DIVE LOG DECEMBER 25 ISSUE 415

My background in dive equipment retail and scuba instruction had shown me the value of approaching every endeavor in a commercial way. If I was to realize my dreams of also making a living from photography, photojournalism was vital to success. So I began to publish my very first efforts successfully, fortunately there was very little competition back then! I took photography seriously the moment I started shooting images. For some decades underwater image capture of marine life was my only photographic interest, it proved very financially viable and dovetailed perfectly with my other recreational diving pursuits which included running dive expeditions and international dive holidays for clients. As 80% of the World is underwater, terrestrial subjects like Wildlife didn’t enter my mind. It wasn’t until my first trip to Africa in 1996 that everything changed. Africa, does that, it is the only place I can go that provides the ‘up close and personal’ in your face encounters with a hint of danger, plenty of excitement, just like when I am underwater. There is very little difference being face to face with Sharks or Lions, Whales or Elephants! And I need that adrenaline rush. I am addicted to the exciting pictures I can capture in both environments. THE PHOTOGRAPHER “You know you were always meant to be a photographer when, the subject excites you, your lens becomes an extension of your eyes, your camera sensor becomes your canvas and your shutter is triggering faster than the speed of your heart“ Kevin Deacon

Kevin Deacon. Pioneer of the Australian Scuba Industry, UW Photography, Dive Travel Pioneer, Author and Multiple Award Winner in the fields of Marine Life and Wildlife Imagery. The year was 1963 and I was 15 years old when I talked my mum into letting me buy myself some scuba equipment and I taught myself to scuba dive in the shallows of Sydney Harbour. I had no fear of this as I was already adept at swimming, body surfing, free diving and spearfishing so I found it quite easy to master. Soon after I purchased my first underwater camera and taught myself how to use that also. On the basis of this and my passion to pursue a career in an industry that did not yet exist, I volunteered at the local sports stores diving department in Manly, a beachside suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and right after leaving school age 15, made myself as indispensable as possible volunteering at the store until at the age of 18 in 1966 they hired me full-time and put me in charge of the diving department and the scuba school. It was also around this time, inspired by the underwater photography being produced by the first pioneers of this craft that I retired my speargun forever.

Website: www.dive2000.com.au Instagram kevindeacondive2000

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DivelogAustralasia #415 December ‘25

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