Lewis Jefferies | Underwater Photographer | Cameraman | Filmmaker | SW England
Lewis Jefferies is a professional Underwater Photographer & Cameraman based in Falmouth, Cornwall. He is a self-shooting filmmaker, producing and editing environmental films and content for NGO’s and conservation organisations including Natural England, The National Trust, Marine Scotland & Project Seagrass. Lewis is a skilled and licensed drone pilot and a HSE professional scuba diver, shooting aerial, underwater and topside.
He has a passion for working with scientists, and conservationists to help communicate their important work - whilst highlighting environmental issues - and celebrating progress within nature conservation. He hopes his imagery can inspire others about the wonders of our natural world but also draw attention to the challenges it faces.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
My parents loved to travel and they worked hard so we could go to some lovely places. I was fortunate to learn to scuba dive - aged just 13 years old - and some of my early dives were in Mexico on the Caribbean coast. I'll never forget those first tropical dives and my first experiences of the incredible colours and diversity of life - It was then that I became well and truly hooked on diving and the natural world.
What/who currently inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by wildlife and underwater cinematographers. Such as Andy Mann Paul Nicklen and Maxwell Hohn. Their imagery is what inspires me to keep improving my practice.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I worked in a Camera store as a salesman. I then took an apprenticeship in Automotive Mechanics and worked as an Automotive Technician for 10 years. I then took some time out to travel and returned to University to pursue Marine & Natural History Photography. I now work as a full-time freelance Filmmaker, Drone Operator and Photographer.
What do you value most in life?
Work/life balance, the natural world, enjoying my job, and making a positive difference.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
The relentless consumptive and wasteful culture of the human race and a change to all renewable energy supply over burning fossil fuels.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
There are many but a book that had a huge impact on me was "First they Killed My Father" this book made me extremely conscious about not taking normal life for granted and not to waste. Every time I cook rice it makes me think not to waste even a single grain. Also "A Plastic Ocean" and "Chasing Coral" left a huge mark on me.
What brings you the most joy?
Nature & the ocean and capturing stunning imagery
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I would love for my films and photos to have made other people appreciate nature more and think about their impact on it.
Tourists abiding by the correct code of conduct. People must stay more than 3 meters from the head and body of a shark and 4 meters from the tail, and never obstruct the path of the Whale shark. This gives the shark enough space to continue with its natural behaviour - undisturbed - and allows a longer, more pleasurable encounter for the shark and people.
Seagrass Ocean Rescue - WWF
Project Seagrass is a pioneering step in the conservation of this crucial marine plant. Funded by WWF and Sky Ocean Rescue the project aims to gather and replant up to 1 Million seeds; It is hoped that if this pilot project is successful it could serve as a model for future projects that could be implemented on a much larger scale.
They are urgently calling on governments to back seagrass restoration projects which could help fight carbon emissions and restore crucial habitat for marine life.
Shot on assignment for the World Wide Fund for Nature - WWF UK
Website - lewismjefferies.myportfolio.com
Instagram - @lewismjefferies.photo
