Atlantic Current: The Photo Issue - May/June 2023

COASTAL CULTURE PALM BEACH COUNTY

ISSUE 62 MAY/JUNE 2023 THE PHOTO ISSUE

5.03 MOU TH TAPE 9PM

5.31 JAKE WALDEN BAND 9PM

5.05 OLD COUNTRY B OYS 4PM

6.2 VICTORIA CARDONA 4PM

5.05 SPIDER CHERRY 9PM

6.2 UPROOT HOOTENANN Y 9PM

5.06 NOU VE AU X HONKIE S 4PM

6.3 DUB B LE JA ME S 4PM

5.07 MIKE GARULLI 4PM

6.3 FUNKIN’ GRATEFUL 9PM

5.10 ROOSEVELT COLLIER 9PM

6.4 MIKE GARULLI 4PM

5.12 GUAVA DUO 4PM

6.9 MOU TH TAPE 4PM

5.12 SIERRA L ANE 9PM

6.9 THE RICCA PROJE CT 9PM

5.13 THE LE AF Y GREENS 4PM

6.10 NOU VE AU X HONKIE S 4PM

5.13 JP S OARS 9PM

6.10 JUKE 9PM

5.14 THAT MAN AND ROB IN 4PM

6.11 SA MANTHA RUSSELL 4PM

5.17 GHOST.WAV 9PM

6.16 B RET T STASK A 4PM

5.19 JOHNN Y DEBT 4PM

6.16 E AST HARB OR 9PM

5.19 VICTORIA LEIGH 9PM

6.17 THE LE AF Y GREENS 4PM

5.20 NATALIE RIZ E 9PM

6.17 ERIC CULB ERS ON 9PM

5.21 VICTORIA LEIGH 4PM

6.18 MANGROVE MARK 4PM

5.24 ROOT S SHAKEDOWN 9PM

6.23 MICAH S COT T 4PM

5.26 JOEY TENU TO 4PM

6.23 MATCHA MUSIC 9PM

5.26 ICHRONIQ 9PM

6.24 B IRDMAN’S CL A MBAKE 4PM

5.27 LOW GROUND 4PM

6.24 CLEMENT AUB REY FULL AH

5.27 N Y F 9PM

VIB E S 9PM

6.25 E AST HARB OR DUO 4PM

+

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CONTENTS

16

24

Underwater Photo Gallery Into the deep

Sunny Photo Gallery

UV off the charts

16

30

38

24

Nostalgia Photo Gallery

Remember that one time

Catching Up with Perrin James Q&A with one of our favorite photographers

30

46

52

Chelsea Gould

Mom life and capturing the “I do”

Phone Photography Tips

Become a pro at phone photography

38

56

60

62

6

How I Got the Shot

46

Take to the skies to see how these shots were captured

Beachcomber

Challenge yourself to find some shark teeth

56

Gear Guide

Check out Dustin’s picks

60

62

E V E N T S M AY/ J U N E 2 0 2 3 MAY 1-30

THE KILLBILLIES @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

MELISSA ETHERIDGE @ Pompano Beach Amphitheater

MOSAIC (MONTH OF SHOWS, ART, IDEAS, & CULTURE) @ Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Juno

12-13

MOUTH TAPE @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

HOPPORTUNITIES 3-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION – (11AM-3PM) + VICTORIA LEIGH (8P-11P) – Delray

3

STARDUST ONE @ Crazy Uncle Mikes – Boca

4

THE EXPANDING MAN—AN ORIGINAL TRIBUTE TO STEELY DAN @ Funky Biscuit – Boca CRAZY FINGERS @ The Fish Depot – Boynton (every Thursday)

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Irish Brigade – Lake Worth

13

SPRED THE DUB @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

JP SOARS + LEAFY GREENS @ Guanabanas – Jupiter HEAD BANGERS BALL (HARDWIRED-METALLICA TRIBUTE) @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth

CLEMATIS BY NIGHT – WPB

ECHO’S REUNION @ RESPECTABLES – WPB

SUNFEST (www.sunfest.com for lineup)

THE LOT KIDS @ Stormhouse Brewing – NPB

4-7

WOODSTOCK 2 @ The Peach – WPB

5

14

FIRST FRIDAY @ Five Concert feat. Big City Dogs

BAND @ Boynton Beach Amphitheater

MAXIMUM FRICTION @ Mathews Brewing Co. – Lake Worth FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK @ Arts Garage – Delray INDIGO DREAMERS @ Leftover’s – Jupiter CINCO DE MAYO W/ LA TRIBU ROYALE @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

6

MAY ARTWALK @ The Peach – WPB

CRAZY FINGERS @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter THE BLUES CRUSADERS @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse – WPB

7

BRYAN SMITH (GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL) @ Mathews Brewing Co. – Lake Worth (every Sunday) CHRIS BONNELLI & FRIENDS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana

UPROOT HOOTENANNY DUO @ Tim Finnegan’s –Delray (every Sunday 6pm)

