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Seas the shot with Sony
Exploring remote locations inspired Elise Gibbins to shift from commercial to impact filmmaking, capturing seascapes and wildlife worldwide SOMETIMES, AN EVERYDAY
decision can lead to life-changing outcomes. For Elise Gibbins, that pivotal moment came when she decided to travel to Asia and Africa. She bought a Sony HX90 to document her journey, later adding an RX100. Capturing nature inspired her to pursue photography and filmmaking to highlight our relationship with nature. “I always knew my career would be creative, probably working in fashion as a textile designer,” introduces Gibbins. “But I was inspired by telling nature stories – not just with beautiful images, but the bonds people have with nature. “As soon as I had a camera, it all clicked into place. It was the creative outlet I needed. I came back and decided I was changing my career. I needed to redirect my creativity into something that really touched my soul. That’s the key to making this career as fulfilling as possible.” Her travels cemented her relationship with Sony cameras – a connection that has lasted throughout her career, leading her to become an accomplished underwater cinematographer. “I started diving and shooting underwater, but it required much more experience in a hostile environment where safety is key,” she explains. “It took me longer to start filming underwater compared to topside, as it requires much more training and experience. In recent years, I made a career pivot
MAKING WAVES The compact design of Sony’s FX3 makes it a top choice for underwater shooting, offering mobility without sacrificing quality they conserve and protect them. Documenting this is important, but also empowering women to do it. Showing women in the natural world and their connection to it is beautiful – and why should only half of the population have a say in conservation?” Gibbins shares. But it won’t be long before the call of the wild is too much to ignore, and this creative mind is travelling off to chase the dream of more wildlife, above or in the ocean. “I have an obsession with epaulette sharks, and my interest in cold-water diving is part of a broader goal to gain experience in a wide range of environments,” Gibbins concludes. “The aim is to inspire people to connect with nature and protect it.”
“Most of my shoots are scuba diving, so a lot goes into the pre- production planning.” Although her background in commercial advertising helped, mastering pro-level photography, filmmaking and underwater shooting was a rewarding challenge. Early on, Gibbins found support from a group of like-minded individuals eager to help. “In such a male-dominated industry, I’ve been incredibly lucky to surround myself with mentors and amazing women in the Wildlife Camerawoman Community,” Gibbins highlights. After the shoot, Gibbins loves to stay in control of her work, opting to edit stills and video herself. “I spent most of my career editing in the Adobe Suite, but recently I’ve been transitioning over to DaVinci Resolve,” she adds. “For photos, though, it’s Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Many people use presets, but I enjoy spending that time on each image.” It’s in front of the computer where all the work comes together, and where Gibbins sees the results. “I’ve been working with Empower Ocean (Women In Ocean Science initiative) on a documentary about women’s relationship with the ocean and their local ecosystems, and how
quality slow motion. Paired with a Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM and a Nauticam housing, it’s a solid tool. “My FX3 is versatile, and the lens is perfect for capturing oceanscapes and marine fauna. Composition and storytelling are key, but technical skill and reliable gear are essential,” explains Gibbins. “Underwater, everything shifts – currents, animal behaviour, surface conditions – so you need a strong technical base.
from commercial work to impact filmmaking, focusing on underwater cinematography and photography.” “I started with a small housing for my RX100 and Sony A7 II, and then upgraded to the Sony FX3 for underwater work and the Sony A1 for topside shots.” The 12.1-megapixel FX3’s low- noise quality is key for underwater shooting in low light. It also records 4K video at 120fps, ideal for high-
“ My interest in cold-water diving is part of a broader goal to gain experience ”
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38 Photography News | Issue 120
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