The view of the reef life is far more interesting when you can actually look them in the eye as opposed to when you…

Hi Bruce Campbell — welcome to episode 1 of the Say Hi Podcast for Campbell Photography LLC. Over the next 30 minutes I'll ask you strategic questions to pull out your best insights. Just speak naturally. Ready to begin?

Yes.

Fantastic! I’ve done my homework on Campbell Photography LLC and your work in the art world, especially your unique approach to Underwater Fine Art photography. Today, we’re going to focus on what sets you apart in this space and how you’ve built your authority around this core differentiator. To kick things off: What first drew you to underwater fine art photography, and how did you realize this could become the signature of Campbell Photography LLC?

I would say it's been a real journey. At the front end of the experience, I basically was doing something as simple as taking photographs under on scuba in order to try to convince my family members that they all ought to become scuba divers. Uh, they were avid snorkelers, but what I had seen from scuba diving that the view of the reef life, fish, whatever, was far more interesting when you could actually look them in the eye as opposed to when you were looking down on their back. So that's how I got started. And from there, over time, it just basically went from being invited to create stock images for a stock agency in another part of the world to eventually growing into other stock agencies such as Adobe and and Shutterstock. And from there, what I determined was that I wanted to do something different with my photo with my images rather than depict a scene or an an individual model or or a fish or whatever, I wanted to create the feeling that goes with such an encounter. And so that's really kinda where my fine art experience began. And it's evolved over time

So I went from an underwater photographer that focused primarily on fish and underwater wrecks and mana rays. I whales and whatnot to actually including human models in a number of my images. And that's kinda how I got to where I am with fine art.

That’s a fascinating evolution, Bruce. I love how your journey started with a personal mission and gradually transformed into something much more artistic and expressive. Can you walk me through a specific moment or project where you realized you were capturing more than just a scene—that you were actually conveying a feeling or story through your underwater fine art? Was there a particular image or shoot that really crystallized this shift for you?

I don't know that there was one image that signified a a a shift, I can tell you that what occurred over time was I began seeing images differently. And I'll give you an example. Um, I was in Anilao in the Philippines several years back and was doing a dive at night And was somewhat surprised when a hermit crab with that was missing an appendage kinda came bursting out of the darkness, um, and just strolled right up to me and, you know, just kinda looked in my lens.

That

That’s such a

struck me as interesting because what we had was an individual who had overcome adversity who was resilient to change, and was not going to let you know, a loss of some kind change his determination to move forward?

That’s a powerful observation, Bruce.amazing how a moment like that—just you and a hermit crab in the dark—can become a metaphor for resilience and overcoming adversity. you captured that image, did you find yourself thinking differently about how to compose or present your photos? For example, did you start to intentionally look for those emotional or narrative elements in your underwater work after that experience?

Not really. What what I did was I thought about it. Okay? And then an experience that I had a a while later I was diving in Belize and a fellow who was quite an experienced diver in the past was on the on the same boat I was on And but but he and his name was Dave, but and Dave had been in a horrible car accident and lost an arm. And this was his first trip scuba diving after the accident. And so Dave asked me if I would help him you know, with his camera and other things during the dive. Course, I said yes. And, once I saw Dave in the water, it was pretty clear to me that he was also resilient such as that hermit crab had been. And and that was what caused me to go back and relook at that image and think about it in the context of Dave, who had been a very capable diver And after suffering loss, had been able to go forward and can be an effective diver and photographer. And you you know, carry on with most of life's normal functions. But he had to do it in his own way, which was kinda what I thought that hermit crab was also doing.

That’s a really moving connection, Bruce. clear that these experiences—both with the hermit crab and with Dave—deepened your perspective on what your photography could represent. just about the technical skill or the beauty of the underwater world, but about capturing and conveying resilience, adaptation, and the human (or animal) spirit. When you started to see these parallels, did you develop any kind of repeatable approach or framework for how you plan or execute your underwater fine art shoots? For example, do you go into a shoot looking for a certain emotion or story, or do you let those moments emerge organically and then shape your art around them afterward?