9

ALL ARTS OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Arts Garage – Delray

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM @ Revolution Live – Ft. Lauderdale

10

SIERRA LANE JAM INVITATIONAL @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

INDIGO DREAMERS @ ER Bradley’s – WPB

ROOSEVELT COLLIER @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

11

A BOB DYLAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FEAT. BIG BRASS BED @ Funky Biscuit – Boca KING TIDE RISING @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana

12

FUNKIN’ GRATEFUL @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca 8

HOMEGROWN SINNERS @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana THE MOTOWNERS @ BOCA BLACK BOX – BOCA

19

PAT TRAVERS BAND @ FUNKY BISCUIT – BOCA

20

NATTALI RIZE W/ SPECIAL GUEST MINORI @ GUANABANAS – JUPITER BRYCE ALLYN BAND @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter THE PETTY HEARTS (TOM PETTY TRIBUTE) @ Mathews Brewing Co. – Lake Worth BOYNTON BEACH ART WALK – BOYNTON UPROOT HOOTENANNY DUO @ JB’s on the Beach – Deerfield LEGENDS ON THE LAWN FEAT KRUSH PARTY BAND @ Canyon Amphitheater – Boynton THE BIG STOKE @ Hopportunities – Delray

THE ROCKIN JAKE BAND @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse – WPB

21

VICTORIA LEIGH @ Guanabanas – Jupiter 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY BEER FEST @ Stormhouse Brewing -- NPB PORTRAIT OF ARETHA STARRING CECE TENEAL @ Arts Garage – Delray

SPIDER CHERRY @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana

24

59 SHOP @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca PAM & DAVE @ MAXI’S LINEUP – JUPITER

25

JOHN MCEUEN, THE CIRCLE BAND @ Funky Biscuit – Boca

27

LES DUDEK @ Funky Biscuit – Boca 46 & TOOL (TOOL TRIBUTE) @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth

130 SOUTH H STREET LAKE WORTH, FL 33460 MATHEWSBREWINGCOMPANY.COM 561-812-3738 TUE-THUR FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

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fMATHEWSBREWING iMATHEWSBREWINGCO

E V E N T S M AY/ J U N E 2 0 2 3 LOW GROUND + NYF @ Guanabanas – Jupiter MATT BROWN @ Hopportunities – Delray

THE PURE ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE @ Boca Black Box

28

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Deck 84 – Delray

JUNE 2

FIRST FRIDAY @ Five Concert @ Boynton Beach Amphitheater THE FLYERS @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

NEW DAWN FADES—TRIBUTE TO JOY DIVISION & NEW ORDER @ Respectables – WPB VICTORIA CARDONA + UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

JASON MONTERO TRIO @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK @ Arts Warehouse – Delray

2-3

TAZ ALL STAR POWER TRIO FEAT. NIKKI GLASPIE & BRAD MILLER @ Funky Biscuit – Boca MELODY TRUCKS W/ SPECIAL GUEST JADEN LEHMAN @ Funky Biscuit – Boca

3

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana ONE REBELLION @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth

3-4

TITO PUENTE JR. @ Arts Garage – Delray

4

MIKE GARULLI @ Guanabanas – Jupiter UPROOT HOOTENANNY DUO @ Tim Finnegan’s – Delray (every Sunday 6pm)

7

INDIGO DREAMERS @ DAS Beer Garden – Jupiter PAM & DAVE @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

8

ROCK THE PLAZA @ Ocean Plaza feat. Rogue Theory – Boynton CLEMATIS BY NIGHT – WPB

JACKIEM JOYNER @ Funky Biscuit – Boca (2 shows)

THE CRAVENS @ Northwood Art & Music Warehouse – WPB WALKER HAYES W/ SPECIAL GUESTS INGRID ANDRESS & BREELAND @ MIZNER PARK AMP – Boca

15

THE FLYERS @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

16

BRETT STASKA + EAST HARBOR @ Guanabanas – Jupiter JAY VALOR @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana

SUNDOWN SILENT DISCO @ Singer Island Beach

17

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Biergarten – Boca

JOJO’S FARMERS MARKET @ Carlin Park – Jupiter SIERRA LANE BAND @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

METALICIOUS @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth

18

MANGROVE MARK @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

22

BRIAN SMITH & FRIENDS @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

23

SELWYN BIRCHWOOD @ Arts Garage – Delray

24

TAND @ Crazy Uncle Mike’s – Boca

BIRDMAN’S CLAMBAKE + CLEMENT AUBREY FULL AH VIBES @ Guanabanas – Jupiter THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth

29

SOULS OF MISCHIEF: 93 ‘TIL INFINITY 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR @ Respectables – WPB

30

VICTORIA LEIGH BASH @ Guanabanas – Jupiter

ROGUE THEORY @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana D.R.I. 40 YEARS TOUR @ Respectables – WPB

STICK FIGURE W/ PEPPER AND THE ELOVATERS @ Sunset Cove Amp. – Boca GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

MELODY TRUCKS W/ SPECIAL GUEST JADEN LEHMAN @ Funky Biscuit – Boca

JULY

INDIGO DREAMERS @ Paddy Macs – PBG

ANNUAL LUAU PARTY @ Mathews Brewing Co. feat. Spred the Dub, Girlfriend Material, The Shake – Lake Worth

9

SHINDIG @ Old Key Lime House – Lantana

TASTY VIBRATIONS @ Maxi’s Lineup – Jupiter

9-10

UPROOT HOOTENANNY @ Irish Brigade – Lake Worth

10

DARK SIDE OF SOL (PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE) @ Mathew’s Brewing Co. – Lake Worth 10

1

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Check venue websites for exact times. Schedules subject to change/ cancellations.

