Ocean Careers

Bob Talbot
Photographer

From the first time he ventured into the water with a snorkel at age eight, Bob Talbot has been fascinated by the sea and the animals that inhabit it. Since then, he has made it his life's work to foster a respect for animals and to fight to protect their habitat.

For more than 25 years, Talbot's whale and dolphin photographs have inspired wonder in people around the world, gaining him an international reputation as one of the best in his field.

Talbot is also a renowned filmmaker with several impressive credits under his belt that include the wildlife sequences for Warner Bros.'s Free Willy series, and Universal Pictures' Flipper. Most recently, he directed and photographed the IMAX film Ocean Men, highlighting world champion free divers Pipin Ferreras and Umberto Pelizzari.

I've always believed that it would take a global effort to effect significant change in the sea.

Growing up in southern California, Bob originally wanted to study marine sciences.

"I was in junior high school when I first started taking photographs," he said. "At the time, I was set on studying marine sciences, believing that would be the most direct way to promote marine protection. But I soon realized the power of images to effect change and decided to concentrate my efforts in that area."

Capturing marine life on film presents a range of challenges.

Bob has no control over his fast-moving and often shy subjects. While shooting on the surface, Bob's subjects and boat are in constant motion, and the direction and quality of light are continuously changing. Of course, filming underwater presents its own host of problems. All of which explains why he will often spend weeks or months at sea waiting for all of these elements to come together.

But photographing stunning images is only a part of his ocean role. Bob is active on a national and international scale raising ocean awareness. He is on the board of governors for Oceana and on the board of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. He also collaborates with Jean-Michel Cousteau on Ocean Futures projects.

"Bob Talbot's qualifications, passion and knowledge to communicate ocean stewardship are without challenge," said John Englander, chief executive officer of the International SeaKeepers Society.

Bob believes that a sense of ownership is key in moving ocean conservation forward. "People need to become stewards of their local environment, even if they live far from the coast. Everything we put in or on or land and waterways, ultimately ends up in the sea."

With his reputation growing each day, Bob has taken an active a message to those interested in pursuing an ocean career.

"I've always believed that it would take a global effort to effect significant change in the sea," he said. "But I have come to understand that, while ideal, globally coordinated action is a daunting challenge. If, however, we can motivate people to take care of their own little corner of the planet, we have a shot at restoring the health of the sea. Whatever ocean career you choose, fight for the region, the bay or even the tide-pool you can affect."