- Project ONDAS, directed by Laura May from the University of Vermont, aims to understand long-term changes in human activities and marine life using autonomous underwater recorders called SoundTraps.
- Innoceana Costa Rica has pioneered conservation programs in partnership with SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, organizing citizen science expeditions and participatory experiences such as whale monitoring, coral reef checks and turtle identification.
- The UNDP Park Ranger Training Project, facilitated by local institution SINAC, trains rangers to collect scientific data on marine life and habitats for accurate information on anthropogenic influences.
Underwater photography becomes a choice for extraordinary portraits, like Karina, a ballerina who finds the water a perfect environment for expressing grace and the magic of maternity. Also, Grego and Alicia's Save the Date Session: Taking the Plunge. The couple, an art curator and a creative director, sought a controlled and fashionable portrait in the chaotic underwater environment. Inspired by the magical sea, Ana portrays mermaids, like the OG Hannah Mermaid or Claire, from Paris Aquarium. The surreal underwater experience adds an eccentric touch, reflecting unique personalities.
Ona’s therapy includes swimming in the ocean. Her owner, Matilde, must convince her to trust her and join her. That’s when the magic happens, when a bond in created, that’s natural horsemanship. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Save the Date Session: Taking the Plunge. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Hannah Mermaid. Our fascination with the ocean is represented through captivating tales from all around the world. Mermaids are the metaphor for mystery, beauty and the unknown. Our anxieties about water beings are magnified by our attraction to them © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Humpback whale and calf in the south pacific coast of Costa Rica, a safe haven for the birth and nurturing of this magnificent species. Photo taken with research permit. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Mermaids and water spirits stories are present in folk and fairy tales as a global phenomenon: from nymphs and selkies in Nordic myths to the goddess Yemanja in Cuban/African yoruba religion. The narratives are as ambiant as the ocean: powerful, seductive, unpredictable and inspiring. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Cortez Angelfish at underwater cave in Santa Elena, Guanacaste, CR. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Green sea turtle at Caño Island, South Pacific, Costa Rica. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Karina is a ballerina, the weightlessness and grace of her body expression has to be portrayed in the water. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
The Shape of Water. © Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco
Ana Lucía Rodriguez Tinoco is a professional underwater photographer working with a variety of subjects from mermaids to models and capturing the shape of water with her nature shots. Recently Ana had one of her underwater photos featured on the cover of the University of Vermont Magazine. She works with a variety of conservation organizations like ONDAS, Innoceana Costa Rica, and UNDP, among others. You can find out more about Ana on her website www.destinationphotocostarica.com or follow her on Instagram @destinationphotocr.
Additional Reading
Working With a Freediving Model in Open Water
The Power of Underwater Photography for Ocean Conservation
5 Tips to Improve Your Underwater Portrait Pool Photography
Incredible Encounters: Photographing Hawksbill Turtles in Grand Cayman