Well, let me give you an answer that perhaps addresses it in a little different way. My approach, uh, has always been to make certain that the technical aspects of shooting underwater are covered first. And so what I do before I ever get to a a dive site is I've looked online or wherever to see what animals or formations might be there, what I would likely experience and see. And then I try to make some pretty critical decisions about am I gonna shoot wide angle or am I gonna shoot macro or super macro? Because each site has a different characteristic. And some sites, you know, there are big animals, maybe a mana maybe a a manta. And other sites, you're really looking at nudibranchs or skeleton shrimp or other things like that. So before I ever get there, I have to make that decision And there are times where I'll I'll change my mind before I get to the boat. And that means that practically speaking, what I must do is I have to change the camera the underwater housing, the setup, and everything else, which on its own, that's an hour to two hour process. So before I even think about dipping my toes in the water, that's kinda the way I approach it. And then once I get to the site, and assuming I'm satisfied with you you know, my choice of wide angle or or macro, I'm going to I'm then I'm really more free to watch and see what emerges from the water. And depending on, you know, sunlight, clouds, all that kind of thing, can influence the kind of image that I wanna take and the kind of story I expect to tell.

So a lot of that emerges based on what I find at the dive site once I'm underwater. But none of it is framed without having gone through the prior preparation And and let me give you an example. If you have a leak in an underwater housing, that probably means that the camera and lens are cooked and done. And the problem is the places I go, if the camera's cooked, it's not like you can order one up on Amazon and have it sent to you. Same thing with the lens. Same thing with the housing. Same thing with the strobes. And so when I go underwater, I'm taking what looks like much of the same kind of equipment. It's all waterproof, of course. For an underwater studio shoot. And so what I'm trying to bring to that experience is way of shaping light to capture the the best moments underwater. And typically, for each dive, I have an hour. No more. No less.

That

So when I'm shooting, I have to shoot fast in the terms of you know, I have to make sure I capture those moments that are special. But at the same time, I'm sitting there evaluating before I ever push the shutter is this something that I think will have an interesting story? And that's what's kinda going through my mind the whole time.

That’s a great window into your process, Bruce. It sounds like your preparation is meticulous—making sure every technical detail is handled so you can be fully present and responsive to the stories that unfold underwater. And I love how you balance speed with intentionality, always asking yourself if a moment is truly meaningful before you capture it.Let’s pivot for a moment to how you share these stories and images with the world. Your work is so visually rich and narrative-driven—it seems like a natural fit for platforms like Pinterest, which is all about

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visual discovery and inspiration. Have you considered creating visually appealing Pins that showcase your portfolio, behind-the-scenes moments, or even photography tips? How do you see a platform like Pinterest fitting into your strategy for reaching new audiences or collectors?

I have given it some thought. Okay? But quite honestly, I've been very busy in the last year with getting the website put together. That my focus has been more on developing channels of distribution

the primary channel being basically the website, but also I I work with some folks in Europe to be able to show and exhibit my artwork in other countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland. And so I have not gotten or drilled down to that level yet. Now I'm also doing a show in Dallas the art and chocolate show later in August, but you know, there's only so many shows I can do in a year.

That makes a lot of sense—building a strong foundation with your website and international exhibitions is a huge undertaking, and it’s impressive that you’re already showing your work across Europe and at events like the Art and Chocolate Show in Dallas. Given how much of your art is about visual storytelling, I’m curious: as you look ahead, do you see value in expanding your digital presence on platforms like Pinterest or even TikTok, where short-form video can bring people behind the scenes of your shoots or editing process? For example, sharing quick editing tutorials, day-in-the-life snippets, or even creative

I did. Yes. I do see that as something that I will expand into I I have started doing that to a limited extent You know, when I was doing a shoot in Florida, with mermaids and models, Before I was in the water, I was taking, you know, images or creating videos of you know, this is my outdoor studio, and these are the kinds of conditions that I'm jumping in the water with. And the water at that time was maybe seventy two, and the air temperature was thirty six.

