Celebrate The Sea: A Talk On Underwater Photography and Ocean Conservation by Bo Mancao

The sea has always been considered as the lifeblood of the EARTH. We live and breath because of the OCEANS. Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to be able to hear THE Bo Mancao, a celebrated Underwater Photographer, Diver, and Ocean Advocate to talk about the Ocean and its importance.

Yesterday,  I attended a talk about Underwater Photography and celebrating life underwater as a whole. The talk opened my eyes to a lot of things regarding how to be a responsible diver and an ambassador for the ocean. I had always been fascinated by the life underneath the waves. Currently, we are facing a lot of issues concerning our oceans.

Here are my take away for that talk by Bo Mancao. As an outdoor enthusiast, I had been exposed to the elements of the sea and the mountains. Though I am carrying a water sign for the Chinese Zodiac, and ironically, my weak element is WATER. I had almost drowned multiple times and still, it didn’t deterred me to still enjoy the majestic seas. I am still attuned to going after its salty glory, and will always find comfort on its waves. It is just so sad that the seas and oceans are choked on pollution, single waste plastics being ingested by sea mammals and other marine life. It is a very frustrating sight, even when humans like us has the capacity to actually stop it.

Bo Mancao also discussed about Zero Impact Diving. So what does this mean?

Zero Impact Diving (in relation to UW photography)

This is a big factor in shooting. Kneeling on the substrate is not acceptable anymore when diving. Also, a better way to dive is having FINS up and hands in front. Try not to dive with divesticks and always KEEP FINS ABOVE THE REEF. Another is, shoot where the subject should be,  not where it is.

Remember, when you take underwater photos, you became and Ambassador of the Ocean.

Here are some snaps from the event: