A Testament to My Experience with Scientific Photography
October 6th, 2024
My recent work for Coast Day 2024 was an incredible showcase of University of Delaware's groundbreaking research in marine science and environmental sustainability. As a senior and freelance photographer, documenting this annual event has been a privilege, giving me firsthand exposure to innovative projects, partnerships, and the vibrant community that fuels the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment's (CEOE) mission.
Coast Day offers a variety of hands-on activities that bring ocean science to life for visitors of all ages. Interactive exhibits break down complex oceanographic processes in an engaging and accessible way, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding. UD’s two research vessels serve as floating laboratories, giving students and faculty the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research. Ship tours provide a rare glimpse into the daily lives of marine scientists, bridging the gap between lab work and fieldwork, while presentations from our partners highlight some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our oceans today.
This event was made even more exciting this year by the presence of Snoop, our quadruped robot, which plays a key role in advancing data collection in marine environments. Snoop represents a leap in marine technology, allowing researchers to access areas previously out of reach, capturing data that contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems. Seeing the public's curiosity about Snoop underscored the importance of merging technology with science communication to foster greater environmental awareness.
What inspires me most is the remarkable intergenerational engagement —witnessing students, families, and researchers come together to explore sustainable solutions is truly incredible. We're fostering a level of engagement that younger generations look up to.
Each year, Coast Day reaffirms the essential role of science in shaping out understanding of the ocean and I am grateful to play a part in translating these experiences into visual stories. My involvement within CEOE and Delaware Sea Grant has allowed me to grow my skills in photography and storytelling while deepening my commitment to scientific communication. These experiences will be invaluable as I pursue future work in marine conservation and public outreach.
Travel Edition: The Interconnectedness of Souls
"The Interconnectedness of Souls" is an exploration of the profound and often unseen connections that bind human beings across the globe. It’s a journey into the essence of our shared humanity, ultimately uncovering the universal threads that link our emotions, experiences, and innermost selves, despite the vast distances that separate us physically. My goal is to answer this question: How do our shared human experiences and emotions transcend cultural, geographical, and societal boundaries to reveal the inherent interconnectedness of all souls?
At first glance, the world appears fragmented. We inhabit different continents, speak diverse languages, and practice a multitude of religions. Our cultures are rich with distinct traditions, foods, festivals, and daily rituals. Yet, beneath these surface differences lies a fundamental truth: our souls and emotions are more similar than we often acknowledge. This journey aims to illuminate how these deep-seated connections persist, fostering a sense of unity among humanity.
The world's five oceans—Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern, and Arctic—are frequently depicted as barriers separating continents and peoples. However, this division is merely a construct of human perception. The oceans, in reality, form a continuous body of water, their waves and currents intermingling without heed to our arbitrary labels. Similarly, the divisions we impose upon ourselves—by race, nationality, or creed—are superficial distinctions that obscure the deeper, intrinsic connections we share.
In modern society, our tendency to label and categorize is pervasive. We assign labels to people, places, and even emotions, often constraining our understanding within these predefined boundaries. The goal of my journey challenges us to transcend these limitations, encouraging an open-minded approach to life, free from biases and preconceptions. By doing so, we can begin to appreciate the commonalities that unite us rather than the differences that divide us.
My recent travels took me through the vibrant cities and serene villages of the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Vietnam, and Turkey. In each country, I was fortunate to hear the heartfelt stories of the locals, particularly the elders who have worked tirelessly to provide for their families. Their tales of resilience and dedication have profoundly shaped my worldview, instilling in me a deep sense of humility and gratitude. These experiences have shown me the rich tapestry of human life and the universal pursuit of betterment. I aspire to capture their world through my photography, preserving the essence of their lives and the beauty of their cultures. These personal narratives highlight that, irrespective of our external differences, our inner lives resonate with similar dreams, fears, and aspirations.
As time progresses, I hope to see the world not as a patchwork of isolated cultures, but as a vibrant mosaic of interconnected souls. Each person's story adds depth and color to the collective human experience. The realization dawns that our joys and struggles are mirrored in the lives of others, fostering empathy and a sense of global kinship.
