Le Manège, 2010

I am continually surprised by the number of people who don’t believe that I am, in fact, the person who creates my underwater photographs. When I say create, I use that word specifically to state that I don’t just hoist the camera, press a button, and call it a day. It requires so much more than that.

I get a lot of raised eyebrows, several “Really? You dive? (long pause) And you took this photo?” comments, and all too many sideways glances. I never know if I should be offended or flattered. Offended because these individuals think I am not capable of doing the work; flattered because I have exceeded their expectations.