PUBLISHER

Dustin Wright

EDITOR

Darien Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Ava Bourbeau

DESIGN

Richard Vergez

WRITERS

Darien Davies Ava Bourbeau David Rolland Rachel Levy Jessica Tzikas

EVENTS

THANKS

Danny Wright

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennyrose Ball Jeff Biege

Alex Celis Chase Dickinson Phoebe Fitz Chelsea Franklin Pierce Gainey Natalia Gomez Chelsea Gould Zach Guinta Dylan Hughes

Perrin James Nick Kelley Noah Lavin

Matthew McCarthy Lauren Nash Greg Panas Kyle Soto Paige Vuoto Will Whelan Marissa Wil Ian Wilson

ADVERTISING

561-449-2263 info@theatlanticcurrent.com

THE COVER Photo: Zach Guinta

12

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Copyright 2023 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trademark of The Atlantic Current LLC.

THE PHOTO ISSUE

PHOTO BY PHOEBE FITZ PICTURED: CHANDLER BAILEY 14

15

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Underwater

Phoebe Fitz @phoebefitz

Model: Lainey Floeck

16 PHOTO

Jeff Biege

@jeffbiegephotography

17

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Chase Dickinson

@chasedickinsonphotography

18 PHOTO

Ian Wilson @ianwilsonn

19

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Kyle Soto @kylesoto

PADDLEBOARDING 20 PHOTO

Paige Vuoto Mailey @vuotophoto

Model: Paige Dugan 21

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Zach Guinta @zach_guinta

22 PHOTO

Greg Panas @gregpanas

23

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Sunny

Alex Celis @yomrcelis

24 PHOTO

Dylan Hughes

@dylanhughesphotovideo

25

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Brianna Fournier @the.sandy.lens

26 PHOTO

Stephen Ippolito @mr.ippster

27

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Zach Guinta @zach_guinta

28 PHOTO

Logan Graham

@logangrahamphoto

29

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Nostalgia

Alex Celis @yomrcelis

30 PHOTO

Logan Graham

@logangrahamphoto

31

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Natalia Gomez @gypsyxcompany

Model: Marina Hane

32 PHOTO

Noah Lavin @noahc.lavin

33

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Dylan Hughes

@dylanhughesphotovideo

34 PHOTO

Lauren Nash laurennash.com

Model: Tommy Brumley

35

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Chelsea Franklin @chelseabytheshore

36 PHOTO

Matt McCarthy

@matthewjessemccarthy

37

THE PHOTO ISSUE

CATCHING UP WITH

Perrin James Farm life, navigating the globe using stars and, yeah, how the Instagram algorithm sucks

COFFEE 38 INTERVIEW

From Pompano Beach to the Big Island, Perrin has gone the distance for the shot. Or should we say depth? His career with a camera began in 2010 and has grown to include working for companies like Patagonia, making documentaries, and now, starting his own conservation startup fund. Read along to see what else is new and what’s to come.

PHOTO BY PERRIN JAMES

39

THE PHOTO ISSUE

PHOTO BY NICK KELLEY

“You know what man, there still should be secrets left in the world. Not everything has to be photographed.”

40 INTERVIEW

Atlantic Current: How have you been, man? What’s new?

Perrin James: Crazy. Life has been crazy. So, I bought a farm. Now I’m a part time — or full time — farmer, and a full time underwater

filmmaker. It’s been a fun transition. It’s really fun being terrible at something.

AC: So how long have you been in Hawaii now?

AC: We’re getting some house envy looking at your place in Hawaii. Can you tell us about the spot?

PJ: You’re looking at nine silkie chickens, two ducks and my Aus-

tralian Shepherd here. I’ve got a pepper garden, and I’ve planted

avocados, lychee, citrus; everything that I ever want to eat because living in Hawaii is the most expensive place ever. So basically, I

catch all my protein and I’m trying to grow my food, but it’s gonna

PJ: 10 years man.

take like three more years for the trees to grow. The farm itself is

AC: What’s your favorite part and what was the biggest thing

(we have 15,000 gallons of water storage), everything is solar pow-

a fully off-grid working farm where we catch our own rain water

that surprised you when you first moved there?

ered and it has a composting toilet because we don’t have a septic

best diver I’ve ever met. I was like ‘How is this even possible?’

ternet and that is my off-grid editing studio. It’s pretty sweet.

people and they really were — well they still are — some of the best

AC: Lately you’ve been doing some projects that are less on the

pionship divers, but I didn’t know that. I had just met them living

have you been working on the most lately?