That’s a fantastic example, Bruce. Those behind-the-scenes glimpses—like prepping for a shoot in chilly water—really pull people into your world and show the dedication and creativity behind each image. When you’ve shared those snippets, have you noticed any particular reactions or engagement from your audience? And do you see opportunities to build on that, maybe by sharing more day-in-the-life content or even quick tips for aspiring underwater photographers on platforms like TikTok or Instagram?

I've seen some. Now I will tell you, a video that I shot in the Philippines this last year, in Blackwater, known as Blackwater, my, uh, water dives, where you're essentially in the dead of night diving with a string of video lights lighting the area that's maybe 30 x 40 in the ocean. And the water that we're in is somewhere in the neighborhood of three to six thousand feet deep. And out of the depths, come these very interesting animals. Some of them are juvenile species. Some of them you know, an argonaut,

octopus will come up. You know, there there are a lot of animals that you will never see because they are part of the the vertical migration that occurs every night in deep water. And so I was shooting a little bit of video there, and I happened to shoot video of a jellyfish that swam within, oh, two or three feet of me. And, uh, you know, that has gotten quite a bit of reaction, frankly. Because all you can see is the the dark water and the jellyfish ambling along in the in the dark water. And that's true of several of the other videos I've shot. In Blackwater. Now my goal is to obviously expand, but it takes time to to to basically formulate and think about what we wanna bring into, uh, my world.

That’s incredible, Bruce. The Blackwater dives sound both exhilarating and a bit surreal—especially capturing creatures that most people will never see in their lifetime. It’s no surprise those videos get strong reactions; there’s something mesmerizing about seeing a jellyfish or an argonaut octopus emerge from total darkness. As you think about expanding your digital presence, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, do you have a vision for the kinds of stories or moments you’d most like to share? For example, would you focus more on the rare animal encounters, the technical challenges, or perhaps the creative process behind your fine art images? What do you think would resonate most with people who are new to underwater fine art?

I think what where I see the the bigger interest, if you will, is understanding what's going on behind the shock. And how did the image or video come into existence as well as understanding that it may not be replicable Yes. For instance, in blackwater diving, there are animals that come up from the depths, but the type of animals that come up from the depths varies depending on where you are what time of season it is and all those kinds of things.

And what's interesting is to realize they all have to go back down to two, three, four thousand feet from the surface where I'm shooting them essentially, or at least in the top hundred feet of water, Otherwise, they become somebody's breakfast the next day. So most of these are relatively small, but by the same token, they're also very interesting.

That’s such a compelling angle, Bruce—the idea that each image or video is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, shaped by nature’s unpredictability and the unique conditions of that dive. Sharing those behind-the-shot stories, and the science or serendipity behind each encounter, could really set your content apart and draw people into the world of underwater fine art. Thinking about platforms like Instagram, which thrives on both stunning visuals and authentic storytelling, how do you see yourself engaging with the community there? For example, would you be interested in sharing not just your finished images, but also Reels or Stories that show your process, or even responding to questions and comments from followers who are curious about your work?

I think Instagram is some is a place that I already do post images fairly regularly, not as often as I would like to, but there's, you know, a a limit to how much time I have. But, yes, I do think, uh, ideas of where where we are and what's available to see and, you know, the wonder behind some of the places that I have an opportunity to visit that I think is what makes it fascinating, at least for me.

Absolutely, Bruce. Sharing not just the final images but also the wonder and context of each location can really draw people in—especially when you’re visiting such extraordinary places. Even if you can’t post as often as you’d like, those glimpses into your process and the environments you explore can make a big impact. When you do engage with your audience on Instagram—whether through comments, DMs, or even Stories—have you noticed any recurring questions or themes that people are most curious about? Are there particular aspects of underwater fine art photography that your followers seem especially eager to learn more about?

