Rodrigo Thome | Ocean Photographer | Rio de Janeiro
Based in Rio de Janeiro, Rodrigo Thome is a director, screenwriter, producer and photographer who has dedicated his life to the Ocean.
Over the years Rodrigo has worked on several educational TV programs, starting with the Brazilian series “Grutas e Cavernas” in 2014, he has hosted and directed shows on exploring flooded caves, revealing the remote sub-aquatic life of Alaska “Uma Aventura no Alasca”, and produced “Águas Selvagens” diving with the most incredible animals on the planet. More recently Rodrigo has written, produced and directed a 14 episode mini-series, “Ameaçados”, which explores the relationship we have with endangered marine species.
“I believe that my mission is to open a window that brings humanity closer to the oceans.
Over the past centuries, due to both an element of mystery and a lack of knowledge about the huge mass of water that forms our planet, humanity became distanced from the seas. This distance has made it difficult for us to love and protect not only the oceans, but also the living creatures within them.
My goal is to bring part of the ocean to people, and I use my photographs to do that.”
What is a typical day like for you?
Wake up very early watch the ocean from my balcony, as soon as the light comes out I go to the beach to surf. After that is when my daily obligations start.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Since very little I feel connected to the ocean and its creatures. I remember snorkelling at a young age in the tide pools looking for small fishes, I could stay all day long doing that. Also, remember how much expectation wore to wait for Wednesdays to watch Jacques Cousteau on TV, I always said to everyone that I'd like to be just like him.
When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?
I became a dive instructor in 1996, at that time that was the way that I thought will be better to connect more people with the ocean. As soon as started to teach I carried video and photo cameras to the water, and that became my passion. So I realised that with my images I could be more effective in touch more people to change their way to connect with the seas.
What/who currently inspires you?
Lots of influences inspire me, but I keep thinking that my most effective source of inspiration is the ocean.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
Not a simple path... My family is fulfilled with medical doctors, mom, dad, grandfather, brother they're all physicians. It wasn't easy to go for a dream that is so distanced from their word. But I follow it and chose to go to the ocean, became a scuba instructor and started to open bridges between us and the ocean.
What do you value most in life?
My family. About 3 years ago I caught myself thinking the most cliche daddy thought. “What world would I leave for my kids?” I was about to post on Instagram a picture with that sentence. One second later, reading what I just wrote, I realised that this question is very selfish and completely wrong! The real question should always be “what citizens I will raise for my word?”. And that's my goal since then, to raise humans that will play for the ocean!
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The way humanity connects, understands, explores and protects the oceans and its creatures.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
Lots... One book - Endurance the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton expedition to Antarctica. One documentary - very factual but still a strong guide - My Octopus Teacher.
What brings you the most joy?
Watching my kids go into the ocean, both surfing and diving.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
A better connection and understanding between humans and the ocean.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Believe in your dreams and act as you preach...
The Ocean Voice by Rodrigo Thome -1st Place in A NEW FUTURE Short Film Festival
