Rowan Dear | Underwater Photographer | UK | Australia
Rowan was born in Wales, but after wanting to explore our oceans, he travelled to Australia where he has been for the last 10 years. Through his dramatic underwater photography and epic drone captures, he hopes to inspire people to love and protect the ocean, particularly, future generations.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
2020.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I grew up in the countryside in Wales and lived far from my friends. So my days were spent roaming around the fields, watching for birds, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, or whatever animals I could find.
I loved being out in nature, and still do. However I have now swapped the land for the sea, and I’m more excited than ever to discover new animals or new behaviours in the ocean.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I went to university, but couldn’t finish my course and had no idea what I wanted to do. So I saved up money and moved to Australia.
I had wanted to get into diving for years but was always scared of the water. However, I pushed myself to get over that fear, as I knew what was in the ocean would be worth it, and it was!
What/who currently inspires you?
Definitely ocean photographers like Paul Nicklen, Matty Smith, Jake Wilton and more macro videographers like Marcelo Johan Ogata AKA ''@bugdreamer''. But travelling to new countries to dive definitely inspires me and keeps me on track mentally when the day job gets stressful.
What current projects/stories are you working on?
I’m planning on some big trips next year, to Mexico in search of my ultimate anima l- an Orca, and also to see the Mobula Ray aggregation and to shoot Whale Sharks for the first time with a camera in hand!
Then the second dream will be swimming with Humpbacks in Tonga or Moorea.
Then lastly, some local trips, to Heron Island to see the turtle mating season and then maybe Lady Elliot Island again for the manta season and Byron Bay for the Leopard Shark season. Two of my favourite seasons!
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Definitely more protection for sharks and to reduce the overfishing issue we have in the world. I would have loved to dive 40-50 years ago when our oceans were full of sharks, especially on the Great Barrier Reef. Diving there now just feels like a disappointment and like I literally missed the boat.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Nothing outside of the usual. I watch every David Attenborough show, the recent Berty Gregory series was great and Steve Backshall on sharks also.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
It would be nice to make a difference to our oceans and feel like I’ve contributed to helping future generations be able to enjoy the wonders of the ocean to its fullest.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
To get in the ocean as much as possible, take as many pictures and videos and share them. If people understand how beautiful it can be, then maybe they will do something small to help change.
INSTAGRAM: @rdearphotography
