Liam MacLean | Scuba Diver | Freediver | Underwater Photographer | Florida
Liam is a Florida based adventure photographer, freediver, backpacker and scuba diver who uses unique perspectives to capture underwater concepts, wildlife, lifestyle and landscapes in challenging environments. Liam was born in Florida and grew up in and around the water and the local wildlife. This led him to study the environment, graduating from the University of Florida and traveling across the world in search of wildlife and adventure.
Liam has contributed and worked with tourism boards, professional photography studios and with brands and organizations such as American Airlines, Garmin, PADI and many more.
Recently, Liam has been shooting with the Florida manatees as they come into the springs to shelter in the warmer waters.
Unfortunately, Florida has seen record numbers of starving manatees in the last couple of years, and Liam believes that showing people these beautiful animals helps put a face to a cause when they hear about the environmental factors causing their starvation.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I started photographing my encounters and experiences while on scuba in 2018. I transitioned almost entirely to freediving in 2019.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I grew up in and around the water, diving in the ocean and Florida springs and interacting with the local wildlife. These experiences in and around the water led me to want to pursue underwater photography so I could capture and share the underwater world.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
After high school, I went to study the environment at the University of Florida, graduating in 2019. After college, I started to travel and shoot for recreation and as a freelance photographer. I was simultaneously working part-time jobs, and currently I work with the Department of Agriculture.
What/who currently inspires you?
I would say I draw my inspiration from a lot of different sources and it's really hard to narrow it down. I'm inspired by God, nature and the people around me all the time, from family and friends, to other artist’s work.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I think the biggest issue facing my local, as well as global ecosystems, is pollution. Nitrates have led to the rapid degradation of aquatic environments and better management practices need to be implemented to curve the damage they are causing.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
I have always been obsessed with the documentaries that National Geographic and BBC have produced, some of my favorites being Blue Planet, Frozen Planet, and America The Beautiful.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
I would tell them to just go for it. If not them, then who? It may seem out of reach some of the dreams and goals they would like to achieve, but it’s always attainable with time and work.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
To be very honest, I've never thought much about leaving a legacy, but I guess it would be to have inspired others to protect the beauty of our ecosystems and all the animals in them.
INSTAGRAM: @liam__maclean
