Photographer Samantha Schwann
Samantha Schwann is a Canadian born, U.S based underwater photographic artist whose work concentrates on ecologically unique areas of the ocean. She was announced as a Finalist in the 3rd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.
What inspired you to begin creating?
The maternal side of my family contains quite a few artists, so art has been a part of my life since childhood. I was originally drawn to sculpture (metal, paper and stone) but after an introduction to photography in 2010 I immediately fell in love with the creative potential of the medium. It felt like I had more freedom, which aligns more with my personality. I started out in landscape and abstract work, teaching myself to photograph along the city and seascapes of Vancouver, Canada.
What inspires your photography now?
Shortly after purchasing my underwater camera housing in 2015, I came across the story of a small fishing village in Baja, Mexico which was struggling with overfishing and damage to their local 20,000 year old coral reef, caused by fishing boats. The 150 residents petitioned the Government of Mexico to create a marine preserve, and in 1995 Cabo Pulmo became a marine protected area. By 2011, researchers recorded a remarkable 463% increase in fish biomass, with a return of every single species - some of which that had not been seen since the 1980’s. Today Cabo Pulmo is a thriving eco-tourism destination, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park, and heralded as a conservation success story. I found their courage and fortitude deeply inspiring (it was a struggle for them initially to transition from fishing to eco-tourism). I’ve been passionate about the ocean since first learning to dive in 1994, but that story resulted in an immediate decision to dedicate myself to marine conservation.
My work is inspired by the need to protect our oceans, as it contributes so significantly to our food, fresh oxygen, water, and global economy. Scientists urge for 30% of our oceans be protected by 2030 in order to absorb the demands of current global population, yet less than 6% is currently preserved. I hope to bring the topic of ocean conservation to an expanded audience, highlighting the need for immediate protection of the most ecologically significant locations. 15% of print sale profits directly support ocean conservation initiatives related to the subject or location photographed, to assist them in the important work they do.
Are there any particular brands of photography supplies you prefer using (if so why)?
I use a rugged aluminum camera housing made by Sea&Sea, with a Canon 5DMKIII inside. Depth, salt water, marine life, and getting banged around on dive boats is not easy on gear, and it’s been a really great system.
Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative block?
I like to work in solid chunks of uninterrupted time. Conversations throw me out of creative flow, so unless absolutely necessary communication goes to electronic form when I’m working. If I’m stuck, I’ll step away and do something else for a little while. While not possible during COVID, if I’m really stuck on something I’ll head to the movie theater a short walk away from where I live and watch whatever action film is playing. I have no idea why, but usually halfway through an idea or solution will pop up. I’ve learned to trust the creative process, although I hope as my career progresses I’ll be able to make it more efficient.
Can you give any piece of advice to your fellow artists?
I have a sticky note above my desk that says “Keep Going”. Keep working, learning, submitting and creating.
How do/did you manage the need for perfection within your work?
I strive for excellence, as perfection feels inauthentic to me. Human nature is flawed - in some ways tragically, but in other aspects very beautifully and makes us who we are. Excellence encourages leaning into growth, and brings a greater freedom to explore without seeking an impossible standard.
How do you process/come to terms with and even use other people's opinion of your work?
Constructive criticism is essential for growth. I have a laser focus on what I want to achieve, and so this strips away taking anything personally. If it will help me improve and is from a credible source, I take note. If the opinion doesn’t meet that criteria, then I let it go.
Is there an artist/s who inspires you creatively?
I am very excited by the work of Laurent Ballesta and his team, who in my opinion are the Jacques Cousteau's of our time. They conduct incredible photographic expeditions which are a blend of science, exploration, and conservation on a scale that has not been attempted before. His team works in technically challenging, extreme environments - for example very deep water, ice, and marine life, and pushes boundaries both in the technical aspects of his projects but also how they are captured photographically. I earned unlimited depth, ice, and rebreather ratings earlier on in my dive career and so these are all environments which I share a fascination for. His projects require a massive amount of funding of course, but I admire how he thinks big and approaches his projects in a unique way.
To view more of Samantha Schwann’s work