Everyone Has A Story...

Can a blog change the way you view the world? Possibly...

Invisible People

Beth's Story from TakePart on Vimeo.

Appointment to Oceanic Defense Advisory Board

It is quite an honor to announce Oceanic Defense's new Advisory Board; Annie Crawley, Amanda Cotton, Bill Bushing Ph.D., Mike Dunmyer, Peter Kater, Shaun Monson and Wallace J. Nichols Ph.D.

"Oceanic Defense is a worldwide nonprofit organization with membership in over 60 countries, spanning 6 continents with 1 mission: Healthy aquatic ecosystems free from human abuse and neglect. Whether you are new to conservation or a seasoned environmental eco-warrior we have programs that empower our membership to do incredible things and make a personal commitment to our water planet.

The aquatic environments we strive to protect are comprised of a diverse, interconnected system of unique organisms each playing an integral part in its overall function. Healthy aquatic ecosystems function as a whole -- at first glance it is not always evident how interconnected our underwater environment truly is, yet each and every different and unique component serves a vital role.

We have taken the same philosophical approach when considering Oceanic Defense's advisory board members. We are forming a group as diverse as the ocean and the many challenges we face in working to protect it." -Oceanic Defense

Iconic Shark Image 2009

It's always a challenge when you try to communicate what it's like to be enveloped in the underwater world. Photos definitely bring the world to those who have not had the privilege of any underwater experiences, but to really tell a story and bring an experience to life, you need a truly exceptional photograph.

The Underwater Thrills Blog has highlighted one of Amanda's photos as "The Iconic Shark Image of 2009". It's often said that a picture is worth 1000 words, but it would be tough to even scratch the surface of "Belonging" with just a thousand.

You can read their impression of the image in the Underwater Thrills Swimming With Sharks blog, along with a litany of great content for anyone with an interest in sharks.

-Jeff

Our New A COTTON PHOTO Website

IT'S HERE...we are pleased to announce our newly updated website is live. Stop by and check out A COTTON PHOTO Creative Works LLC at acottonphoto.com, where you will find imagery from below the waves, as well as resources on conservation organizations, and fun facts about our oceans. Helping everyone get personally involved in the fight to protect our aquatic ecosystems is one of our highest priorities.

If you are involved in marine conservation and would like your company, event or organization linked with our site please contact us at info@acottonphoto.com.

acottonphoto.com

Wanderlust

Natural History Magazine recently published a story written by Robert Anderson titled "Wanderlust-An Internet guide to tracking and tagging the animal world" featuring one of my manatee images. It is a fantastic article jam packed with a wealth of information covering the benefits of tagging and tracking marine animals. Check it out!

Do You Have A Unique Shark Image?

Shark Savers is currently updating and reorganizing it's website galleries and we need your help. Have you captured a unique species, or a specific shark behavior rarely seen? We'd love to see it and possibly add your images to our galleries.

Shark Savers mission is to save sharks.

We focus on educating the public about shark conservation and bringing awareness to all issues involved within it. We empower people to take action in not only their own lives, but within the community as well, helping to further shark conservation efforts.

Below is a list of sharks we are actively looking for:

Frilled Sharks
Bramble Sharks
Angel Sharks
Saw Sharks
Bullhead Sharks- (Horn Shark, Port Jackson Shark, etc)
Carpet Sharks- (Zebra Shark, Nurse Shark, Wobbegong, etc)
-as well as any interesting or unique shark behavior you have caught with your camera.

Join us and help the sharks.

If you have images you would like to share with Shark Savers please email me at amanda.cotton@sharksavers.org. All images displayed on Shark Savers galleries will include photo credit to the photographer.

A Sea Change

To learn more about A Sea Change please visit their website.