Growing up on a small farm in Wales, UK, I spent much of my time outdoors, surrounded by nature, and constantly discovering new animals to identify. Despite relocating to Australia in 2010, my fear of water persisted, and it wasn't until 2017 that I summoned the courage to undertake my Open Water course, bravely diving into the cold, murky depths of Sydney's winter waters. Initially, my diving experiences primarily consisted of boat dives in Sydney during winter, as well as a few overseas trips to Thailand, the Philippines, and South Africa, where I captured videos and photos using a GoPro. It wasn't until 2020 when I purchased my first underwater housing for my camera that my passion for diving and photography truly blossomed. Although I once believed myself to be a competent photographer, upon reflection, I now struggle to recognize my earlier photos as my own. The turning point came when I participated in a beginner photography course with Matty Smith, who taught us to break free from Auto mode, shoot in Manual, and grasp the basic principles of composing underwater shots of animals. This revelation spurred me to practice tirelessly, honing my skills and gradually expanding my gear with additions like strobes while learning to master their use. While content with my progress, I felt the need for further guidance to elevate my photography to the next level. Consequently, I enrolled in Matty Smith's Advanced course, where I discovered the importance of planning the desired images in advance, especially when diving at familiar sites. This approach allowed me to enter the water with a clear vision of the style and type of images I aimed to capture from the marine life encountered. Despite winning several local and global competitions, I remain aware of the vast room for improvement and the plethora of marine creatures and global destinations yet to explore.