I use a DSLR camera and a flash to light up the water on sunrise and sunset, capturing stunning images in very low light. I’m often in the water at dark well before the sun comes up or goes down, waiting for the first glimpse of light to appear on the horizon. People think I’m crazy being in the water at that time due to the risk of shark attack and not being able to see the big waves approaching, but I’m just doing what I love: capturing the moments that inspire me. It’s been extremely rewarding to do practice a passion, but it hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows.
I was brought up in a relatively poor family and raised by my loving mum who suffered from a mental illness, leaving her incapable of looking after her children. Severe anxiety, depression, and personality disorder – fueled by alcoholism and prescription drug abuse – had its relentless grip on my mum most of her life. I started to feel the effects, too, as I began to develop anxiety and severe self-esteem problems. One day I decided I wasn’t going to go down that path and broke away and found peace through going to the ocean and learning everything there is to know about photography.
I found that it relieved my stress and anxiety passed down from my mother’s issues. It helped me maintain a balance in my life, which has now turned into a career. I built my own water case 20 years ago at the age of 15. I bought a cheap secondhand film camera because my family was too poor to afford one.
I now earn a comfortable living from my art and share my experiences daily on social media for those who can’t get out and travel to these places. I hope people find joy and inspiration from my photographs. Similarly, I wish for those with mental illnesses to understand there is still hope.
My career, however, took a lot of hard work and dedication to be where I am today. It’s extremely rewarding for people to acknowledge my work. In fact, I recently won the International Travel Photography Awards and was recognized for my work by National Geographic. My heart and soul goes into my photography, and I hope the results reflect that.
For more of Adam’s awesome photography, check out his website or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
