Are you ready to explore the mysteries of the underwater world through the lens of a passionate videographer? We sat down with Fabian Guggenberger, an accomplished underwater videographer, scientist, and marine life storyteller. From his beginnings in Austria to the inspiring depths of Bali, Fabian shares his journey, insights, and the issues of ocean conservation. Join us for an engaging conversation that not only highlights the beauty of marine life but also underscores the importance of preserving our oceans.
Meet Fabian Guggenberger:
Scientist, Musician, Underwater Videographer
WAVEIT: Hello Fabian, thank you very much for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Fabian: Thank you for having me, WAVEIT. I'm Fabian Guggenberger from Austria. I'm a PhD in Molecular Oncology, a musician, and a marine life videographer. You can also find me on social media as @fab.aroundtheglobe.
The Birth of a Passion: Diving into the Deep
WAVEIT: Your Instagram bio says "Scientist and maritime storyteller." Could you share more about how you developed this passion and what sparked it?
Fabian: It all started in 2019 when I was still working at the hospital as a scientist. During a vacation in Indonesia, I tried diving for the first time and immediately felt a deep connection with the underwater world. This passion for marine life had always been there since my childhood. I was fascinated by everything that lives in the water.
Before I took up diving, I was already a hobby videographer, creating music videos for my band and others. Combining these two passions seemed like a natural progression. I began filming with a GoPro on every dive. By 2022, I decided to upgrade to a professional camera rig, and I've been capturing the underwater world ever since.
The Allure of Cephalopods
WAVEIT: Your photos of sea creatures are stunning. Is there a reason why squid seem to be your favorite subject?
Fabian: Yes, my favorite marine animals are cephalopods— squid, cuttlefish, and octopus. The interaction you can experience with them is incredible due to their high intelligence compared to fish. One of my most amazing experiences was with a mimic octopus. Over time, it became comfortable with my presence and even interacted with my camera. This is something I haven't experienced with fish. Cephalopods have fascinating behaviors, and once they recognize you're not a threat, they'll let you observe them up close.
The Reality of Ocean Plastic Pollution
WAVEIT: Have you witnessed any scenes of ocean plastic pollution that greatly affected you?
Fabian: Yes, plastic pollution is a pervasive problem I've seen all over the world, from the Galapagos Islands to French Polynesia and throughout Asia. During the rainy season, especially in Asia, the situation becomes dire. Many local communities lack proper waste management systems. They often dispose of plastic waste in dry riverbeds, which then gets washed into the ocean during rains. I've had dives where the visibility was drastically reduced due to floating plastic, making it difficult to see marine life. It's a heartbreaking and serious issue.
Favorite Diving Spots: Northeast Bali
WAVEIT: What is your go-to diving spot and why do you love it?
Fabian: My favorite diving spot is in the northeast of Bali, particularly around the villages of Tulamben and Amed. The macro life and biodiversity here are unparalleled. The ability to dive independently with friends and spend hours exploring the same spot is essential for videographers. The rich marine life and high biodiversity make this area one of the best places in the world for diving, especially for those who enjoy macro photography and videography.
Fun Facts from the Deep
WAVEIT: Lastly, could you share a fun fact or secret about the underwater world with us?
Fabian: A fun fact about diving is how minimal human communication becomes. We rely on simple hand signals, which I find refreshing. It's a silent world where actions speak louder than words. This simplicity allows you to connect more deeply with the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
Join the Wave: Be Part of the Solution
As adventure enthusiasts, sea lovers, and ocean-conscious individuals, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to ocean conservation. Whether it's through supporting marine conservation organizations, participating in beach clean-ups, or simply reducing our plastic footprint, every action counts.
Our conversation with Fabian Guggenberger serves as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our underwater world. His dedication to capturing and sharing the wonders of the ocean is an inspiration to all of us. As we dive into our next adventure, let's remember to tread lightly and protect the environments we explore.
For more insights and breathtaking underwater footage, follow Fabian on Instagram at @fab.aroundtheglobe. And if you're looking to start your own underwater videography journey or simply want to learn more about ocean conservation, stay tuned to our blog for more expert tips and stories.
About WAVEIT
WAVEIT for ocean-friendly bags and accessories was born in 2023. Founders believe in the power of reimagining trash’s lifecycle. From unwanted waste to useful designs, founders want to achieve a plastic-free and biodiversity-rich future for the oceans.
Let’s make waves together.
