Keith Ellenbogen

Underwater Photographer

I live blue™ because…
I believe under the clear blue seas there are many stories to share about the marine environment.  Our oceans are not an endless resource, but rather a delicate global ecosystem that is currently being over exploited. As an underwater photographer and artist traveling on expeditions around the world I have seen and learned first hand about the role the oceans play within our global marine environment as well as some of the environmental challenges we are facing for the future.  My goal is to create images that captivate our imagination and inspire conservation.  

Why do you care about the environment?
On a personal note the ocean has given me many hours of pure enjoyment as well as inspiration for artistic expression. Given the current environmental challenges my hope is that future generations will also be able to experience the thrill of being surrounded by water.  

How has your environment affected your career/education decisions?
Pursuing the visual arts has enabled me to combine my aesthetic skills as a photographer and my passion for the marine environment.  It all began with curiosity about life beneath the sea and a big start as a high-school volunteer at the New England Aquarium — Fast-forward — a Masters in Fine Arts, US Fulbright Fellowship, and currently an educator in the Photography Department at Parsons School of Design, New York.

What are some things you do in your life to protect the environment?
As an underwater photographer on expeditions with environmental organizations, I slowly approach the marine animals by focusing my underwater lens on their elaborate patterns, shapes, textures, and behaviors to create an emotional connection that will inspire social change towards protecting our marine environment.

Read Keith’s posts from the field on the Aquarium’s Global Explorer’s Blog here.

Keith Ellenbogen online:
www.bluereef.com

See Keith’s plot of ocean in Fiji here.