We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deron Verbeck. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deron below.
Deron, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
No matter who you are you’ll never please, be friends with or have everyone adore you. I’ve adopted the motto “who gives a shit?” It’s not out of ego or arrogance, it’s coming to the realization that I won’t please, be friends with or get everyone to adore me. So why let it bother me??? It took years of trying to figure out where I fit in to discover that motto, but it sure has come in handy in my older age.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I guess I consider myself a photographer/waterman/adventure seeker. Not so much the later these days because of my age a physical well being, but I’m up for a little excitement in my life. I’m more well know for my underwater photography and freediving career. I was the US National Champion with several National and Continental records. I used my ability to hold my breath to be able to encounter large ocean creatures up close on more of their terms. Not being on scuba helps get closer to animals without disrupting their natural behavior. This has allowed me to capture never before seen images. I’ve also been heavily involved with shark and marine mammal conservation efforts. My images have been used for several research papers, books, magazines and I’ve even done TV shows and most recently was the DP on a short film “Kahu Mano” that is touring the film festival circuit. I also just soft launched my new web site http://deronverbeckphotography.com with my latest land based images.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Patience, situational awareness and understanding animal behavior. People have asked how I get such rare and unusual images? It’s patience. I never rush things, I really sit back and let the excitement come to me. If it doesn’t happen then I don’t sweat it and wait for another day. People tend to rush things, push themselves into and onto situations and in the animal world that rarely pans out. Situational awareness is also key. Know your surroundings and ingresses and egresses. Having a plan of how to get in and out of the situation you’re putting yourself into even if it’s last minute or on the fly. Using all your available senses. Underwater your sense are muted to a degree, but you have to learn to overcome that and use the ones that are most important in the moment. Lastly animal behavior. Being able to read/predict what an animal is going to do in any given situation. It is extremely important to learn in the open ocean where most of my images have been taken. Situations can change in the blink of an eye and you have to be ready for it. A lot of animals in the open ocean use body language, even if they’re able to use sound to communicate they still rely heavily on body language. I have learn to watch very carefully at what each animal is doing and how they’re reacting to me and they’re surroundings. They may not see me as a threat as much as competition. Or they may not even care that I’m there. But I’m always watching.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My number one current obstacle right now has to be my health. I’ve gotten to an age that I don’t bounce back like I used to and I have several ailments and injuries that have slowed me considerably. But I try to keep positive and moving in whatever way my body allows, some days are better than others.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://deronverbeckphotography.com
- Instagram: @deronverbeck
- Facebook: Deron Verbeck
