Growing up in South Florida
Growing up in South Florida gave me a unique environment that naturally shaped who I am and what I’m passionate about. Living so close to the ocean meant that from a young age, I spent most of my time in or around the water. Whether it was surfing early in the morning, freediving along reefs, or spending long days fishing offshore, the ocean became a huge part of my everyday life. Over time, I wasn’t just enjoying it, I was learning it. I began to understand how it moves, how conditions change, how marine life behaves, and how to stay safe while still pushing myself to explore more.
Those experiences weren’t something I realized the value of right away. At the time, it was just what I loved to do. But looking back, those countless hours in the water built a foundation that would later become one of the biggest advantages in my work. The ocean can be unpredictable and, at times, unforgiving. Being comfortable in that environment is not something that happens overnight. It comes from repetition, awareness, and respect for the conditions. That comfort level allowed me to move more naturally in the water and focus on what was happening around me rather than just trying to stay afloat or react to the moment.
As I got older, I started to become more interested in capturing those experiences. What began as casually filming with a GoPro slowly turned into a real passion for creating visual content in the ocean. I realized that there was something powerful about being able to document moments that most people don’t get to see, whether it was a perfect wave, a close encounter with marine life, or a unique perspective underwater. However, bringing film into the ocean adds a completely different layer of difficulty. You’re not just thinking about framing a shot or adjusting settings. You’re also dealing with waves, currents, visibility, lighting, and constantly changing conditions that can affect everything in seconds.
This is where my background in the water became so important. Because I already had years of experience surfing, freediving, and fishing, I didn’t have to think twice about how to position myself or how to react in certain situations. I understood how to read the ocean, where to be, and when to move. That allowed me to focus more on the creative side of filming rather than the survival side. It also gave me the ability to get closer to the action and capture shots that might be difficult or even unsafe for someone without that same level of experience.
For me, that combination of ocean knowledge and filmmaking is what really sets my work apart. It’s not just about having a camera in the water, it’s about knowing how to operate within that environment in a way that feels natural and controlled. Being comfortable around marine life, understanding their behavior, and knowing how to approach situations without disturbing them has also helped me capture more authentic and engaging footage. It creates a level of trust between myself and the environment I’m working in.
By the time I seriously got into filming, I already felt at home in the ocean. I knew what to do, what not to do, and how to adapt to different conditions. That confidence has allowed me to push my work further and continue improving over time. It’s something that can’t really be taught quickly, it comes from years of experience and genuine passion. Growing up in South Florida didn’t just give me access to the ocean, it gave me the skills and perspective that continue to shape the way I create today.