Shane Gross | Underwater Photographer | New Zealand
Full time marine conservation photojournalist, Shane Gross, has been developing his skills as a photographer since first picking up a camera in his teenage years. Growing up in Canada, Shane was constantly connected to nature. Now, his goal is to spark love for the ocean and her creatures into the hearts of people who view his personal portfolio, with the belief that the old saying "people protect what they love" is true. His vibrant and, at times, abstract style is for sure not one to be missed.
What is a typical day like for you?
Rise, go for walk in the woods, process images, eat lunch, process images, eat dinner, go for night dive, sleep...may vary if I need to go for a day dive/snorkel.
When did you first start documenting your ocean story?
I started to photography for fun at age 15, but I decided to get serious about it about 12 years ago.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I grew up in landlocked Saskatchewan, but we had 100,000 lakes. One in particular, Last Mountain Lake, is where I spent my summers snorkeling or fishing with my dad.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
After gaining a business degree I decided to backpack Australia for a year, spending a lot of time in the ocean. I couldn't go back to an office for very long after that… So, I moved to The Bahamas to work as a dive instructor and build my photography business. When COVID hit I was forced back to Canada. I've settled on beautiful Vancouver Island and work full time as a marine conservation photojournalist.
What do you value most in life?
Family and exploration.
What brings you the most joy?
When an animal accepts me in their world.
Who/what currently inspires you?
Being in the ocean is the most inspiring thing in my day-to-day… but on the photographer side it has to be the Brian Skerry, Laurent Ballesta, Alex Mustard, Charlie Hamilton James, Ami Vitali, David Doubilet, and Thomas Peschak's of the world.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I suppose climate change is #1 since it affects everything. Overfishing, plastic (and other) pollution, invasive species, ocean noise, etc. are also very important. How do we solve all of them? I think the answer is love. The old saying "people protect what they love" is true.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
‘Sharkwater’ was a biggie, but there are so many… ‘Soul of an Octopus’, ‘the Brilliant Abyss’, ‘The 11th hour’, ‘The Cove’, ‘The End of the Line’, ‘My Octopus Teacher’… just to name a few!
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I want to inspire a love for the ocean and her creatures through my work.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Find a local story and start shooting. Even if it's only evenings and weekends and you only have access to puddles...just get out and DO IT!
WEBSITE: www.shanegross.com
INSTAGRAM: @shanegrossphoto
TWITTER: @shanegrossphoto
FACEBOOK: Shane Gross Photography