PJ: The people, 100%. I swear every person I dove with was the Looking back on it, I definitely had just reached out to the best

divers. Some of the people I dove with were world record/chamthere like ‘Hey, you wanna go for a dive?’ Then all of a sudden they’re 140- to 150-feet down trying to shoot these little fish and

system yet. I have a shipping container built out with Starlink in-

social media/posting side and more on the business side. What PJ: Man, all my best work I can’t post anymore. It’s all documenta-

ries and movies and commercials. I’m trying to post on Instagram

I’m like ‘What’s wrong with you? That is so deep.’ Trying to shoot

and stay current but it’s really hard when the best things you shoot

thought: this place is definitely for me. Everyone lives around the

say, are for Patagonia. There is a piece about the Haenyeo. The

Hawaii has that ocean mindset and I really appreciate that.

with them a couple months ago and that will be a little feature

AC: Do you feel like your skill as a photographer/videographer

Hikianalia and Hokulea. The Hawaiian sailing canoes. They cir-

a 4-pound fish at 150-feet deep? You are out of your mind. I just

water; whether you’re a surfer, diver, kiter, fisherman, everyone in

are feature films. The coolest projects I’ve been working on, I’d

women in South Korea who dive for Conch shells. I just did a piece

doc for World Ocean Day. Another piece I got to work on was the

eased you into it a bit?

cumnavigated the globe using only celestial navigation and I got

spearfishing is what built my community out here. If I wasn’t a

another full-length feature with Patagonia.

PJ: I think photography and videography both helped, but I think spear fisherman and I didn’t have that relationship with other div-

to sail 1,100 nautical miles with them only using stars. That’ll be

ers, it would’ve been very hard to integrate into Hawaii. The cool

AC: What was the experience like being on those canoes?

self. You can prove yourself in surfing or diving or whatever your

filming or photographing because the boat is so limited on people

thing about Hawaii is that it’s a place where you can prove your-

ocean-related thing is. And if you prove yourself and you’re not an

asshole, you’re gonna do great out here. It doesn’t matter what col-

or your skin is, the ocean holds you accountable for who you are.

AC: What’s it like having that kind of access to endless beauty to photograph?

PJ: I find myself, when I’m here, enjoying it more than I’m shooting it. Some of the most beautiful places here on the Big Island, I

don’t photograph them, other people don’t photograph them. You know what man, there still should be secrets left in the world. Not

everything has to be photographed. If you find something in your

hometown that’s special to you, do yourself a favor, don’t photograph it, don’t post it, just enjoy it.

PJ: Honestly, the coolest thing I’ve ever done. You’re never just and on manpower, so I had to learn how to be crew. I walked onto

the boat and they handed me the rudder and the captain was like

‘Okay, steer the boat.’ I was like ‘Holy shit, I can’t steer a boat using

stars.’ I’m trying to fight this giant piece of wood that’s turning the boat and honestly it’s all about mental skill and reading the ocean

because if you tried to fight the rudder, it would just smack you and bruise your ribs. It would break your ribs if you let go of it.

When you were sleeping, pilot whales and dolphins would swim

up to the canoe and you could hear their echolocation in the hulls,

41

THE PHOTO ISSUE

PHOTO BY NICK KELLEY because it’s basically like a floating guitar. The pews resonate

AC: So, you aren’t always shooting in pristine conditions,

and you’d be like ‘What the f*ck.’

like?

sound. You’d be sleeping and all of a sudden you’d hear dolphins

The skills I learned on that boat I feel like I can take with me any-

where and I honestly tried to learn as much as I could. There is a wealth of knowledge from the head navigators who are called Pwo navigators, which was just remarkable.

“Frozen Ceilings,” being an example. What was that experience PJ: Oh man, under ice, well, simply put it, it was cold. It was really,

really cold. What made that trip so special: I dedicated that to my

friend, Mike Hong, who had passed away. I find myself really busy

with all the different creative work that I do these days and that

piece was really for me and for my friend who passed away. I got

to take some time off to grieve my friend’s loss and through that

AC: Speaking of a project you did for Patagonia, we really en-

creative process push myself mentally and physically to create a

with Kimi Werner. How did you first meet her and what’s it like

really harsh. When you’re doing something hard, but you’re doing

joyed watching “Fish People” and noticed you still keep up working with her?

film I’ve never worked on before, to dive conditions that are really, it for someone that you love, it’s definitely an easier thing. That

PJ: One of the first people I met in Hawaii, but we didn’t dive

film was kind of about mental struggles and mental health and

Africa. I’ve traveled with her more than any other person. She’s

phor for how life can get pretty dark. I couldn’t really take a darker

swims up to her. She has something magnetic when it comes to

beings that are all out of their minds.

together until we both got sent to a little island off the coast of

incredible. She just looks like she’s part of the ocean; everything

fish and things like that. To work with, she’s wonderful. She defi-

nitely mentored me to become a kinder and better human being.

