Sina Ritter | Diver | Ocean Photographer | Ocean Advocate | Germany
Sina Ritter is an award-winning underwater artist, dedicated ocean advocate and PADI certified divemaster.
Growing up in the countryside of landlocked Germany, she always yearned for the mystery of the water.
Now, having made the ocean her number one priority, she lives life as an oceanic nomad together with her husband and partner Fabian, allowing her to spend over 350 days a year exploring the hidden treasures she used to dream of as a child.
Her travels not only allow her to connect people from all corners of the world with the soft side of raw wilderness, but also to continuously document the similarities and differences of various marine environments.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
After a few years of traveling with nothing to document my adventures with than my phone camera, I decided to pick up my first "real" camera in 2019. As much as I loved the beauty of landscapes, I felt myself pulled towards the water more and more - first to the waterfalls of the Black Forest and later, with the start of my life as an oceanic nomad, to the energy & textures of the ocean. In 2022, only about a year ago, I decided to take the plunge and start exploring the world beneath the waves, taking my camera underwater for the first time - which felt like finding my true belonging.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
From an early age on I knew that the ocean is where I belong. It´s where I truly feel like my most authentic self. I knew that as a child - then I forgot. Surfing brought me back on track.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
Studying Philosophy and German to become a teacher.
What/who currently inspires you?
The ocean. Always has - always will.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I’d like to see more people live a life in sync with nature. There are a lot of people knowing the problems our oceans face nowadays, but understanding the challenges and actually experiencing them are two very different things.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
There are a lot of books, films & documentaries. Most recently: "Blue Mind" by Wallace J. Nichols. It´s an exploration of the profound psychological and physiological connections humans share with bodies of water, showcasing how our well-being and happiness can be greatly enhanced through our relationship with the ocean.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
As an ocean and underwater photographer, I spent most of my time searching for the magic I used to dream about as a child - the wild and colorful ocean filled with alien-looking creatures. But unfortunately, our impact as humans has made it harder and harder to find these pristine seas.As the leading predator on earth, we are affecting and being affected by the ocean in profound ways.
I believe that the best way for me to effect change is to bring the magic of the deep blue to the surface - to the homes & minds of people - and raise awareness for the ocean´s most beautiful feature: to sustain all life on Earth, even in the face of 7.3 billion people.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an Ocean Storyteller?
Follow your passion, even if money might be tight for a while. If you truly love what you are doing, you will find a way to put in the work and become good at it. Money will follow eventually - but most importantly, you will enjoy doing what you do and make an impact.
INSTAGRAM: @palms2peaks
WEBSITE: https://palms2peaks.com