Most of the comments are are more emotionally driven. You know, something someone will say, I never really thought about underwater images in this way. And it makes me feel something. Okay? For instance, when they look at an image such as, uh, and then the water cleared, which is on my site. They realize that, you know, life's challenges can be resolved and transformation can occur such as just clarity. And in in the image I'm talking about, the water went from murky because there are a lot of people in front of me in a spring in Florida to crystal clear, and it was remarkable how quickly it occurred.

That’s a beautiful example, Bruce.powerful to hear that your audience connects emotionally with your work and draws inspiration from the transformation and clarity you capture—like in “And Then the Water Cleared.” It really speaks to the universal themes in your art, beyond just the technical achievement. Given that emotional resonance, do you see opportunities to build a deeper community around your work—perhaps by inviting followers to share their own stories of transformation or resilience, or by creating interactive content like Q&As or photo challenges? How might you use platforms like Instagram or even Pinterest to foster those kinds of conversations and connections?

I think, you know, q and a's would be a a good way to kinda introduce a lot of people who don't necessarily think of themselves as fans of underwater images. So that they would have the ability to talk to somebody who's basically

explored and led others in exploration for the last you know, forty years. So, uh, you know, aside from being, you know, a swimmer, a diver, dive instructor, a swimming instructor, all those other things, You know, I've been exploring the underwater environment for an awful time. And and I'm usually more than happy to share you know, things about my experience and and you know, what we can learn from having been underwater that many years, days, or whatever.

That’s fantastic, Bruce. Your decades of experience as a diver, instructor, and explorer give you a unique authority—and a wealth of stories and insights that could really enrich those Q&As and community conversations. Opening up that dialogue could help demystify underwater fine art for people who might not have considered it before, and also inspire others to see the underwater world—and their own challenges—in a new light. Looking ahead, where do you see Campbell Photography LLC and your underwater fine art evolving over the next 12 months? Are there any new directions, projects, or platforms you’re especially excited to explore?

Well, the underwater portraiture aspect of the collection is relatively new. In fact, I only first started working on it a year ago. And what I find is that being able to interact with a model or models underwater on a single breath of air for both of us or all of us is quite a challenge, but at the same time, it does allow for an awful lot of creativity. And so far, I think what I've tried to tell through my underwater portraiture is a powerful story of of how women can be portrayed in a uplifting and powerful way. And recognize the strength and grace that they have. And that's been really kind of the thing that I've been exploring and will continue to explore over the course of the next year and years later, hopefully.

That’s a compelling direction, Bruce. underwater portraiture work—especially focusing on portraying women with strength and grace—adds a whole new layer to your fine art. The technical and creative challenges of working with models on a single breath must be immense, but it sounds like it’s opening up powerful new storytelling possibilities for you. If someone listening only remembers one thing from our conversation today, what would you want it to be about the art and impact of underwater fine art photography?

I see. The impact of underwater photography is that it causes you to slow down and think and appreciate things that may not necessarily be obvious when you first observe them in real time. And it allows for clarity It allows for exuberance. It allows all those kinds of emotional points to come through in a way that oftentimes gets lost if you were just to take an image or create an image above the water. I mean, our planet is over seventy percent water, and it seems to me we're well served by finding opportunities to observe marine life, animals, people, whatever, underwater and tell their stories.

That’s beautifully said, Bruce. fine art photography really does invite us to slow down, look deeper, and discover stories and emotions that might otherwise go unnoticed—reminding us of the richness and wonder that exists beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically. This has been so valuable, Bruce Campbell. Thank you for sharing your insights and stories with us today. Our team will transform this conversation into content assets you can use to further grow your authority and reach.Have a great day!

Thank you.

Thank you, Bruce. This has been incredible. Wishing you continued success with Campbell Photography LLC and your underwater fine art journey. Take care!