42 INTERVIEW

what people will go through. It’s kind of supposed to be a meta-

way than diving under ice in Canada with a bunch of crazy human

PHOTO BY PERRIN JAMES

43

THE PHOTO ISSUE

PHOTO BY WILL WHELAN

44 INTERVIEW

AC: We’ve seen the prints from there and it’s amazing, man.

AC: So what came first, photography or spearfishing?

best-selling print?

bought a yellow three prong. I feel like everyone has one of those

That leads me to my next question, what would you say is your PJ: It’s a picture of Kimi in a cave in Tonga. Swallows is the name

of the cave. That image has just gone around the world so many

PJ: Spearfishing definitely came first. When I was in Florida, I

yellow, bright yellow, three prongs that scuba divers use. I bought

it at a garage sale for 10 bucks. And then I took that thing with me

different times, with so many different clients. Honestly, that sin-

everywhere. I took it to the Bahamas and Keys and everywhere. I

can still do that. You could take photos your whole life and create

kind of on from there. I was like 10 years old, I was off to the beach

gle image made my career, 100%. Which is insane — that an image

one of those or never create one. I, hopefully, create more than

one, but we’ll see how that goes. Hopefully, I can create something

was just shooting hogfish and lobster in the Bahamas. And I was in the Abacos for like four or five hours by myself.

else as cool as that.

AC: I think a lot of people base their like count on their suc-

AC: Looking back to your South Florida days starting out as a

were getting more likes?

photographer, could you have imagined your life today?

PJ: No, I wouldn’t. I couldn’t. I could never imagine what my life

is today living in South Florida. I honestly never thought I would

cess as a photographer. Were you selling more prints when you

PJ: The thing about Instagram and actual business is that for the most part, if you work with a good company, those two things ar-

en’t related. If you get a million likes or 10 likes: if you have a great

leave. But, that being said, I also love South Florida and for peo-

relationship with a company that you enjoy working with, they’re

they should look at it as a place like ‘Oh, I need to get out of here,’

are as a person.

ple who are shooting and they’re from South Florida, I don’t think necessarily. Florida overall is an underrated eco place.

AC: Can you tell us a little about Dark Waters?

PJ: Dark Waters is just supposed to be basically like a startup, or an accelerator, for young people in conservation. I want to find

younger people who are interested in doing it but they’re struggling to make it their full-time thing. And Dark Waters is a grant.

So basically, I come in and give someone like $5,000 to $15,000,

going to pay you the same. Those companies care about who you

That’s not to say [Instagram] isn’t important for people starting

off. It definitely is a great way to share photos and it’s cool to stay connected. There’s a lot of positive things. But Instagram would

also be the one thing I think would be really discouraging to some-

one starting off today, because Instagram is not what it was. It’s just a weird place to show regurgitated content — which is kind

of getting old, you know? I would definitely tell people starting

or more, for their ecotourism project and with that, I would also

off in photography, to not get held up on whether their photo gets

media, social and create a following and help these people kind of

charge professionally.

come in and create all image content, and basically build out web,

get their message out of what they’re trying to say whether it’s sea-

likes or not. And, that should not affect their rate. They should still

weed, sharks, mangroves, like, whatever it is they’re doing. I want

AC: Social media makes photography feel like an awfully

and make it sustainable.

to new or aspiring photographers?

to come in, help tell their story. Give them money to continue it

AC: At what point did ocean conservation become a clear focus of your work?

crowded industry. That said, is there any advice you would give PJ: Find your niche. Create your own style. That’s the crucial one.

Ultimately, if you want to stand out, you need to create your own

style based on how you create your own art. If you want to create

PJ: I think I just got kind of burnt out on spearfishing. The sport

art; create your own art. Otherwise, don’t. Don’t create. And, keep

my career it just turned into trophy hunting. With that being said,

two. Just keep shooting, keep trying. Whenever things get hard

was always, for me, about catching my own food and then during

I was traveling around the world and seeing all these endangered

species at different markets and stuff like that. And I thought, you

know what I’m going to make films to protect what I love and pro-

tect this ocean.

shooting things. People will get discouraged after like a month or creatively, go out and create some more. @perrinjames1

45

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Chelsea and her family, minus the newest family member 46 PROFILE

PHOTO BY MERMAID AND ME PHOTO

Chelsea Gould Saying “I Do” to the Shutter

BY DARIEN DAVIES PHOTOS BY CHELSEA GOULD If you’re not sure exactly what true love looks like, or what that

perfect “Yes!” engagement moment feels like, or the emotion of seeing the first sonogram image of a baby, just ask Chelsea Gould.

She’s been there for it all, taken pictures of it all, and literally can’t see it and capture it enough.

Most people don’t want a job where their clients cry all the time.

But for Chelsea, at least they’re crying with joy, immense happi-

ness and with the knowledge that their perfect moment will last forever.

