Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn VanBuren.
Hi Ashlyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started in my underwater photography career after I graduated college in 2022 with a degree in environmental sustainability and moved to Hawai’i. That’s where I first picked up an underwater housing and fell absolutely in love with it. I spent my year there taking as many pictures as I could of the amazing wildlife before moving to the Florida Keys, where I really dove into photography. I was able to take pictures as part of my job for my dive shop, working on their socials, website, and customer experiences.
I also started learning about sustainable printmaking by printing all of my own pictures and going to as many markets as I could. I began traveling and photographing in new ecosystems to learn more about photography and deepen my love for the ocean. Over the last four years, I’ve grown so much in my passion for underwater photography and highlighting the beauty of such a unique ecosystem. I got to where I am because my dive shop and community have been unbelievably supportive, and I’m so lucky for that!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road. There have been plenty of times where I was shooting with the wrong settings, completely missed the moment, and gear malfunctions. It’s been a constant learning process of trial and error.
I recently went on my dream trip to dive the Channel Islands in California, where i was challenged with large waves, strong current, and low visibility and my camera housing flooding. Despite everything the trip was still a dream and it taught me how to pivot and make the most of difficult situations. Despite everything, the trip was still beautiful.
Within this last year, I can finally say I feel confident in underwater photography, editing, and printmaking, even though I’m still learning every day. Every new environment comes with its own challenges, but that’s what makes underwater photography so enthralling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in underwater photography. What makes my work unique is that I don’t only shoot wildlife, but I also specialize in underwater portraits. I’ve shot engagements, maternity sessions, and even a music video all underwater. I love utilizing the ocean to enhance the artistic vision for my shoots underwater.
When I first picked up a camera, I never imagined how much I could grow in my photography, let alone create work like that. What sets me apart besides the portraits is that the ocean is my office because I work as a scuba diving instructor. After diving every day, I wanted so badly to share the beauty of my office with the rest of the world.
I really understand the ocean, and I’m so thankful to have such a deep connection with it after spending most of my adult life underwater. I’m most proud of my ability to share the ocean in so many different ways through both dive instruction and photography. I’m also proud of my commitment to protecting the ocean by producing my prints as sustainably as possible and using my platform, photography, and work as a scuba diving instructor to educate the public and create more ocean advocates.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
First off, I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to share my work! I have a lot of exciting projects coming out this year that I’m thrilled to share, allowing me to channel my art into some incredible outlets that combine so many of my passions while working alongside some amazing friends. I’m heading back to California soon for redemption in the Channel Islands, as well as exploring some exciting new areas along the West Coast. I look forward to sharing all of these upcoming projects, so keep an eye out as I continue to share the captivating beauty of the underwater world!
Pricing:
- Private boat underwater photo shoot: Starting at $2,485
- Underwater ocean photo shoot: Starting at $1,485
- Underwater pool photo shoot: Starting at $899
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashlynunderwater.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynunderwater/
