Mette Ellis G Nussbaumer | Ocean Photographer | Diver | Denmark | Maldives
Mette has always loved the ocean from a very young age. Some of her best childhood memories are from days on the beach and swimming, diving down with swim goggles, and exploring the ocean in the summer. Mette started sailing at the age of 6, in the colder months when she couldn’t swim in the ocean, and she describes it as “the next best thing”. Throughout her travels, Mette always connects to the ocean in some way.
But wasn’t until she travelled to Tanzania, East Africa, that her diving journey started. Mette joined a dive club and spent all of her free time exploring beautiful dive spots and hidden gems off the coast. There Mette got her diving certificate and borrowed an underwater camera and she hasn’t looked back since!
With her gained experience in scuba diving, Mette discovered more about marine life and ecosystems, and she quickly understood the importance of keeping our oceans healthy. When she most recently got the opportunity to work in the Maldives, she went for it.
Mette not only explores life below the surface, but she also captures the beauty of marine life in all shapes and sizes that live in her backyard!
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I have always loved the ocean from a very young age. Shortly after I started diving I had a camera in hand, so I could share my passion for the ocean.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Some of my best childhood memories are from days on the beach, spend swimming - diving down with goggles, and exploring the ocean.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I have worked in sales and marketing and IT. I have had my own business and worked for a couple of NGOs.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
How reliant the world is on plastic.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Nordfor Sola or North of the Sun.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
If I can be that one person who will change their ways and make a smaller eco-footprint in the world after learning more about the ocean and all the fantastic marine life that lives in it. I will be happy and keep going.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Go for it... We need the will to start taking action and develop a new and more sustainable way of living.
INSTAGRAM: INSTAGRAM: @authentic.ocean
