Matt Sharp | Photographer | Marine Biologist
Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year
“Adventures and passions, I always feel these have guided my life. From sailing over 30,00 miles whilst living and working on sailing boats, living in NZ and the Alps working as a ski instructor or studying Marine Biology at university my work has always followed my passions.
Through all these different adventures I have always guarded an interest for photography. The ability to tell a story through a single image fascinates me. Whether it been trying to highlight the worlds growing pressures and problems to taking a family shot to show the intimacy and sometimes hilarious sides of family life.”
What are your fondest memories that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I was lucky enough to have been exposed to sailing as a youngster. I travelled a lot with my family and saw some of the most beautiful, relatively untouched, ecosystems in the world. In particular a trip to Indonesia just after university has changed my perception of the world. Sailing in general has had a great impact on how I perceive the world.
Why do you do what you do? What qualities/values have drawn you to this path in life?
Follow your passions. We are completely changing the planet we live on, many of the things we are changing/destroying have no voice. Trying to raise awareness of the ways we are changing it and the stories of the people/wildlife it affects. I guess empathy is the value that draws me to this path: empathy for the planet.
Who or what inspired you?
When I was young, it was a guy who worked for my parents called Tony Brookes, who taught me how to spearfish and freedive. This opened my eyes to a whole new world. I guess like a lot of people of my age I was hooked by David Attenborough as a kid. He was one of the main reasons I went to study Marine Biology at university. Work of people like Paul Nicklen and Doug Allen are some of the most inspiring for me now.
How would you describe yourself?
Happy, laid back, love the water and the mountains. Not afraid of a challenge and love learning new things.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Less people on the planet. Though this is unlikely, so maybe a reduction in the consumerism system that uses obscene amounts of resources.
What do you value most in life?
Freedom of choice, time for people, and the natural world in general.
If you had the opportunity to tell one story that's close to your heart what would it be?
Just how frigging cool the life on this planet is, and how we are changing/destroying it.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Still working on that!
Website - ww.sharpimagesphoto.co.uk
Instagram - @matt_sharp_photo
