Face-to-face encounters with wild dolphins aren’t an everyday occurrence, which is what makes this moment of mutual curiosity captured on this certification card so special.
Be one of the few PADI divers to showcase your diver status with this limited-edition certification eCard. The physical cards in this design are now sold out.
Meet the Photographer – Kellon Spencer
Kellon Spencer is a conservation and nature-based filmmaker and photographer, spending most of his time producing stories for nonprofits, NGOs and nature-focused industries. When he’s not behind the camera, you’ll find him guiding encounters with marine megafauna in the ocean.
Kellon drew inspiration from a childhood fascination with figures like Steve Irwin, David Attenborough and Mark DeGruy. After dabbling in several forms of photography and filmmaking, it was completing his dive certification that proved to be the true catalyst. Spencer explains, “Once I got my dive certification, the idea of shooting underwater as a career really started to formulate, and I started chasing it seriously. During my college days, I worked as a dive guide and freediving instructor.”
After deciding to commit to full-time freelancing, Spencer hasn’t looked back, “Whenever I am in the field, I feel a real sense of fulfillment. It always takes me back to being that 15-year-old kid dreaming about this life.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Spencer says, “It feels pretty full circle knowing that an image I took is going to be on a dive card.”
The Story Behind Flippin’ Between Two Worlds
Spencer’s first visit to the island of Dominica was driven by its renowned sperm whale encounters. However, after word spread of a particularly friendly, solitary dolphin that had begun stealing the spotlight, Spencer wanted to experience it for himself. Known as Becky by local operators, Spencer entered the water with little idea just how memorable his encounter would become.
Spencer recalls, “She is always solitary and loves interacting with people, often inviting us into the water and staying with us as long as we are willing to engage.” About the day the image was captured, he tells us, “I noticed Becky was interested in the sound my carbon fins made as they flexed. I took one off, held it next to my camera and wiggled it to amplify the sound. She paused at the surface, inspecting it, which gave me the opportunity to capture this over-under shot of her with the island in the background.”
One of the most memorable elements for Spencer was that the curiosity was mutual. He explains, “I love this photo because it captures a moment where the animal clearly wanted to be there. I am not interested in forcing interactions just to get a shot. When the interaction is genuine, the photo follows.”
Are dolphins your favorite animal or are you inspired by Kellon Spencer’s story of connection? Purchase this eCard today and apply it to any of your existing certifications. Click the button below to buy this card or view our other limited-edition designs.
