In this episode of Ocean Memos, I sit down with underwater filmmaker @James Doughty to discuss the craft, challenges, and opportunities of ocean cinematography. Our conversation explores: ✅ How to move from filming single shots to crafting cohesive sequences ✅ Overcoming technical hurdles in the field, from stability to lighting ✅ Why storytelling and authenticity matter more than spectacle ✅ The role of persistence, planning, and mindset in building a career ✅ James’s own journey into the world of natural history filmmaking Packed with practical insights and candid reflections, this episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to begin carving out a space in one of the most demanding creative industries. 🔗 Follow & Connect with James: Website: https://www.jdoughtymedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/james.doughty 🔗 Like & Subscribe to Roger: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rogerhorrocks

I sit down with zoologist-turned-filmmaker @Robin Fisher to explore how science and storytelling intersect in the world of natural history cinematography. Robin shares his journey from shark research and marine biology into film school and beyond, highlighting the lessons learned along the way: ✅ Bridging the gap between research and public communication ✅ Why systems, preparation, and workflow are the foundations of creativity ✅ Field lessons from kingfishers in Europe to crocodiles in the Philippines ✅ How every project, big or small, contributes to a professional wildlife filmmaking career If you’re an aspiring natural history cinematographer—or simply curious about how science can fuel powerful storytelling—this conversation offers a candid, practical look into the realities of the craft. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Robin: Website: https://www.fishstockmedia.co.uk/wildlife-showreel-2023 Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/816810779 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-fisher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robin_fisher_film 🔗 Subscribe for more: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rogerhorrocks

I sit down with ocean entrepreneur Steve Benjamin to unpack what it really takes to run world-class marine expeditions—from safety and logistics to ethics and conservation impact. Steve shares hard-won lessons from years of operating on the water: how to read conditions, plan around weather windows, protect wildlife, design client experiences, and partner with scientists and film crews without compromising the environment. What we cover: ✅ Expedition design & logistics: permits, seasonality, weather calls, contingency planning ✅ Safety at sea: risk assessment, protocols, gear, and decision-making under pressure ✅ Wildlife ethics: minimising disturbance, setting expectations, and responsible tourism ✅ Client experience: translating ocean knowledge into unforgettable (and safe) encounters ✅ Working with crews & scientists: being a reliable partner without “chasing shots” ✅ Business fundamentals: pricing, margins, team culture, and long-term sustainability If you care about building an ethical, resilient ocean business—or want to understand the operational backbone behind great fieldwork—this conversation is a blueprint. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Steve: Website: https://www.stevenbenjamin.co.za/ Instagram: animal_ocean 🔗 Follow & Connect with me: YouTube: ‪@rogerhorrocks‬

A student asked me how to become versatile enough to work in different environments without spending a fortune on exotic training trips. My answer: "Start with what you can control at home." Let me tell you about the time I packed a dry suit for Tanzania. The water was 29°C. But we were doing six to seven-hour immersions, sometimes six hours straight, and we weren't moving. The dry suit was actually perfect. I had a very thin undergarment, and it worked beautifully for those long, static dives. That experience taught me something important: the best training often happens in the most unexpected places. Here's what most people get wrong about building versatility: They think they need to travel to Antarctica to learn cold water skills, or book expensive technical diving courses to master new equipment. But the fundamentals that make you adaptable? You can build those anywhere. Fitness comes first. It's the one variable you control in every environment. When you're cardiovascularly fit and strong, your ability to adapt to colder environments is going to be better. And here's the thing - you can get incredibly fit in your house. No budget required. Then push your local envelope. What kind of diving conditions can you access in your own environment? Really rough seas with a safe operator? I've always been a fan of spearos because they often operate in rough sea conditions that a regular dive operation might not want to tackle due to the risk. Master skills in easy conditions first. Dry suit diving is a whole skill in itself - it takes practice, and the buoyancy control. And you absolutely can do that in warm conditions. It's about operating outside of your conventional bell curve. It's about finding opportunities. Even just snorkelling in super rough conditions from the shore is going to stretch your parameters. The counter-intuitive truth: you don't need to spend a fortune on exotic locations to build the skills that matter. When someone eventually pays you for that assignment, that's when you throw money at the problem - invest in every possible thing, including spares, because it's your responsibility to be fully prepared.

Hi everyone, I am back from Lembeh and fully focused on The Ocean Mastery Program. If you have any questions about the program, I will be hosting a live Q&A session next Thursday. The session will be recorded and made available to all of you afterwards. If you can't make it, please submit any questions you may have as a response to this post, and I will address these in the session as well. Click here to view the Ocean CoLab Calendar. Click on the event (7th August) and you will be able to add it to your calendar. Looking forward to speaking with you more next week!