
Andre Rerekura: The Ocean's Lens, Capturing the Depths Above and Below
What if the key to protecting the ocean was as simple as changing the way we see it? For underwater photographer and conservationist Andre Rerekura, capturing the ocean’s beauty is more than an art—it’s a call to action. Through his lens, he reveals a world worth protecting, inviting us to see, appreciate, and ultimately fight for our oceans.
Who is Andre Rerekura?
Andre Rerekura is a highly regarded underwater photographer, videographer, and conservation advocate from Exmouth, Western Australia. His life revolves around the ocean—whether freediving, surfing, or capturing breathtaking marine life footage. With an eye for storytelling and a deep commitment to conservation, his work has been featured in major productions for Disney+, BBC, National Geographic, and Netflix. As a GeoChange ambassador, Andre uses his art to spotlight the wonders of marine ecosystems, encouraging others to appreciate and protect our fragile ocean environments.
Early Life and Inspiration: What Inspired Andre to Pursue a Life in the Ocean?
Andre’s connection to the ocean started in childhood and evolved into a lifelong mission. What began as a passion for diving and photography transformed into a purpose-driven career. Working as a commercial diver and underwater cinematographer, he gained a profound understanding of marine life, deepening his appreciation for the ocean’s complexity and vulnerability.
“Learning more and more about what you love… it keeps me going and pushing harder,” Andre shares.
His endless curiosity fuels a journey that blends art and advocacy, turning stunning visuals into powerful messages for conservation.
Artistic Vision: How Does Andre Capture the Ocean’s Majesty?
Andre's work is a seamless blend of skill and dedication. With over 20 years of experience in high-resolution photography, he utilises advanced technology—including aerial drones and underwater cameras—to capture the ocean from above and below. His ability to document the transitions between land and sea creates a unique, immersive experience.
Through his lens, every detail—whether a tiny fish or a vast coral reef—tells a story. His images are more than just beautiful; they invite viewers to connect with the ocean and recognise its importance in our world.
The Power of Visual Storytelling: How Andre Uses His Art to Educate and Inspire
Andre believes that visual storytelling is a powerful tool for conservation. By sharing the ocean’s beauty and vulnerability, he hopes to inspire a global appreciation for marine life. His work often highlights creatures like sharks—apex predators that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems but are frequently misunderstood.
By capturing the true nature of sharks, Andre seeks to replace fear with curiosity. His message is simple yet profound: “We only have one planet, it's amazing and should be appreciated. It's great to protect what you love.”
Sharks and Misconceptions: Why Andre Focuses on Protecting Sharks
Through his work with Protect Ningaloo, Andre highlights the urgent need to safeguard marine ecosystems. One of his key focuses is shark conservation. Often misrepresented in the media, sharks are vital to ocean health, maintaining the delicate balance of marine life.
By documenting these creatures in their natural habitat, Andre sheds light on their importance and helps shift public perception. His work encourages people to look beyond fear and understand sharks as essential guardians of the sea.
Challenges in Conservation: What Obstacles Does Andre Face in Protecting Marine Life?
The fight for conservation comes with challenges, from environmental threats to misconceptions about marine life. But Andre’s motivation remains steadfast, fueled by the extraordinary encounters he experiences underwater.
One moment that stands out is his encounter with a mother and calf humpback whale near Exmouth. “It was a super clear and beautiful day... I noticed the mother pass about 20 meters from me, then they both suddenly turned and swam directly at me,” he recalls. The mother whale swam underneath him while the calf’s fin brushed his head—a gentle reminder of the grace and awareness these creatures possess.
Moments like these reinforce his commitment to conservation, reminding him—and us—of the delicate balance within marine ecosystems.
What Advice Does Andre Have for Aspiring Ocean Advocates?
Andre’s advice for those who want to make a difference is simple:
“Chase what you love doing and don’t stop. Help out whenever you can... never expect anything, and life will always have great surprises.”
He encourages aspiring conservationists and creatives to fully immerse themselves in their passions and embrace opportunities as they come. His journey proves that dedication and perseverance can transform a passion into a meaningful career that makes a tangible impact.
GeoChange and Andre Rerekura: How Does His Work Align with GeoChange’s Mission?
As a GeoChange ambassador, Andre’s vision aligns seamlessly with the platform’s mission to unite art and conservation. His limited-edition artwork, available through GeoChange, serves as both a tribute to the ocean’s beauty and a means of funding marine conservation initiatives.
By purchasing Andre’s work, individuals contribute directly to critical causes like shark protection, kelp restoration, and other environmental efforts. This partnership transforms art into action, fostering a global community of ocean advocates.
Supporting Andre’s mission is as simple as bringing a piece of his work into your home. When you purchase one of his limited-edition artworks through GeoChange, you’re not just investing in a beautiful piece—you’re actively contributing to marine conservation. Each artwork serves as a reminder of the ocean’s wonders and invites you to be part of a larger movement to protect our planet.
Andre Rerekura's work reminds us of the ocean’s vast, uncharted beauty and the urgent need to protect it. As an artist and advocate, he has turned his passion into a mission, using his camera to capture the wonders of the marine world and his voice to call for its preservation. Through his partnership with GeoChange, he invites each of us to share in this mission—turning admiration into action and appreciation into protection.