Whale Shark Extravaganza from IN2 Focus Media on Vimeo.
We are so excited to have Elke Specker on board as another one of our One Day in San Diego Ambassadors! Specializing in underwater photography, her videos capture the oceanic world in the most beautiful way. We are so lucky to have her on board!
Who are you and what is your profession?
I’m a creative media director, working worldwide on a freelance basis through my company IN2 Focus Media.
I design, photograph and shoot video for corporate clients, as well as an underwater cinematographer,
creating awareness for ocean conservation. I’m VP, Member of the Board, of San Diego UnderSea Film
Exhibition (SDUFEX), one of the most prestigious underwater film festivals worldwide.
Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?
I was born in Cologne, Germany, grew up in Malmö, Sweden, then later moved to London, England, and
finally ended up in San Diego, where I’ve lived over 15 years. I grew up traveling the world from an early
age, my parents worked for Lufthansa, so it became a way of life for me.
What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
The ocean has always been a major attraction to me, so my travel destinations were mostly linked to water.
I snorkeled everywhere, until one day in Tahiti, I tried scuba diving for the first time and was hooked.
That’s when I discovered my passion for documenting and filming the underwater world and marine life
encounters, which then led to topside, promotional videography, an important addition to my creative business.
Who or what do you most admire?
I admire people who appreciate the little things in life, don’t take too much for granted, and are able to
support themselves sufficiently to live the meaningful life of their dreams. How can we realize our dreams
if we don't appreciate the ones we have?
What do you love about San Diego?
I can be in the water in minutes. We have a big, active dive community, who share the respect
and passion for our ocean and marine life, which I love being active in. Being part of SD’s fast growing,
ground breaking filmmaking community. Our unbeatable climate and relaxed atmosphere.
What do you fear most for San Diego?
Wildlife depends on us to allow them to continue to live and thrive in harmony with their environment.
I fear that the controversy over who has the right, humans or resident wildlife, to access the beaches in
La Jolla, will escalate and result in irreversible and regrettable consequences, and affect future tourism.
What do you hope for San Diego in the next 20 years?
I hope San Diego to be in the forefront of conservation in many ways. Working to protect air, waters and
wildlife habitat through education, advocacy, and fostering strong outdoor ethics. I hope SD will outlaw
plastic containers of any kind, will stop commercial fishing off our coast, and protect wildlife from
encroachment. I like to see San Diego to be a community where we can all live in harmony with nature.
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Check out more of Elke's work: www.in2focusmedia.com
Sign up to participate on April 26th at OneDayinSanDiego.org
Have questions for Elke? Comment below.
Join the Conversation: What environmental resource is the most precious in San Diego?
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