Phillip Vu | Shark Conservation Photographer & Filmmaker | California | O'ahu
Phillip is a shark conservation photographer living in Hawai’i. Growing up in California and then moving to O’ahu, Phillip has had the privilege to share the ocean with sharks among other amazing marine life.
Philip has worked with Project Hiu who works closely with fishing vessels in Indonesia to change their mindset and income from shark fishing to commercial tourism. He has also worked at the Shark Research Lab at HIMB, to tag sharks and observe their behaviour.
Through his talented underwater photography, he hopes to show the rest of the world the beauty and importance of these animals. He believes that people need to understand that humans can coexist with sharks and that their extinction could mean ours as well.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
My underwater storytelling journey started when I started working with sharks, a few years ago. I wanted to bring to light the horrors going on with the shark-finning and shark-fishing industry. The dozens of people being overworked and under-paid as well as the corrupt governments allowing the fin trading to still continue despite being illegal.
“I film to raise awareness & to inspire actions to protect and respect these apex predators.”
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Just growing up in a standard second-generation immigrant family, I feel like I was very drawn to a life that isn't a 9-5 like my parents have. They moved here and are working a job they do not fully enjoy just to support us. I think if I have a talent and passion for filming underwater, I have the responsibility to do so especially when more and more of our marine life are getting endangered every year.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I put all my time and effort into shark conservation and filming underwater.
What/who currently inspires you?
- Zimy
- Sam Potter
- Nainoa Langer
- Emmett Sparling
- Madison Stewart
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Sport-hunting. That needs to stop, whether it is sport fishing for sharks or sport hunting for deer, rhinos, etc. There is no need to hunt for bragging rights.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Just start shooting, no matter what camera you are using.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope that my work can inspire at least one person to push towards conservation. It doesn’t matter if it’s shark conservation, ocean conservation or even tiger conservation. The point is that our world’s wildlife is endangered and I want people to be aware of that and do something about it.
WEBSITE: https://philllipv.com/
INSTAGRAM: @philllipv
