Born in Trinidad, Nina spent the first four years of her life living on a boat and sailing around the Caribbean. Ever since she can remember she has been in love with the ocean, swimming and snorkelling as a toddler and living the dream life out at sea. At five years old, Nina moved to Jersey and continued nursing her passion, sailing, surfing and scuba diving at a young age.

Recently graduated from studying Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, Nina is pursuing her career as a photographer, filmmaker, scuba diver and aspiring conservationist. She hopes to continue her journey showcasing the precarious beauty of our natural world both above and under the ocean's surface.

Growing up in Jersey Channel Island, this is where her passion was ignited for photography as well as the sea. Using film and still images, Nina’s goal is to create an emotional connection between the public and the small pockets of ‘wild spaces’ that have not yet been destroyed by human influence. In the future, she hopes to concentrate efforts towards the fight against overfishing and the exploitation of all marine ecosystems.

Amphiprion bicinctus - Nikon D7200, Nauticam Housing and 60mm macro lens, Marsa Shagra Egypt. — Amphiprion bicinctus - *Nikon D7200, Nauticam Housing and 60mm macro lens, Marsa Shagra Egypt.*

What/who currently inspires you?

The list of marine conservation charities, creatives, scientists and journalists would be endless. For years, however, I have been in awe of the charity SeaLegacy and the beautiful imagery produced by its founders Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier.

What path did you choose after leaving school?

Photography and filmmaking as career options weren’t something I had considered until my last year of school. Since then I have completed a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University in 2020. I hope to take what I have learned and use it to promote positive conservation stories as well as expose the environmental crimes currently destroying our precious environment. In the future, I want to combine my marine knowledge, writing skills and passion for photography to help with the fight against overfishing and the exploitation of all marine ecosystems.

What have been the biggest challenges you've had to overcome?

After falling into the wrong crowd at the age of thirteen I temporarily lost my passion for the sea as well as everything else I used to enjoy. Struggling with addiction as a teenager, it wasn’t until I was sixteen that I realised there was so much more to life. After overcoming this challenge, I slowly started to re-discover what I loved; friends, family, art and the ocean. Photography and its ability to show you a new perspective and share it with others really has changed my life for the better.

What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?

This is a difficult question to answer as the list of issues we face today is endless. Humanity is standing at the crossroad between an equitable, sustainable future and an increasingly chaotic and fractured world. Biodiversity loss, sea-level rise, wildfires and extreme weather combined will result in the displacement of millions, an increased risk of wars and conflicts and devastating impacts on human rights.

An alternative path could not only avoid the worst effects of climate disaster but lead to a more equal and cooperative future. The necessary solutions will require significant government action with international cooperation, careful regulation of energy use and the environment, and investments in renewable technology along with a way to distribute it. If this were to happen, the crisis could become a transformative opportunity to close the unsustainable gap between the world’s richest and poorest communities. In order to live within our natural limits, we will need to consider carbon taxes, ending deforestation completely, mass dietary shifts away from animal products and stabilising the global population. We have to make sacrifices for threatened nations and distant future generations.

What do you value most in life?

My relationships with friends and family as well as a shared respect and connection with nature.

Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?

Although it does not show environmental issues clearly enough, I have always been amazed by the BBC Blue Planet series. The shocking beauty they capture and amazing technology they have used has sparked my fascination with deep-sea exploration and all marine life.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Using film, photography and compelling words, my goal is to create an emotional connection between the public and the small pockets of untouched ‘wild spaces’ that we have left. If I could convince just one person to take individual action to help mitigate the climate crisis, I would feel like I have fulfilled my purpose. When you choose to eat less meat, take the bus instead of driving or have fewer children, you are making a statement and taking responsibility for the environmental consequences of your daily actions. If the collective action of individuals resulted in just a few extra years of relative climate stability, it would undeniably be a goal worth pursuing.

Instagram - @nbp.media

Website - www.ninapowell.photography