Hawaii. Combining something athletic with my career has definitely boosted my confidence and skill, which I believe helps a lot while shooting underwater.
What/who currently inspires you?
Wow where do I even start, I have so many friends who inspire me. Other ocean creators, conservationists, and even a lot of my friends who chose different careers but are all entrepreneurs.
Being around so many like minded individuals who are following their own passion inspires me to keep going after what I love despite feeling like I have been a struggling artist for years.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would like to be changing people's lives in a way that inspires them to connect to the ocean and our environment. In turn, motivating others to make those small impactful changes within their own lives to become better stewards of our planet.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Deep by James Nestor - A great ocean book about freediving, and the documentary Seaspriacy.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
For me it has been hard financially, so despite how amazing it has been for me, it has still been a trade-off not to have that security.
Yet I choose that sacrifice to do something I love and hope that by sharing my images and videos I am inspiring others. Of course, for everyone it's different but for me personally, I have had to learn how to become comfortable with the unknown and uncomfortable with my financial security.
I am a believer that everything works out for a reason though and am a big motivator to go after what you love doing in life. So if that is ocean storytelling, our world always needs more storytellers out on the water to reach more people across the globe.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I never really thought about the legacy I hope to leave, but I focus on the moment and what feels right for me to be doing with my own life.
I hope by living the life I love to live out in nature and learning from our environment, that it inspires others to do the same. There have been so many moments in the ocean or in the mountains that have humbled me and made me feel so small. So I think it's important for all of us to have those moments to take a step back from our own lives and learn from them.
INSTAGRAM: @kelseywilliamson
WEBSITE: www.kelseywilliamson.com
