Business Card and Leave Behind

These are screenshots obviously so disregard the little safety line
Business card

Leave behind

Tales by Light paper 1

Tales by Light-Paper 1

Episodes 3 and 4, “Misunderstood Predators”

When clicking through the 6 episodes of season two, “Misunderstood Predators” stood out to me first. I could tell that the episodes were about an underwater photographer, a topic that always greatly intrigues me (because I’ve never been able to shoot underwater). As I watched the first episode of the two part series, I was enthralled. Not only was the landscape Eric Cheng shot in beautiful, but the cinematography of the episode and the final photos shown were breathtaking as well. It was cool to see such a large creature (a green anaconda) shot in such an environment. I, like many others, had preconceived notions about the giant snake. However after watching this episode I know that they are not at all like the demonized perception most have on them. That was one of the things I learned from Eric Cheng: to not judge an animal based off myths or looks. Many animals look much more frightening and dangerous than they actually are, and are really quite harmless to humans (if treated properly). I liked how Eric Cheng did not let fear impede on his desire to capture the green anaconda. He got up close and personal with the snake and it allowed him to take really amazing and unique photos. He was also very patient. He spent several days on the river looking for the opportunity to shoot the anaconda to arise. It finally did, and by looking at the photos you can tell the wait definitely paid off.

The second part to the episode “Misunderstood Predators” was even better. I have always been fascinated with sharks, and I’m very passionate about the conservation of sharks (and the ocean in general). I enjoyed being able to watch Eric Cheng fearlessly  jump into the water and take close photos of the sharks. And yes, his photos were great, but I learned more from this episode just by watching him take the pictures. I never knew how affectionate sharks were, so watching the divers interact with them was so cool to see. Also the passion they have for showing the world that sharks are misunderstood is really inspiring. They are hopeful that by taking pictures of sharks (or just large and misunderstood predators in general) when they are in a natural and calm environment they can change people’s opinions of them. Now knowing that something like this is possible, it makes me want to photograph things that people are fearful of.

Free shoot

Pt 1. Consistency and patterns (within nature, duh)

Pt 2. Chaos and contrast

Bonus: I not only stepped in poison oak and almost melted my shoes by getting too close to a controlled burn-but I also saw a nice, friendly, CORAL SNAKE. Nature shoots are hard.