Ocean Art 2025 Tales behind the Picture – Cassie Pali

Cassie Pali acquired a Second Place within the Underwater Fashion Category for her picture “Goddess of the Night”.

About the Shoot

When I met this lovely girl, I solely knew her identify. Through a number of meetups, she slowly opened up and shared why this shoot was so necessary to her—what she hoped to remove from it, the which means behind the rigorously chosen costuming, and the ferns that had been thoughtfully gathered and woven collectively. Every piece we dropped at the shoot held intention and objective.

Once we entered the water, we let go. All the preparation was full, all the things was in place, and the water was free to do what it does greatest—reveal the goddess.

After the shoot, I take the photographs into my digital darkroom, reflecting on the belief she shared, the soul she bared, and what the ultimate pictures had been meant to signify. Witnessing her obtain these pictures—absolutely seen, deeply weak, and powerfully current—is the rationale I do that work.

Why it’s Important

Participating in Ocean Art 2025 and inserting 2nd is a robust reminder that what I do issues, not solely to others, however deeply to me as properly. My underwater images journey started out of necessity after an harm left me unable to stroll, forcing me to step away from land-based images, which had lengthy been each my ardour and my profession. Rather than letting go of images, I ventured into the underwater world, the place this work, and the popularity it has acquired, has helped me higher perceive myself and the individuals I {photograph} and assist. The ocean is profoundly therapeutic for me; once I sink beneath the floor, all the things quiets, and I can breathe once more.

My work has all the time been performed as a free diver till July of this 12 months, 80 dives and ending AOW tomorrow.  I’m now licensed in scuba and have discovered the love of macro images. You will see extra of my work sooner or later.