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Inspiring Underwater Videographer – Francesca DeWeerdt

Writer's picture: tiani duntiani dun

Updated: 5 days ago

Whale Sharks by Francesca DeWeerdt
Whale Sharks by Francesca DeWeerdt

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Hi! My name is Francesca DeWeerdt and I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia! After I graduated college in the middle of the pandemic I went through a period of re-evaluating what I wanted out of life and how I wanted to live day to day. I became a scuba instructor in 2021 and from then on knew the answer to that question was to be in the ocean. Ever since I have been traveling and living all over the world from Hawaii, Honduras, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and more.


Francesca DeWeerdt
Francesca DeWeerdt
Diving Socorro by Francesca DeWeerdt

What inspired you to specialize in underwater videography?

I had always had a love for videography and a fascination with the ocean while growing up but never connected the two until I become a scuba diving instructor. Once I did everything really clicked into place for me and I knew I wanted my life and career to revolve around the ocean forever. In the beginning, getting to dive everyday and have these special ocean experiences was amazing but I was craving a way to share that with others after every dive. Thats when I started to prioritize my videography while diving and developing more of those skills. 


Diving with Fran in the Blue!

Can you share one of your most memorable experiences while videographing underwater? 

When I was on a liveaboard in Socorro Island I got to have a magical experience with one of the largest oceanic manta rays I’ve ever seen. My buddy and I were a little bit separated from the group and this manta came down from the surface and slowly circled us what felt like ages. I was able to get some shots of it I am really proud of, and what was even more special was because of how long it stayed circling us I was able to put down the camera down just to make eye contact with it. When filming a really unique experience or a new species I haven’t seen before I try to remind myself to also be present in the moment and not to get stuck looking at my camera screen the whole dive! Nothing is more special than feeling as if an animal really sees you and makes a connection.


Manta Ray by Francesca DeWeerdt

What challenges do you face as an underwater videographer, and how do you overcome them?

A challenge that I am still overcoming as an underwater videographer is patience with the ocean. It is always out of excitement but sometimes, I find myself always looking or chasing for a certain experience when in reality that is very far outside our control. I think social media plays a huge role in this since I see creators get these once in a lifetime experiences daily but that is not the true reality. I have been lucky enough to have some really special moments in the ocean in the past few years and have to reminding myself of that to not always be looking towards the next thing. I think that is an important lesson for myself about life in general, being more present in the moment, but I have especially noticed it in my underwater videography journey. 


Australian Sea Lions by Francesca DeWeerdt
Australian Sea Lions by Francesca DeWeerdt

How do you stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies in underwater photography/videography?

I love talking with other videographers and photographers about their work and learning from others but mainly I like to experiment with my equipment as much as I can. When shooting either videos or photos there is so much artistic choices that have to be made from the framing, lighting, to the editing process after so when I can I like to experiment with those things. Sometimes it doesn’t work out or looks awful but other times it turns out to be one of the coolest shots I've been able to take! So I always try to push myself in experimenting and thinking through a shot in a different way.


Cuddle Puddle by Francesca DeWeerdt
Cuddle Puddle by Francesca DeWeerdt

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring underwater videographers?

Start shooting with whatever camera you have! Whether is a Gopro or underwater housing for your phone, just get in the water and shoot. I feel that most of the time people overlook aspects of shooting underwater like knowledge of animal behavior and tracking. These things can be learned and practiced no matter what camera you have and make a world of difference when trying to get a shot of a particular animal. How you approach and your knowledge of that animal is everything and helps create those moments that might seem “lucky,” but in reality are very thought through. 


Leopard Shark by Francesca DeWeerdt
Leopard Shark by Francesca DeWeerdt

What are your favorite locations or dive sites for underwater videography, and why?

My favorite place I've gotten to dive so far has to be Niihau Island in Hawaii. For a few years I got to work in Kauai and spent lot of days out at Niihau giving it a special place in my heart. It is a stunning wall dives that drops off into the deep blue where some of the best ocean giants can be found. Dolphins, Mantas, Hawaiian Monk Seals, Whale Sharks and more you never know what will appear out of the blue! Getting to interact with the Hawaiian Monk Seal every dive as well was epic since they are endangered with only about 1,500 individuals left. Even in sites around Niihau where there is more macro to be found I always find myself staring off into the blue in hope or anticipation of what the ocean might bring.


Diving Niihau by Francesca DeWeerdt

Have you ever encountered any unexpected or dangerous situations while videoing underwater?

Unexpected for sure, I think that is the nature of diving is being ready for the unexpected nature of the ocean. A few times in my career I've been on dives when either the current or an upwelling/downwelling was much more than I was anticipating and in those situations I have to not worry about getting a certain photo or video but rather my skills as a diver and keeping my own safety as the number one priority. I think with having a camera in your hands it’s easy to get lost in that aspect of diving but I will always prioritize my safety but also the safety of the reef or animals first. 


Diving Indonesia by Francesca DeWeerdt

How do you think underwater videography can contribute to marine conservation efforts?

I think as ocean videographers we get accustomed to seeing certain marine animals and corals all the time but we can forget that most people do not get to experience these things first hand. Having the ability to be out in the water all the time to document these things and share with others plays a huge role in more of the population knowing these animals are out there. On top of that they have the chance to care more about their futures and how we can help in maintaining healthy populations. Seeing other videographers work has inspired me so much into becoming more knowledgeable about the threats to our oceans and how I can play apart in doing better for our future. My hope is that if my content can inspire others to do the same then I have done something right. 


Schooling Jacks by Francesca DeWeerdt
Schooling Jacks by Francesca DeWeerdt

Check out some more of Fran's work here:

Instagram: @franintheblue

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We are Ran and Danielle Mor. Ocean lovers, explorers, world travelers, entrepreneurs and divers of course! 

 

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