MadeInPugetSound Blog - MADE IN PUGET SOUND

California Sea Lions - Santa Barbara Island

3/15/2016

The west coast of North America, from southern Mexico to the Gulf of Alaska is populated with some of the world's most interesting, amazing and beautiful animals in the world. From the tiny Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker (eumicrotremus orbis) to the massive Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), the exotic life in our waters are truly spectacular.
Recently I was part of a six day dive trip to the Channel Islands of Southern California. The two groups of islands span from San Clemente Island in the south to San Miguel Island in the north. Although not my first dive trip in this area, it was the most extensive to date. We began our dive trip at the island of Santa Cruz, headed south to Catalina Island, and ended back at the northern Anacapa Island. To view the best images I shot during my trip, visit my Channel Islands Gallery.
The most unique and beautiful of the islands was Santa Barbara Island. It is one of the smallest of all the islands, less than 2 miles long. This tiny island is somewhat remote, located almost a half days journey from Catalina Island. Its remote location can allow for substantial exposure to severe wind, weather and currents. Due to these potentially extreme weather and diving conditions it is a rare dive trip. We were very fortunate to spend an entire day of diving the area.
I feel the one thing that makes Santa Barbara Island such a fantastic area to dive are the California Sea Lions. These curious and playful creatures have little human contact. Therefore, unlike most other spots where they experience much more human interaction, their level of curiosity is heightened. As you can see in my production, their behavior is very fantastic.
Last month I had time to edit the large volume of video I shot during my trip. The task of wading through over two hours of video to create a 6 minute and 21 second movie seemed almost daunting at first. As with all of my work, I shoot and edit the video clips. I occasionally add some sound and sound effects. Finally, I write and create the music that incorporates an emotional connection within my work.
The final video uploaded to my website is HD fully optimized for iPhone, iPad and desktop viewing. In response to some requests, I agreed to uploaded the completed work to both my website and YouTube. Although YouTube video compression quality is diminished, it does add a small amount of increased stability.
Please enjoy my work, all of which is 'A Made In Puget Sound Original Production'.

YouTube link for 'California Sea Lions'.
YouTube link for 'Predators in the Dark'.
YouTube link for 'Red Octopus'.