How would I become a professional scuba diver in the ocean that takes photos and videos of animals and plants?
I need some information on how I could possibly become a professional scuba diver that goes deep into the ocean to take photography or video-capture coral reefs, rare fish, underwater animals, anything under the ocean. Amazing things. A professional. Is it hard? What would I have to do to get to that point? What is it like? the lifestyle? competition for a job like that? What is the pay? etc. My AGE is 15, freshmen in highschool. PROBLEM: I live in the middle of the US, nowhere near an ocean. help please?!
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it will never happen, just kill yourself now and save yourself the disappointment
what
do well in school, and apply to a college with a marine biology degree, and go there and graduate. then apply for an internship at sea world discovery channel ect., and go from there
You can learn to SCUBA dive anywhere there is water – for you that will probably mean lakes. You can do all of the technical diving in an inland lake that you could do in the ocean. Check http://www.padi.com/ for the nearest dive shop… and put an ad in http://www.craigslist.com to hook up with local divers.
Don’t let your geographical location get you down, take advantage of the opportunities you have – you’re in a much better position than you may think.
When you get to college, you’ll probably want to major in Marine Biology to pursue this dream… many internships are available http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/ug/intern.html (the list was compiled by columbia, but should be available to anyone who is qualified).
Before you get to college, there are other opportunities – contact aquariums in nearby cities and see if you can get summer internships (unpaid) while you are still in high school. Contact nearby universities and get tours of their marine biology departments.
You don’t need any marine biology degree to become a underwater film maker. Photographers and film makers are there to document things, not study them in detail or conduct research as a marine biologist does. You do on the other hand, need to have a keen interest in film making or photography and taking a college course on photography will help as well. The only difference between a above surface photographer and a sub surface one is the specialized equipment and the fact that they’re certified to dive. Diving is just their way of commuting to work, like mine is to work on underwater construction or repairs.
For starters you’d have to get your open water certification at a bare minimum and move up the food chain a bit, probably eventually taking a re breather course, since many professional underwater photographers are moving in that direction for stealth purposes. It let’s them get a little closer to their subjects without a stream of bubbles scaring them off.
When you’re first learning to dive, there’s actually a PADI course on photography you can take. It’s not meant as a professional course, but it’ll give you an idea on what lays ahead. Here’s some info on it: http://www.padi.com/scuba/padi-courses/diver-level-courses/view-all-padi-courses/digital-underwater-photographer-courses/default.aspx
While you’re on the PADI site, take a look at the dive shop locator. Chances are, even if you’re located well away from a large body of water, there will be a dive shop relatively close to you.
I can’t answer anything about pay etc. I’m afraid, since none of my pals are professional photogs.
Scubabob is right. You do not have to be a marine biologist. Actually a degree in journalism or photojournalism is probably better if you want to work for a magazine.