As one of the most notable wedding and engagement photographers based out of Southeast Florida, Chelsea loves love as much

as the next person. Well, maybe a little bit more.

She loves being able to be part of special moments for her clients.

She also loves being able to be part of her own special moments, of which there are many as a mom of two. Using her eye for those

moments provides her with the ability to truly capture what’s important, including her own work-life balance.

47

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“It all started in college when I bought my first DSLR from a friend (whose wedding I would shoot a couple years later). I’d take it to

Ski Rixen and shoot my friends on the cable, to the beach when

there were waves and on the boat wake boarding on Lake Ida,”

Chelsea said. “Later on, I took it back to the beach with some champagne and shot models for my friend’s swimwear line. That’s

“My very first wedding was a bit of a shit show and actually made

me never want to shoot another! I was a lot younger though and

completely unprepared,” said Chelsea. “It wouldn’t be until a cou-

ple years later that I’d go back into the wedding world with my head on my shoulders.”

when I realized I loved photographing and posing people! From

That bride from her first wedding shoot ended up becoming one

when I realized what I loved shooting most was people’s connec-

parts of what she does. On a personal level, she values the friend-

there, a friend asked me to do his engagement photos and that’s tions.”

In 2015, fully immersed in the photography scene, she decided

to quit her sales job. She got a part-time job as a nanny and spent

her “free” time assisting at as many weddings as she could. With a year under her belt, she started 2016 shooting her own weddings.

Funny enough, she hated her first experience.

48 PROFILE

of Chelsea’s best friends. That’s what she considers one of the best

ships that have come from her jobs, saying that she’s really close

with a lot of her past brides, fellow photographers and vendors

that she’s met in the industry. On an artistic level, it’s all about

getting the chance to tell people’s stories through her own eyes

and lens. On a business level, she wouldn’t trade the freedom of

building her own schedule, which is invaluable as a parent.

49

THE PHOTO ISSUE

50 PROFILE

“I love my work and I’ll always make room for it, but my family comes first.”

51

THE PHOTO ISSUE

“Work-life balance will forever be a work in progress. Only six

It’s a fantastic balance of work and play. When she’s not working,

what it comes down to for me is not taking on too much work,”

her unbiased opinion. But when she is working, it’s all about the

her a proud mama. “The fact that most weddings are on weekends

She believes that the planning and prep that goes into shooting a

have to miss out on for work. I hate saying no to people, but I

a stress-free and fun day where photos don’t run over time, and it

weeks in and still figuring out the mother of two thing. Really

said Chelsea. She shared that crafting her professional life makes

just comes with the reality that there will be personal things you

her focus is on her kids, who are the “cutest kids in all the land,” in

clients and helping them to capture their special moment in time.

day is more important than the artistry, because it helps to ensure

realized after having my first that saying yes to clients essentially

can feel like fun instead of like work.

hit home, then I don’t know what does. I love my work and I’ll

For Chelsea, being a photographer is manually putting the focus

have a skillset that has allowed me to build a career around that

that’s worth a thousand words.

means saying no to my family and personal life. If that doesn’t

always make room for it, but my family comes first. I’m blessed to sentiment.”

52

on where it needs to be: clients, special moments and family. Now

@findinglightphotography

THE PHOTO ISSUE

5 REASONS WHY YOUR IPHONE PHOTOS ARE meh

& HOW TO FIX IT

We’ve all been there — you snap a photo with your cell

phone, and it just doesn’t look quite right. Maybe it’s too

blurry, or the subject isn’t quite centered, or the lighting is just plain awful. Fear not, for we have compiled a list

of five reasons why your cell phone photos may not be up to par. With a little bit of know-how and a few simple tricks, you’ll be taking stunning photos in no time.

1.

2.

If you find yourself wanting to zoom in, you need to take a few

No, you don’t have to stand in front of an orchestra. We’re talking

MOVE YOUR BODY, NOT YOUR ZOOM.

steps forward instead. Even more influential than the Moon land-

COMPOSITION IS KEY.

about how you set up your photo. What’s the main focal point,

ing, learning to take one small step forward — or one giant leap,

what’s in the background, what’s in the foreground, where the fo-

Using a digital zoom (otherwise known as the finger pinching) can

thirds. You can turn on the grid feature to help visualize the thirds.

if needed — will make the world of a difference in your photos.

cal point is in the frame, and so on. A common trick is the rule of

often result in a loss of image quality — unless you are switch-

Essentially, it’s more visually appealing when the focal point is in

switch between lenses on your iPhone by using the numbers right

front of a nice landscape, it will look much better to have them

ing between different lenses with different focal lengths. You can above the shutter button (this also depends on how many cameras

are on the back of your iPhone). But, getting in the habit of taking

a couple extra steps in the subject’s direction will make a big dif-

ference when composing your photos.

54 GUIDE

a third of the frame. So, if you can picture someone standing in

situated off to the left or right third, with the landscape out of fo-

cus to the opposite side. You’ll (hopefully) never slap your subject right in the middle of your frame again.

