I had the opportunity to photograph David Doubilet, one of the world’s top underwater photographers who primarily shoots for National Geographic, at the McCoy Center in New Albany last week. Doubilet shared several dozen of his favorite photos to the local middle school kids. He explained the significance of each photo, whether it be a rare mating session between sea turtles or a previously unphotographed species of aquatic life. Not just an eye candy lecture, he tried teaching a lesson as well. He warned the kids about never buying shark fin soup, as the harvesting of sharks for the Japanese delicacy has led to their near-existence. To back his claim, he showed an image of a giant shark on a Japanese dock with its fins cut off. Between giggles and oohs and aahs, his message was heard.

It was amazing to listen to the passion Mr. Doubilet has for sea life, and how me managed to turn that love of the ocean into a successful photography career. He started snorkeling when he was eight, and began taking a camera with him wrapped in a plastic bag before he was even a teenager. 50 years later, Doubilet has shot 40 assignments for National Geographic, including numerous cover shots. What I liked most was his passion to try to change the marine world with his pictures. It didn’t take more than a few minutes of seeing his pictures to realize that he has succeeded.

On an assignment related note, I shot the second image at the very beginning of the lecture. Immediately after hitting the shutter button, the spotlight on Doubilet went out. Dark. Fortunately, after shooting a few of his photos, he moved away from the back of the podium, so I could get the silhouette shot. I’d like to think it was just one photographer looking out for another. Thanks David!