Explore. Document. Communicate. Inspire.
About Us
Eco-Photo Explorers (EPE) is a New York based organization that was formed in 1994 to help promote interest in protecting both the environment and our historical heritage through knowledge and awareness.
Photography, multimedia presentations, lectures and freelance writing are all used to accomplish this goal. Christopher Weaver and Michael Salvarezza make up Eco-Photo Explorers. Both live in New York on Long Island and have been scuba diving together since 1978, but didn't seriously start photographing the ocean realm until 1989. Since then, they have spent hundreds of hours underwater accumulating and putting together a large and varied library of high-resolution stock photography from around the world. They specialize in all aspects of underwater still photography (wide angle and macro), nature photography, magazine and technical writing and have produced many multimedia programs that are designed to educate the public about the marine environment and the various threats that exist to destroy it and to inspire a commitment to protect our natural world.
In addition, Eco-Photo Explorers has produced numerous presentations focused on various aspects of our local history and through the use of photography, story-telling and other innovative approaches, endeavors to keep audiences interested and captivated by our shared history.
These presentations are geared for all ages. While many of their images come from around the world, some of their best underwater work is done right at home in the waters off New York and New Jersey. Although their primary focus is on underwater photography and marine related topics, their programs also include a variety of local history, exotic destinations and environmental presentations. Custom tailored programs are available upon request and can span a wider range of subjects. For example, insects, local history, wartime history, buried treasure and lighthouses to mention only a few. Audiences are always encouraged to participate and ask questions as they examine the human impact on the Earth's ecosystems.
They are also available for SCUBA Demonstrations and Technical Support in Research Projects, Scuba Diving Support and Photo Documentation of Projects.
Credits & References
Our photography and writing have been featured in many publications such as National Geographic Adventure, Immersed, Advanced Diver, Discover Diving, Diver Magazine, Dive Log Australasia, California Diver, Scuba & H20 Adventures, Lighthouse Digest, WW II Magazine, and other national and international magazines. Below is a condensed list of clients who have used our photography or services.
We have a complete list of references that inventories all the various schools, dive clubs, educational institutions, public libraries, and organizations from around the country who have done business with us in the past.
Beneath the Sea: Largest Consumer Dive Show in North America
Our World Underwater
Long Island Divers Association
DC Dive Show: The Mid-Atlantic Winter Scuba Dive Festival
Boston Sea Rovers
Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County
JASON Foundation for Education (founded by Robert Ballard)
New York Harbor School
Atlantis Marine World Aquarium
Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor
Our Thoughts
The underwater world is filled with many surprises. You really don't have to travel the world to view the amazing creatures that inhabit the oceans. Many of them can be found right in our local waters. Photographic opportunities exist everywhere. First, the underwater photographer must learn patience and the art of looking. Second, the photographer must learn the natural habits of the creatures in order to locate them as well as effectively photograph their various behaviors.
Finally, you must put yourself in the position to take the photograph. Dive as often as you can, because you never know when that once in a life time experience will present itself! As divers, you are able to explore a whole new and beautiful underwater world that only a few will ever be able to see. Always remember that you are a guest in this world. Look, explore, take photographs, but leave it in the same condition as you found it.
As we say in the diving community, take only pictures and leave only bubbles...
Scuba Divers are ambassadors between these two worlds. Do whatever you can to help protect and preserve this underwater world for the present and future generations to come.
