Passionate Ocean Photographer Dives Deep into Marine Life Beauty
Kyla McClay, a rising ocean photographer with a deep-rooted love for the sea, is making waves with her breathtaking images. Hailing from Palos Verdes, McClay’s connection to the water runs deep, shaping her into the talented artist she is today.
A prodigy in her early twenties, McClay’s photography journey began at a young age, earning recognition for her work as a teenager. At just 17, she clinched the third spot in the esteemed Ocean Photographer of the Year contest’s Young Photographer of the Year category. Since then, McClay has traversed the globe, capturing the ocean’s wonders in all their glory.
From the serene shores of Catalina Island to the exhilarating waters of the Maldives, McClay’s ambition and creativity shine through in her work. Whether she’s documenting free diving competitions or swimming alongside sharks, her images encapsulate the athleticism, beauty, and grace of the marine world.
Delving into the Depths with Kyla McClay
In a candid interview, McClay reveals the origins of her deep-seated love for the ocean and how photography became her creative outlet. Growing up surrounded by the sea, McClay’s childhood was filled with moments of wonder and exploration. From watching marine-themed movies to spending hours snorkeling, the ocean became her sanctuary.
It was McClay’s family background that fostered her passion for photography. With a father engrossed in fishing and a mother skilled in art and design, McClay’s artistic inclinations found a natural outlet in capturing the ocean’s beauty through her lens. Starting with a photography elective in high school, McClay honed her skills and saved up diligently to purchase her first underwater housing, a pivotal moment that solidified her path as an ocean photographer.
Diving into the World of Underwater Photography
The allure of underwater photography lies in its unpredictability and raw beauty. McClay recounts the thrill of capturing fleeting moments beneath the waves, where every interaction with marine life is a testament to the ocean’s vibrancy. From tranquil, crystal-clear waters to turbulent, murky seas, McClay’s lens captures the essence of marine ecosystems in all their complexity.
One of McClay’s most treasured memories involves swimming with a mesmerizing school of mobula rays. The experience, reminiscent of a dream, showcased the harmony and grace of these majestic creatures as they glided through the water with effortless elegance.
McClay’s affinity for photographing rays stems from their diverse characteristics and captivating movements. Each encounter with these enigmatic creatures evokes a sense of peace and wonder, underscoring the profound connection between humans and the underwater world.
In the ever-evolving realm of ocean photography, McClay hopes to evoke a sense of empathy and appreciation for marine life through her images. By showcasing the ocean’s richness and diversity, she aims to inspire viewers to care for and protect this fragile ecosystem.
As McClay embarks on her creative journey, she remains open to new opportunities and challenges. With a keen interest in conservation work and a desire to leverage her photography for meaningful impact, McClay’s future holds boundless possibilities in the realm of ocean photography.
For McClay, each click of the camera serves as a testament to the ocean’s enduring beauty and resilience. Through her art, she hopes to ignite a spark of awareness and stewardship, encouraging others to view the ocean not merely as a vast expanse of water, but as a living, breathing entity deserving of our respect and protection.
In McClay’s world, the ocean isn’t just a subject—it’s a canvas teeming with life, waiting to be explored and preserved for generations to come.
