We Are Water People: Sea Through Ebb's Lens. Maternity & Family Photography Beneath the Waves

Meet Ebb, the talented soul behind Sea Through The Lens, your go-to for coastal family, maternity, and in-water photography. With a deep connection to the sea and an uncanny ability to capture the magic of life beneath the waves, Ebb's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Captivating Through the Lens:

We've been following Ebb's work for a while now, particularly captivated by her underwater maternity photography. One image, in particular, stands out—a maternity couple shoot with Lara and Dylan, the owners of Woebegone Freedive. In one of those breathtaking shots, Lara lies submerged, looking up at the surface of the water as about eight seals in a pod gracefully glide toward her. One of those seals, out of the eight, gazes directly at her pregnant belly, creating an intimate connection. With the deep blue ocean as a backdrop, this image is a testament to Ebb's unique talent and her ability to capture extraordinary moments beneath the waves.

Our Journey with Ebb:

My partner, Beach Bunny, and I had the privilege of entering one of Ebb's photography competitions and were fortunate enough to win our very own underwater couple shoot. As an underwater photographer and model duo, we couldn't have been more thrilled to head down to New South Wales for our session. Ebb's lens beautifully captured our love for each other and our profound connection to the ocean. The experience was nothing short of magical. We sat down with Ebb to dive deeper into her world of underwater photography and discover the stories behind her mesmerizing images.

What first drew you to the underwater world, and how did your love for the ocean evolve into a passion for underwater photography?

I have been a water baby my entire life. I grew up swim training 4+ x a week, drawing turtles and dolphins on my maths homework and dreaming of working in the ocean. I have always felt more at home in the water than on land, it's where I find my peace and I don't remember a time where it's never been like that.

As I've gotten older I have only felt more of a pull towards the ocean. 

I've experienced a lot of loss and have a lot of angels in the sky, so after a few really rough years losing some incredibly important people in my life, I needed somewhere to escape - that I could feel at peace, and for me that was the ocean. One of those people in particular, was always incredibly supportive of my photography and pushing me to get back into it, so to honour him, I picked up my camera again but I took it to a place that helped me find peace and I hope that has made him proud. There is a weird sense of beauty in capturing new life and memories of people with their loved ones in a place that helped me deal with that loss and I just know that it is what I was meant to do. I also think its really important to show others the beauty of the underwater world. Humans in general don't tend to care about things we don't know about, so the more people who can see how incredible our oceans are - the more people that will care about protecting them. I love being able to capture the magic that unfolds when humans work with mother nature, rather than against her. There are really so many reasons that I've ended up doing what I do and they all revolve around a love for the ocean and a deep passion for preserving moments as memories so they can last a lifetime, just like our oceans should too.

Your underwater maternity photography is truly captivating. Can you share some insights into your creative process when capturing these precious moments beneath the waves?

Every session I do is tailored to each of my beautiful clients and their vision, I love to try and incorporate their personality and interests where possible, but mostly I try to capture what the moment feels like. I am very aware that no two sessions will ever be the same, everyone dives and moves differently underwater and the ocean is forever changing and moving in different ways so I love being able to capture that. I think being adaptable is a very important factor in the process. My main goal for a session is for my clients to enjoy the experience and I truly believe the more they enjoy it, the better the photos turn out. 

Your photography reflects a deep connection with your subjects. How do you create such a comfortable and memorable atmosphere for families and individuals during your underwater shoots?

I think I'm just calm and in my element when I'm in the ocean and this allows people the space to be themselves in a place that is obviously so special to them too. The ocean has a magical way of connecting people and I'm grateful my job allows me to meet so many likeminded ocean lovers.

New South Wales offers a diverse range of underwater environments. Are there any particular spots that you find especially inspiring for your work?

My favourite spots in NSW to dive are Jervis Bay with Woebegone Freedive, Seal Rocks (check out Fader Wetsuits for the best wetties + social dive days at Seals) and Julian Rocks with Blue Bay Divers.

