Edgey

Experience the beauty of the underwater world with this Limited Edition print from André Musgrove. There were several compelling reasons why this particular photo shoot stands out as one of the most challenging and hazardous in my career. The primary objective was to create an image that poignantly illustrates the vulnerability of humans in the face of the immense power of the ocean. It's a reminder that, despite our advances, nature remains the dominant force that ultimately determines our survival. In this daring endeavor, I collaborated with an underwater model, at a depth of 60 feet (20 meters). The circumstances were far from ideal, as the model grappled with cold temperatures and being overweighted with hidden dive weights. She ventured without a dive mask and the presence of a strong downward current further complicated matters. To manage these challenges, we shared a single scuba tank, with the model breathing from my octopus hose (backup regulator) as we descended into the depths. The drop-off we were positioned near descends to a staggering 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). Once we found our spot, the model commenced her breathing preparation, signaling to me that she was about to take her final breath before I swam away to get into position for the shot. As I swam away, I had to be mindful not to allow my exhaled bubbles to trail behind me, which could potentially disrupt the shot. Additionally, I needed to ascend slightly to achieve the desired angle for the photo, all the while ensuring that I exhaled to prevent lung over-expansion. Meanwhile, the model, displaying remarkable composure, held her breath, maintained a relaxed expression, pointed her toes, kept her body properly oriented, and clung to the shipwreck. When she was nearing the end of her breath-hold, she signaled to me, and I swiftly swam back to her at the ship. It's important to recognize that the risk of lung over-expansion is a genuine concern in these situations. Between shots, we followed a well-practiced routine. I would provide the model with her regulator to breathe and her dive mask for visibility. We would review the underwater photos to determine any necessary adjustments, repeating the process approximately seven more times until we achieved the desired shot and video footage. Afterward, we executed our 3-minute safety stop at 15 feet (5 meters) and concluded the dive with approximately 20 PSI left in our tank. Both the model and I possess extensive training as underwater performers and a deep awareness of the associated risks. It's crucial to emphasize that we do not recommend or endorse similar high-risk endeavors for others. Safety should always be the top priority in any underwater activity.