THROUGH THE LENS WITH ERI OCEAN
Meet Eri, an underwater photographer and free diver living on the island of Oahu.
I haven’t had the chance of meeting Eri in person but I can’t wait to explore her home (hurry up international boarders). I’m grateful to have crossed paths with Eri, we have a special kind of pen pal relationship, always checking in, motivating, and inspiring each other to follow our dreams.
I hope Eri can spark something within you.
Tell us a little bit about you.
My name is Eri and I currently live on the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii. I’m originally from Japan, and moved here 6 years ago after meeting my husband. I grew up by the ocean, so I enjoy doing anything in, on, or around the water, but I mostly enjoy free diving and underwater photography. I’d say that’s how I spend 99% of my free time. My husband is a free diver and spear fisherman, so he has helped me in learning to dive and experience all the beauty that the ocean has to offer. My passion is capturing those special moments and sharing them with the world.
When did you begin taking photos? What camera did you start out on?
I got into underwater photography about 3 years ago, initially using a GoPro Hero 3 that was won as a game prize at my friends wedding party. Actually I didn’t even win the game, my friend won and gave me the GoPro because she knew I was moving to Hawaii. The only stipulation was that I use it to take lots of photos. If it wasn’t for that wedding party, I may have never began this wonderful journey!
What is your favorite thing to shoot? How does it make you feel?
I’d say anything underwater, but if I had to pick my absolute favorite, it would probably be dolphins.Swimming with them is so peaceful. But when I’m taking underwater photography, the only thing I’m focusing on is my breathing and capturing the moment, so it’s like a form of meditation for me, and I always come out feeling calm and relaxed.
Favourite suit to shoot in?
I love love love your Eagle ray Riptide Top & high Boa Bottoms combination♡ I’m in love with them since I first saw them. I also like Midnight Mawi One Piece & Eagle ray Riptide Top combination♡
What location do you find yourself daydreaming over?
I often daydream about the crystal clear waters of Tahiti…♡ It’s my favorite place to go with my hubby. Whenever we are there we spend all day every day swimming with sting rays and reef sharks, it’s just so magical. A Tahiti trip was one of the reasons I bought my first DSLR camera and underwater housing. I wanted to capture higher quality images when we were there, but still didn’t know how to use it very well at the time haha.
Where do you find inspiration, especially when you’re feeling a little flat?
I think just grabbing my camera and SIMPLY ENJOYING the moment with my husband or a friend gives me inspiration. I noticed that if I start searching for inspiration online, it tends to suck me in and I’ll start comparing myself with other people.
If you could say one thing to inspire women to follow their dreams of being a photographer, what would that be?
Take photos of whatever you love and enjoy♡
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