Using his trusty Sony Rx100 camera, up-and-coming photographer Ganden Medved-Po gave readers a rare glimpse of life beneath the surface with his book, “Life Below Water.”
A joint project with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) – Philippines, “Life Below Water” is a compilation of photos featuring scenic seascapes and surreal marine life. “I’m proud of this collaborative project with the WWF because it combines two of my passions in life: photography and the ocean,” said the eco-conscious 17 year-old.
Not even a raging pandemic could stop Ganden, who literally submerged himself in photography from 2020 to 2021, to capture these stunning visuals. “With the help of my mentor, world-renowned photographer Gutsy Tuason, we were able to capture beautiful images of our marine life in the Philippines. Through these photos, I hope people will have a better appreciation of our oceans and to learn to care for them more,” he said.
Ganden’s love for the water started at a very young age. At age eight, he was already swimming competitively. It was also around that time when he developed a love for photography. The senior high school student from International School Manila also thanked his parents, Century Pacific Food, Inc. chairman Christopher Po, and HOPE and Plastic Credit Exchange founder and chairperson Nanette Medved-Po, for encouraging him in his art and passion.
All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the sustainable fisheries work of the WWF-Philippines. During the virtual launch of the book, WWF-Philippines executive director Katherine P. Custodio thanked Ganden for his efforts. “It gives me so much hope that young people like you and your peers in the WWF National Youth Council are doing what you can to change what would otherwise be a tragic ending for many people in our country. You are showing us how the power of one can create positive action in many,” she said.
