Hello everyone and happy August! I’m Rei the new Photographer and Blog Writer for Falmouth Marine Conservation! I am a first year Marine and Natural History Photography (MNHP) student at Falmouth University and I am beyond excited to join the FMC team. In this month’s blog, I wanted to introduce myself and tell you all about my background and the work that I did back home that initially brought me here to lovely Falmouth.
Shot of me on one of my first UK dives!
In September of 2023, I made the big move from Long Island, New York, to Falmouth to pursue an education and career in the wildlife photography and filmmaking industry. The BA (Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography course at Falmouth University was exactly what I was looking for as an aspiring wildlife photographer, so moving here was a no-brainer. As an international Marine and Natural History Photography student, born and raised in New York, I often get the question of “What kind of wildlife is there back home?”. Of course some people may be able to imagine American black bears upstate or squirrels in Central Park, but most people overlook or simply do not know of the diverse range of marine life that is quite literally on our doorstep! If you take a close look at the marine life populations living in the ocean surrounding The Empire State, you will soon realise that many animals call it their home. These animals include great white sharks, fin whales, and green sea turtles just to name a few. Growing up in a family that encouraged me to connect with nature, I was lucky enough to see some of the incredible wildlife, from humpback whales to bottlenose dolphins! As a kid, my parents took me to local zoos and aquariums where many youth developed their first relationship with nature. This experience sparked my passion for wildlife conservation and education!
A humpback whale in New York from 2020
With my continuous love for all things wildlife and nature, I dedicated hundreds of hours volunteering and interning in the education department of a local wildlife conservation organisation. There, I got the opportunity to educate thousands of local youth and tourists from around the world about wildlife and conservation. From petitioning to protect the Hudson Canyon to teaching children about animal diets, seeing the sparks of passion in the youth was a life changing experience! During my time working with this organisation, I also got the chance to travel to the New York State Capitol to speak to legislators for advocacy work. This experience of engaging with the general public was the spark that made me want to pursue a professional career in conservation. Seeing the change and excitement, especially in the youth, made me realise that everyone can make a difference no matter how young or old.
One of my first shots of bottlenose dolphins in New York from 2020
With my desire to pursue a career in conservation, I spent years exploring all of the possible careers in this field. I jumped from wanting to become an ethologist, marine biologist, animal behaviourist, and veterinarian before I ended up in wildlife photography. With wildlife photography, I am able to capture moments and worlds that aren’t accessible to many and use it as a resource to spark an interest and passion for wildlife conservation. When people can relate to something, they are more likely to want to protect it, and I believe that photography and media can bridge the gap for those who don’t get the opportunity to experience the natural world.
Blue-rayed limpets at Castle Beach, Falmouth
Now as a Marine and Natural History Photography student in Falmouth, I want to continue my work in youth wildlife conservation education. I currently take part in many volunteer positions including the Education & Outreach team with Falmouth Marine Conservation as well as working as part of Crew and Photographer for AK Wildlife Cruises. Since starting my work with AK Wildlife Cruises, I have developed a special love for common dolphins (Photographed below).
Common dolphin taken on AK Wildlife Cruises
When I am not on the boat, I am constantly looking for different ways to engage with the marine conservation community here in Cornwall! While I am taking a more unconventional approach to a career in conservation by studying photography, my goal is to leverage my work to fit into youth conservation education and to document conservation issues around the world, both on land and in the sea. Though wildlife media has its pros and cons, I think that when used responsibly, it can be an incredible tool to make nature more accessible to those who are disconnected from it. As a Photographer and Blog Writer for Falmouth Marine Conservation, my aim is to document the conservation work done around Falmouth/Cornwall and keep you all up to date on all things marine life. I have a particular interest in cetaceans so I am quite excited to learn more about the local populations! I am thrilled to be part of the team and I look forward to what is to come in 2024. Until next time!
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