Jess Patterson has worked in the field of ocean conservation since 2010. Growing up in San Diego, she developed a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants. From a young age, she knew a career dedicated to the “Big Blue” was her life’s purpose and has remained committed to that path ever since.
Jess is a Certified Veterinary Technician specializing in the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles, as well as a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. Throughout her career, she has devoted herself to protecting the ocean and now hopes to further that mission through her photography and videography.
Her interest in photography began in junior high school when she picked up her first camera. Learning photography theory on her mother’s Canon AE-1, she fell in love with the black-and-white film work of Ansel Adams and Sebastião Salgado. In high school, she began working with her first digital camera, a Nikon D80. She continued studying both film and digital photography in college, eventually earning her Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts and winning multiple awards at the San Diego County Fair.
While developing her conservation career and completing her Veterinary Nursing degree, photography took a back seat. However, she continued to experiment with underwater imaging using some of the early GoPro Hero cameras…. and became very familiar with post-production editing.
Jess eventually relocated to Florida for her dream job rehabilitating sea turtles. Since moving from California, she has expanded her efforts as an advocate for marine life. She became a scuba instructor with the support of her dive shop, Ohana Dive Co., and works as a Shark Handler for Gung-Ho Divers. Through both roles, she educates divers and guests about ocean conservation and marine stewardship.
After years of working seven days a week and saving for a professional camera and equipment, Jess has begun a new chapter in conservation education through underwater photography. She looks forward to continuing to grow her skills and knowledge as a member of the South Florida Underwater Photography Society!