Nova West | Diver | Underwater Photographer & Videographer | Video Engineer | USA
Nova works as a filmmaker specialising in underwater camera work and has worked with networks such as National Geographic, Discovery, and Netflix. Nova is also an avid artist, graphic designer, scuba diver, photographer, musician, and environmental educator. In all aspects of Nova’s creativity, their work most often centers around the natural wonders of our world and invites others to explore them with Nova’s work.
Nova has always had an innate interest in wildlife and expedition filmmaking, all starting with exploring their backyard in small-town Minnesota. Also, Nova has always been curious about this strange world we live in, and having a camera in their hand gave them a way to make art with the things they saw. Nova has been on some wild adventures that inevitably reignited the spark that got them here in the first place.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
I've been a storyteller since I could first hold a camera. Starting with the life around me in small-town Minnesota, I didn't become an ocean storyteller until my late twenties.
Working at National Geographic, I quickly learned that I had a unique perspective underwater that was largely untapped. That's where I began my goal to tell ocean stories from a whole new angle.
Image by Jonathan Fiely
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Where I grew up there wasn't too much around but corn fields. Every year my parents would take us camping to the same campsite in northern Minnesota. There I really learned about how a place can change over time, appreciating the little details in the wildlife I'd discover year after year. From the caterpillars to the walleye and raccoons, everything was a wonder to me.
It was there that I really started to explore telling nature's stories on disposable cameras, and started me on a journey of inspiring others to jump in through a lens.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I went to school for Environmental and Outdoor Education in northern Minnesota. Immediately after graduation, I got an internship at National Geographic HQ in Washington, DC.
After a few years of office work, I somehow ended up on my first expedition, which led me to work with the E/V Nautilus as a Video Engineer and kickstarted my career as a freelance camera operator.
Now, I'm an underwater cinematographer and photographer in addition to working on deep-sea ocean exploration expeditions.
What/who currently inspires you?
I'm always incredibly inspired by my community and how water acts as a healing force for marginalized groups. For me, existing as a trans person in the water is such a magical experience, and getting to tell the stories of the queer community within aquatic spaces brings me so much joy.
Current Work
In addition to the many freelance projects I work on, I just finished working on Diving For Rays, which is now streamable on Waterbear Network.
I'm also currently working with Sharks4Kids and Conservation Nation to create educational shark content! I'm now working on editing the mini-doc, which will be out by October 2023.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would love to change so many things, one of which being increased access and education to wild aquatic spaces. There's so much to see in the ocean, and I see so many people afraid of it for things that are only true in the mainstream media.
I'm hoping to change those narratives, and help more people hop into this beautiful and healing space.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Doc: Mission Blue, Book: Undrowned.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to inspire a generation of queer ocean explorers. A generation who are their fully liberated selves, that aren't afraid to jump in, who doesn't let the world tell them that they don't belong here. Like waves take on many forms, queerness in every form belongs in the ocean.
Image by MarleyParker
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Jump in! And don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Ask big questions to people who are already doing what you dream to do, and find a way to get in the water as much as possible. Tell your story, and the rest will come.
INSTAGRAM: @novawest_creative
WEBSITE: www.novawestcreative.com
Image by Jennie Berglund