"The Interconnectedness of Souls" is a testament to the power of human connection. It reminds us that beneath the veneer of diversity lies a shared humanity, bound by the same fundamental emotions and desires. By embracing this interconnectedness, we can rise above the superficial labels that divide us, fostering a world where empathy and understanding prevail. We are all interconnected by our souls. This awareness has the power to transform how we view ourselves and others, cultivating a global community rooted in mutual respect and compassion. In recognizing our shared essence, we move closer to a world where differences are celebrated, and unity is cherished. I hope that as I build on my photographic skills, I can share with the world all of the beautiful souls I have seen.
Humans are incredible. Through beauty and expression, portraits can tell a thousand stories.
My first look at portraiture was in senior year of high school. As the Covid-19 pandemic continued to put a wrench in everyone's life plans, many students felt sheltered and lost, even hopeless. I wanted to create some sort of normalcy. My goal for NOVAPORTRAITS was to capture senior portraits of the graduating class of 2021; to ease this anxiety and create some sort of normalcy. Below are two articles, written by Yorktown Sentry and Arlington Magazine, about my senior year project, NOVAPORTRAITS.
Portrait photography is so special. It is such a privilege to capture the incredibly unique stories of people from a still moment. Through expression, space, and focus, portraits convey a person's personality and identity, without words. These are the photos that sit on living room mantles for years to come.
The exhilaration of competition between players, coaches, and fans.
There is nothing better than a good sports game. The rushes of excitement and adrenaline of the players, coaches, and fans make shooting these games so meaningful. In September 2023, I was invited to shoot the University of Delaware v. Penn State game in State College, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by over 105,000 fans in the fourth largest stadium in the world, I was overwhelmed yet filled with gratitude for this extraordinary experience. As the photographer for University of Delaware's D1 Men's Hockey team and Campus Recreation, I get to capture the moments of victory and loss in a familiar setting. While I continue to learn more about sports photography each game, I have developed friendships with many of the student athletes pictured, which makes capturing these memories even more fun.
Go outside and go explore. Put your phone down and enjoy the planet we call home.
Landscape photography is just incredible. The diversity in shots I capture is one of the main reasons I love it so much. My gratitude for this planet flourishes when I completely immerse myself in the environment around me. Each scene, whether it's a sprawling mountain range, wildlife, or a breathtaking coastal view, offers a unique perspective and beauty that is unmatched. Being out in nature with my camera reminds me how precious life is and encourages me to enjoy every moment. The act of capturing these fleeting moments in time feels like a celebration of the world's natural splendor and a reminder to appreciate the simple yet profound wonders that surround us.
For research and conversation of Earth's oceans.
My intense curiosity has been the greatest contributor to every aspect in my life. At seven years old, when I learned that over 80% of the ocean remains unexplored, I knew that I wanted to be one of the people to explore part of that 80%. Curiosity works wonders, especially with determination.
As a marine biology major at University of Delaware, I can grow my understanding of the ocean through field and lab work, which I have captured for the university. I have had several opportunities to combine my passions for marine science, photography, and storytelling. My work with Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute involved rescuing stranded marine mammals and sea turtles to conduct conservation research. We utilize Happy Whale, an artificial intelligence platform for cetacean research, allowing us to identify individuals we encounter. During the 2023-24 academic year, I was an intern for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, in which I produced images, posts, and emails to educate the public on shipwreck ecology, maritime heritage and marine biology at two sanctuaries: Monitor National Marine Sanctuary and Mallows Bay - Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Now, I work for Delaware Sea Grant as a media intern, producing promotional videos of the critical marine research being conducted. This fall, I will continue my work as an intern for NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, in which I will curate Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary archival marine life photography.
I hope to incorporate everything I learn during these invaluable opportunities into my future work in cetacean research and marine and underwater photography. And one day, I hope to find myself diving next to a whale - capturing its beauty through my lens.
Thank you for being part of my photographic journey!