You've beautifully captured the emotions and connections in underwater maternity and family photography. Can you tell us about some memorable moments or stories from your underwater shoots that have left a lasting impact on you?

Every session I do is memorable, there's nothing like seeing the stoke on a clients face after they've done something they really wanted or thought they may not have been able to do. Then to be able to give them an everlasting memory of that experience through a photograph is pure magic to me.

Some key moments that have been really special would be:

1. Capturing my first ever underwater maternity client again, with the baby that was in her belly the first time as part of her second underwater maternity shoot with me. It was such a special full circle moment and I'm so grateful to have captured those moments.

2. The incredible session with Lara and Dylan from Woebegone Freedive. I still don't have words to explain how magical that experience was. It was actually my first time diving with seals and doing a maternity session off a boat, so I went in with no expectations and I could never have dreamed of what would unfold. The seals were so interested in Lara and her belly and would slow down to have a really good look as they swam past her, they absolutely could sense that she was pregnant and it was the most beautiful experience. The fact that we also had crystal clear water was just the cherry on top. 

3. Capturing a beautiful couple who were lucky enough to have a green sea turtle want to be their friend. They were both such ocean lovers and I remember her excitement during their session when she told me it was her first time swimming with a turtle and I just thought how special for that to be the first time while she was pregnant with her first baby. 

What does the future hold for Sea Through The Lens? Are there any exciting projects or aspirations you'd like to share with your audience?

I hope to continue capturing moments and making memories with fellow ocean lovers for a very long time. I am really excited to be hosting my first ever underwater photography retreat for other underwater photographers in the beautiful Jervis Bay in April this year too. Wherever the ocean takes me, I know it will be magic!

For aspiring photographers or families interested in your work, how can they connect with you and potentially book a session?

The best way to follow along with my adventures, and see my recent work is via my instagram @seathroughthelensphotography 

The best way to contact me to book in a session is through my website www.seathroughthelens.com

Ebb's journey through the lens is a testament to the magic that can be found beneath the waves. Her ability to capture the raw beauty of ocean life and the emotions of her subjects is nothing short of remarkable. We look forward to following her continued adventures and seeing what the future holds for Sea Through The Lens.

Find Ebb:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seathroughthelensphotography/

Website: https://www.seathroughthelens.com

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of ocean enthusiasts in our We Are Water People blog series.

We Are Water People: Joining the Hervey Bay Free diving Community with Mark Davies and Karma Dives

Welcome to another captivating instalment of "We Are Water People." In this edition, we have the privilege of delving into the depths with Mark Davies, a Dive and Free dive Instructor whose passion for the underwater world knows no bounds.

Can you tell us about your first unforgettable experience with the ocean and how it sparked your passion for diving and freediving?

I grew up going to Edithvale beach pretty much every weekend as a kid, always loved the water. Surfing came first. I didn't start Scuba until I was 30 and freediving came about 6 years later. I gave scuba a go as I needed a change. Loved it and moved through the courses fairly quickly. Then someone showed me Gulliaum Nery's video of him at the Blue hole. That freefall all the way down in a beautiful swan dive. That was my freediving spark, sooo many more unforgettable experiences including a 4m Great white last month.

Lady Elliot Island holds a special place in your heart. What makes this location so remarkable for divers and freedivers and how has it influenced your connection to the marine world?

I feel, for most people the draw to the island is the easy access you have to the reef. Whether it be a short boat ride, max 10 mins or simply walk off the beach and within 50m you are surrounded by fish and beautiful healthy coral. Then you add the Manta, Whale, and Turtle season for an all year-round experience. That's why, 2 years on and I still get excited for every dive. A feeling of connection is always present with the ocean but also the marine animals. Watching the animals in their own environment, learning their behavior. They all see you, feel you, hear you but when you have a close encounter it changes you. Mantas, whales, turtles, a Hammer Head, Whale Shark, and dolphins have come close enough to feel them, not touch them, water people know what I mean. Just recently I had my most amazing experience ever. It was to dive freely, with no cage, 15m from a 4m+ Great White Shark, sitting level with it was mesmerizing. I've seen the Tiger shark also, still hoping for a close encounter. These connections make you care and respect for the ocean more and more. Pick up your 3 pieces of rubbish, watch what you consume and choose safer products.

