Sean Chinn | Underwater Photographer and Videographer | United Kingdom
Growing up in Birmingham, UK, Sean didn’t have the ocean on his doorstep, but that didn’t stop him. In 2008, he travelled to Mexico, and that was when he realised how big the world is and that it needed exploring.
In 2013, Sean continued to travel, this time to Indonesia. This trip changed his life, as he dived into the underwater world and started capturing the beauty of our planet.
With his gaining experience, he has been recognised in international competitions, winning awards or being highly commended in prestigious events throughout the underwater photography world.
Sean hopes his photos will give wildlife a voice and encourage more people to care.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
My storytelling journey started in the summer of 2013, after a trip to Indonesia, when I visited both Bali and Gili Trawangan. I was a novice diver at the time, but after my first dives with manta rays, it hit me that I wanted to capture the beauty of the underwater world to share with others. With no photography background, I came back from the trip and set off to find out how I could develop my diving and underwater photography skills.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Being from Birmingham in the middle of England, there wasn't much opportunity to explore the underwater world. The ocean wasn't really something that was at the forefront of our lives growing up there. However, I was always into wildlife and loved great white sharks.
My father is a very good artist and used to draw portraits of great whites for us, and whenever we were on holiday we would always go out snorkelling and would spend a lot of time swimming in the sea. The interest was there, but the push to feel connected to the ocean came out more as I got older.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I first moved into lifeguarding, as swimming was always a big part of my life. I then moved into the family business of property letting, and I continue to work in that business now. I'm also coaching football while I continue to develop my storytelling and photography for the world’s oceans. Unfortunately, the work I do with my wildlife photography isn't a full-time career, but my passion for it means it has to be a big part of my life.
Who/what currently inspires you?
In terms of photography, Alex Mustard is a big influence and I love his work and passion for underwater photography. I'm also a big fan of Paul Nicklen, not only for his photography, but the work he does for the oceans.
My photography has always been about showing the beauty of the world’s wildlife, but lately, I have huge respect for Aaron Gekoski and the work he does documenting the darker side of wildlife exploitation. It must be heartbreaking seeing the things he does, but he documents the problems so well. A story that definitely needs telling.
What do you value the most?
At the moment, I'm in a bit of a transition period, looking to get myself back out after the recent pandemic. I have a small project coming up very soon, documenting a trip to the Red Sea. I do believe eco-tourism when done right is one of the best forms of protecting wildlife. If you can make more money from the animal being alive than dead. It's always a great incentive for governments and people to work to protect.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
If you're familiar with my photography, you will know I have a love for predators and in particular sharks. Humans’ destructive behaviour, killing sharks and other marine life at an alarming rate, is one of the big changes I'd love to see.
I recently watched a disturbing video of a shark being stabbed, while showing a distinct lack of respect for its life. I'd like to see a lot more respect shown towards wildlife.
The other big problem is pollution. I've been to some incredibly beautiful places and secluded ones too, yet it's sad when you see pristine places rarely visited but there always seems to be some form of rubbish no matter where you go.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
Any of the Blue Planet series from the BBC with David Attenborough are a must for me. While I'd also highly recommend Sharkwater Extinction.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
As I have mentioned before, I grew up and still reside in Birmingham, UK. It's a city right in the middle of England, and the ocean isn't really something my fellow Brummies have thought or worried about.
If I can get more people aware of what the oceans hold and the troubles they face, that is something I strive for. I have a young daughter, and I am teaching her the value and importance of wildlife. I can only hope, in this digital world, the word will continue to spread far and wide with the younger generation. I just want my photos to give wildlife a voice and encourage more to care.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Not to concentrate on the financial side and do it because you're passionate about it. As I have said previously, I am in full-time work away from my ocean storytelling, but I do this because I am so passionate about it. Find what you love and do everything to make that work.
WEBSITE: https://www.greatwhitesean.com
INSTAGRAM: @greatwhitesean