3.

UNDERSTANDING NATURAL LIGHT.

4.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, WIPE Understanding light is one of the single most important elements YOUR LENS. in photography, period. Getting a good idea of how you want light

to interact with your photo before taking it is key. Do you want to

slightly silhouette? Do you want the subject lit evenly? Questions

like these should be answered before snapping off any pics. If you

want the subject to be lighted evenly, the light source should be

pointing directly at the subject, without anything obstructing it.

Another option, for softer lighting, is to find some shade or, bet-

We see this all the time. Nothing ruins a cell phone photo or video like a big, blurry splotch of who knows what over your photo. The

solution is simple: just give that lens a good ol’ wipe down before

snapping your masterpiece. For a phone, a simple T-shirt will do.

You’ll be amazed at the difference in clarity after this simple step.

ter yet, something that diffuses the light like a window. Want that

slight silhouette look? Place the subject between you and the light source.

5.

USE EXPOSURE.

When you tap to focus on your screen, you’ll see that little sun

icon with an option to slide up and down. That’s the exposure.

The automatic settings on phones can be amazing, but sometimes

they don’t quite nail our desired look. Say you’re shooting a sunrise

and want to get a silhouette of a person standing in front of you.

When you tap to focus on the subject, it will expose for them. The

result? Unwanted detail of the subject and a likely overexposed

background. For this situation, try reducing the exposure — after

focusing — to make your subject black for the desired silhouette

and to get a clear look of the sun rising in the background. The

There you have it: five simple reasons why your cell

phone photos might be falling flat.

Remember to move your body, not your zoom, pay attention to composition, understand natural light, al-

ways wipe your lens, and make use

of exposure to achieve the desired effect. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to taking

amazing photos that will impress your friends, family and Instagram followers.

opposite rule may apply when you want to increase exposure for

an image before shooting.

55

THE PHOTO ISSUE

How I Got the Shot BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Every photo has a story. You know that saying. Well, we didn’t have

the real estate for 1,000 words so let’s say these photos are worth

about 300 really, really quality words written by the photographers themselves.

On a more serious note, we so enjoyed hearing about the patience, persistence and adventurous nature of these photographers.

They’ve captured some truly breathtaking images in their careers and have agreed to share the tale behind these three. A lot more

goes into it than you might think. Whether it’s a multi-mile walk to the shoot destination or sitting and waiting for hours for a pod

of dolphins, these photographers got the shot.

56 HOW I GOT THE SHOT

Blacktip Migration Mania JENNYROSE BALL

“I’m thankful to spot even just one shark when flying. And natu-

seen came into frame. And, this was just ONE of two large schools

a morning I could barely wrap my head around. I’ve shot images

abundance of life in the water along with these sharks, including

rally, it’s hard not to get so excited every time it happens. This was

of the blacktip migration before but never under conditions like

this, and never with such a large amount of sharks. This was one

in the area. Making the morning even that much better was the

tarpon, jacks, sea turtles, and a few other bull sharks. After shoot-

ing wide shots and nice close-ups, it was amazing to watch their

of those once-in-a-lifetime mornings. When I put the drone up

movement as a whole — just observing and taking in the moment.”

shark, then two together, then three, then eight…. then I decided

@jrbblue

to see what I could find, I started out pretty low. Found the first

to ascend a little higher and the biggest school of sharks I had ever

57

THE PHOTO ISSUE

Eagle Ray Clarity PIERCE GAINEY

“One random morning I decided to drive up to Delray Beach with

I began snapping picture after picture and I was utterly shocked

perspectives. While flying the drone, I noticed something dark

like I was in the water watching this ray pass by me. Finally, the

my drone to see what it’s like, as I am always looking for some new

in the distance that was moving in the water. I quickly flew the drone over to see what it was. To my surprise, it was this absolutely gorgeous ray. I was stunned and in awe, and I knew I had to get

at the insanely amazing quality of the ocean and the color. It felt

ray came just below the surface of the water and that’s where I was able to snap this picture. I knew I was satisfied with these photos

and decided to return the drone back to me. The ocean is such a

the photo. So, I hovered and followed the ray for quite a distance,

mysterious yet awe-inspiring place and I am forever grateful to

perspective, so I began to lower my altitude from the drone and

in my memory and is now hanging on my wall!”

water at one point. Once I had the lower altitude with my drone,

@piercegainey

and I was snapping some pictures. I wasn’t fond of my current

hovered just above the water, so much so, I thought I was in the

58 HOW I GOT THE SHOT

call South Florida my home. A beautiful moment that will live on

Pelican Patterns MARISSA WIL

“The hardest part of capturing animals is their movement. A

Then they’d rise with the wave and follow the developing trough

shark doesn’t move like a turtle. A turtle doesn’t move like a ray.

back offshore. The undulation becomes a rhythm and you’re no

more these patterns become apparent. A drone gives me a bird’s

of nature in a fluid and seamless pattern. “

ferent. Pelicans have an elegance to them that is easily observable

@marissa_wil

There’s a flow to each animal. The more you observe them, the

eye view of the ocean, but a bird’s eye view of a bird is a little dif-

from above. They don’t just follow the coast; they follow the wa-

longer struggling to keep up. Instead, you’re following the curves

ter. A key factor to getting a shot is anticipation of the next move.

