The Florida Keys are communities focused entirely on the ocean. Angling, snorkeling, and diving are everywhere you look!  Billing itself as the ‘Diving Capital of the World’  Key Largo has at least 18 different dive operators on a single 33-mile long island! Thanks to the generosity of Captain Slate’s Atlantis Dive Center I’m here organizing summer plans and finishing my instructor course.

Key Largo not only attracts thousands of tourists every year, but it is home to some true diving legends. This week I had the chance to meet two of them.

At a barbeque I was chatting with a group about the awesome opportunities the scholarship provides and sharing my excitement about recently receiving my underwater housing. (Thank you to Olympus for your continued generosity to this scholarship program. I hope to be creating some beautiful images to share soon!)  Behind me a voice called out “What’s your F-stop?” I.  turned around to the same question, “What’s your F-stop? I prefer 8.0”.  The voice came from a man I learned was Jerry Greenberg. Photography pioneer and International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Inductee, Mr Greenberg shot the first underwater color photograph featured on the cover of National Geographic magazine.  He may feel some chagrin at the pioneer word, but Jerry helped define the underwater photo field at a time photographers were manufacturing their own housings. Amazing to know how far we’ve come. He happened to be carrying a reproduction of his Nat Geo cover and graciously posed for the photo below.  I am starting from square one with underwater photography, but will be sure to spend some time on F-stop 8.0. Thanks Mr Greenberg!

Another introduction I was thrilled with was hearing Stephen Frink speak last night at the History of Diving Museum.  Stephen Frink is one of the world’s most published underwater photographers and marine photojournalists. He also now publishes Alert Diver magazine. Sharing 30 years of diving photography and adventures, Mr. Frink wowed a standing room only crowd. Sneaking in at the last moment I ended up in the only open spot, next to the podium, sitting on the floor wide-eyed as the world’s oceans sprang to life. Although I had been in the water only hours earlier, after the talk I couldn’t wait to start bubbling and exploring again. Our oceans are full of such wonders! Eloquent and charming in front of a crowd Mr Frink’s presentation was as stunning as his photography. I am so thankful for this scholarship providing me the opportunity to be inspired by the great leaders of the underwater world.

Legends with legends: Check out this wonderful interview from Alert Diver magazine questions by Stephen Frink for Jerry Greenberg!