As a Scuba and Freedive instructor, how does it feel to introduce people to the underwater realm and witness their excitement and wonder during their first diving experiences?

Amazing. Especially seeing the nervous ones. The fear is real and the enjoyment after is even better. Still receive pics from ex-students, some also become divemasters or instructors themselves.

Safety is a crucial aspect of diving and freediving. How do you ensure that your students are well-prepared for potential challenges and emergencies in the water?

Safety is high on my agenda. I like to emphasize the importance of safety skills in the course. When running a course I will often get already certified students to join in to practice and keep the skills fresh. Whenever boat dives are planned I ask all divers to come to training the Friday before for a skill refresh and technique tweak.

Your company, Karma Dives, offers scuba diving and freediving courses. What inspired you to start this venture, and what do you hope participants gain from your training?

I guess, originally I became an instructor so I could work in beautiful places and do something I love as a job. My love of the ocean has always been there and I feel best in the ocean, so I wanted to share that with others. Scuba is a great way to get people over their fears of the ocean. Then there's Freediving. The connection between Freediver and the ocean and her inhabitants is hard to explain unless you've tried it. The mental challenge is real, and so is the reward.

With concerns about safety in the diving community, what advice do you have for fellow Freedivers to stay safe while pushing the boundaries of their abilities?

Never dive alone. Know your limits, know your buddies' limits, communicate with your buddy before and after each dive, TRAIN often, in the pool or dry. Know the dive site, recovery breaths, surface intervals.

Throughout your diving journey, have you encountered any marine life or underwater landscapes that have left an indelible mark on you? If so, could you describe the experience?

All of them. Thresher Shark and Mandarin fish in Malapascua, Mola Mola on Nusa Lembongan, Liberty Shipwreck Tulumben, Whale Shark, whales, Manta, Great White on Lady Elliot.

Diving and freediving can be both exhilarating and peaceful. How do these experiences influence your mindset and overall well-being?

Scuba came from the fascination of the sea creatures, Freediving is the fascination of the underwater world and how it affected me and changed my vibration. To me, it's way deeper than a physical connection. It embraces my soul and vice versa. I will often just lay there in the water and feel her energy. Sitting or floating below 10m is where it really kicks in for me.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the future? How do you envision Karma Dives growing and providing more opportunities for people to experience the wonders of the underwater world as we do?

Ideally live in Bali teaching freediving and going spearfishing, breathwork, and yoga. As a business here in the Bay, I'd like to run more line dives and fun dives, more courses. I would love to get the leftover Sentinels from MOUA placed here in HB, get more structure for all divers to enjoy and spearfishing charters.

As we conclude our underwater journey with Mark Davies, we can't help but feel the same enthusiasm he has for the ocean and its incredible inhabitants. His passion for teaching and inspiring others is evident, and the connections he has formed with marine life are truly remarkable.

How to Book with Karma Dives and Join the Local Freediving Community:

Are you ready to embark on your own aquatic adventure? Dive into the wonders of the underwater world with Karma Dives. To book your scuba diving or freediving experience, visit KARMA DIVES. Mark's expertise and dedication to safety ensure you're in good hands to explore the ocean.

If you're eager to join the local free diving community in Hervey Bay, connect with Mark and the team at Karma Dives. Their vision includes expanding the diving opportunities in the area and fostering a community of ocean enthusiasts. Your underwater exploration awaits!

Stay tuned for more thrilling stories and captivating underwater captures in the world of "We Are Water People." The ocean's mysteries are endless, and we can't wait to continue this incredible journey with you.