Once I noticed that pelicans liked to follow the waves of the ocean, their movement became more predictable. They’d follow a swell

from several yards off the beach until it would crest just offshore.

59

THE PHOTO ISSUE

BEACHCOMBER 60 COMMUNITY

There are 14 shark teeth in this photo — can you find them all?

If you’ve been witness to the hordes of people at our beaches bent

over like ostriches with their heads practically in the sand, you’ve

probably been wondering what they’re on. Let us clear the air: they’re actually looking for fossils. Fossilized shark teeth, to be

exact. Sharks have hundreds of teeth each, and can cycle through

tens of thousands in a lifetime, so there’s no shortage to be found.

Recent dredging and beach renourishment in Palm Beach County

have unearthed even more of the previously hidden treasures, but

hurricanes can also disrupt the sand and bring them up. Jupiter

and Juno Beach, especially, are littered with shark teeth, with peo-

ple going home with handfuls — like very successful tooth fairies.

Beachcombers can find teeth that belonged to species such as bull

sharks, lemon sharks, and if you’re lucky, even a great white.

We thought it’d be fun to give our readers a little taste of hunting away from the crowds before throwing you to the sharks — literally.

61

THE PHOTO ISSUE

GEAR GUIDE PUBLISHER S PICKS DJI Mini 3 Pro w/ DJI RC Fujifilm X100V $1,399

Available at dji.com Moment CineBloom 10% Filter

$909 (+$189 for Fly More Kit)

Available at shopmoment.com

Out of stock everywhere

This camera has become a great personal shooter or everyday car-

ry. Many of the pics you’ll see from our distro day photo dumps are shot on this, with photos being posted with zero edits straight

out of camera. That’s thanks to the sweet film simulations that

come stock or can be customized afterwards. This is a great start-

er camera or an excellent personal camera for professional photographers who need a break from a big body and lens. If you can

find one, that is.

Available at polarpro.com $79.99

The aperture on the DJI Mini 3 Pro is not adjustable (they do a good job of not mentioning this), so you are going to want to get some filters for video to keep your shutter speed at an ideal spot. We went with the Vivid collection that includes the ND8/PL, ND16/PL, ND32/PL filters. There might be some scenarios where you would like an ND64, but chances are you can adjust your settings to compensate and get away with this setup for the most part.

$59

This is a super common add on for cameras like this that are looking to accomplish a film look. 10% is a nice option that accentuates highlights and takes off a little bit of that digital edge. It’s also great for shooting at night when you want neon signs, street lights, etc to have a little more oomph.

Polarpro DJI Mini 3 Pro Filters

The capabilities of this drone are insane for the size and price.

It’s regulation friendly weight (under 250 grams), 4k/60 video (w/

D-Cinilike color profile) and 48 MP still capabilities make it a great option to throw in your bag while taking up minimal space. But

the real selling point for us was the rotating gimbal for vertical

shooting, because...phones. We would also highly recommend the

DJI RC (remote controller) so you aren’t trying to read text mes-

sages while you’re mid flight along with the fly more kit for extra batteries.

Canon EOS R6

Pelican 1535 Air Carry-On Case

Available at usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-eos-r6-body

Available at pelican.com

$1,699 (Refurbished from Canon)

$377.95 w/ padded dividers $409.95 w/ TrekPak Divider System

Canon RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Available at usa.canon.com $2,399

If you’re searching for one lens to pair with your Canon R6, this is it. The lens barely leaves the body and is the go to for everything from portraits to food to interiors. Of course the RF 70-200 F2.8 and RF 15-35 F2.8 might also be on your list, but we’re surprised at how often we keep the 24-70 on for most of our needs. It’s currently out of stock as the refurbished option, but if you can find it on Canon we would recommend that route.

Often overshadowed by the Canon R5, the R6 is (in our biased

We have been using Pelican products for years and their reputa-

money. Especially considering you can get it refurbished from

up, the weight. That’s where the Pelican™ Air cases come into play.

mirrorless from your current setup or want to break into profes-

never have to part with your gear and it also nearly 40% lighter

opinion) one of the best professional cameras you can buy for the

Canon for $1,699. Whether you are looking to make the leap to

sional gear in general, this is one you don’t want to sleep on, even

with the newly release Mark II. We have been super impressed

with the image and video capabilities as it’s been the workhorse for most shoots over the last couple years.

62 GEAR GUIDE

tion speaks for itself. But there is one issue when they are loaded

This model is the largest allowable for size for a carry on, so you than its counterpart. It’s waterproof, crushproof, can be wheeled

around or lifted with a side handle, has a limited lifetime warranty

and is made in the USA.