Living in a city far from the ocean when you are an ocean lover like me is difficult. Leaving the city with all your family, friends, job and security is even more difficult. I decided to chase my dream anyway.
So, I quit my office job with nice benefits and great people. It was more difficult than I thought it would be. While my dream is to make a living off wildlife photography it is unrealistic these days. I decided to become a dive instructor. This would certainly help with my ultimate goal. To be a good underwater photographer you must be a good diver (or very good freediver). It will also teach me about the ocean, the creatures within it, how to keep safe and give me connections within the industry. Or at least that’s the theory.
In January 2012 I took my PADI Instructor Development Course and moved to the Bahamas. I wish I could say it was purely a courageous act, but I also got lucky. My parents decided (after a year and a half of heated debate) to purchase a dive center in the Bahamas. Needless to say this made my transition much easier. It also meant I had a job lined up for right after my IDC was completed. Yes, I got lucky, but I was ready for the opportunity when it presented itself.
It is only 3 months since I made the big move from Canada to the Bahamas, but so far so good. Perhaps I’m still in the ‘honeymoon’ phase, but for me being able to snorkel off a beach 2 minutes from your house with sharks, rays, dolphins, turtles and countless tropical fish is a dream come true. Just look at what I get to see (almost) whenever I want:
Yes, I am lucky indeed.
