Waterproof Diving

Göran Ehlmé/EXPEDITIONS

PROLOGUE

Diving is my life; it brings me joy, energy, and a sense of purpose. Water is one of the most significant elements in my life! I wish everyone had the opportunity to try it. I firmly believe that everyone would enjoy it if they simply dared to dive beneath the surface.

Being in the sea or underwater is like a power bank for me. It energizes me and brings me happiness. I don’t really know why, but I know that’s how it works for me. When I’m in a bad mood or stressed, I go underwater. No matter how terrible my day or week has been, as soon as I submerge myself in water, everything literally washes away. I become a harmonious and content person.

I often wish I had gills and blubber so I could breathe underwater and not have to worry about the cold. Unfortunately, that’s not possible so instead, I focus on developing products that provide the best conditions for myself and other divers. Products and product development really captivates me because it requires that I immerse myself in the environment I love the most—the underwater world! Throughout my time at Waterproof, I have primarily focused on product development. The possibilities for improving products are endless and constantly evolving.

Working as a product developer at Waterproof has been a unique opportunity for me. It’s allowed me to seamlessly blend my passion for underwater photography and filmmaking with my professional responsibilities. This dynamic combination has led me to spend a significant amount of time in the field, which has proven invaluable for my work. When it comes to underwater photography and filming, the quality of my equipment is paramount. I need gear that I can rely on without constantly worrying about it. Whether I’m capturing photos or shooting footage, I want to be fully immersed in the moment, leaving any concerns about my equipment behind.

Comfort plays a crucial role, not only underwater but also on the surface. I often find myself wearing diving gear for extended periods before a dive, sometimes spending hours on a boat waiting to get to a certain place or for the right conditions to appear. If my experience topside is less than ideal, it can undoubtedly affect my enjoyment and performance underwater.

I have spent a lot of time filming wild animals, and I’ve learned that 95% of the time is spent waiting. It can be tedious, but it provides a great opportunity for product development. When I am sitting there with my gear on, feeling bored, is when I notice if something isn’t working properly. For instance, I might realize that the placement of a buckle is not perfect and that redesigning it can improve flexibility.

I am incredibly passionate about product development. Even after forty years of experience, I still find it exciting to develop new dive equipment. It’s important to me because it allows me to be in my world, in an environment that gives me so much energy. When I dive with the finished product and see that it turned out exactly as we had envisioned, it brings me great happiness. But what satisfies me even more is knowing that other people will experience the same happiness.

Most of my work photographing and filming underwater has taken place in the polar regions, in the Arctic and Antarctica. It’s not about encountering big marine animals like killer whales, walruses, or leopard seals, although I’ve been fortunate to experience many such encounters. Spotting a small shrimp or a beautiful sea anemone makes the dive equally energizing and exciting. Size doesn’t matter; I believe it’s the water itself that attracts me.

Images hold great importance to me as a photographer and filmmaker. They allow me to capture the natural behavior of animals and the hidden beauty beneath the surface, inspiring us all to cherish the ocean. When I focus on capturing photos and filming, my main objective is to create impactful imagery. An image has the power to convey both beauty and drama, and I am driven by capturing moments of beauty and exciting behavior. Communicating through images is often direct and effortless, eliminating the need for words. Images are a vital medium that enables us to connect with others. It is easier to capture images, requiring only a fraction of a second. Filming, on the other hand, presents a whole different set of challenges and considerations. While I enjoy both photography and filmmaking, I find filming to be more demanding and complex.

In my work as a photographer and filmmaker as well as a product developer I am perfectionist. I appreciate and value high-quality work and I go on until I think the result is perfect.