Brian Skerry knew as a young boy that he wanted to scuba dive. The Massachusetts native was certified in Scuba diving at 15 and soon realized that he wanted to become an underwater photographer. Since then he has worked taking pictures for National Geographic and others.
Before he embarks on journeys to photograph sea creatures, Skerry spends a lot of time gathering information with the help of researchers, such as Buddy Powell with Sea to Shore Alliance. "These are people who have dedicated their lives to understanding the behaviors of animals."
But once in the water, he says his policy is to "never chase an animal." Skerry lets them take the lead and tries to blend into the background. Observation is the key for him.
He said he felt a sense of obligation to show the problems that he sees underwater. His photographs, compiled in a National Geographic exhibition called "Ocean Soul," is now open at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton. There's a reception for the exhibition later today (2/12) at the South Florida Museum from 5:30-7 p.m.
