Under the Surface

Each summer, young explorers from Northwest Passage set out for adventures that few have experienced. They bravely submerge themselves in rivers and lakes to learn about and document underwater ecosystems. The stunning photographs that result from these expeditions have been featured in books, films, and witnessed by over one million people at exhibits around the United States. These photographs represent the kids' exploration and discovery of the underwater world, and of themselves.

35 / 119

"School in Blue" by Lydia, 16 | Under the Surface 2015

There are obstacles, like being in the cold water, or the wet-suits being really tight but that's how life is. If you get past all of that you can have great experiences. You are totally free to let your creativity flow. Swimming felt like making art.

About Lydia: "My name is Lydia and I'm 17 years old. I'm from Minnesota. I came to Northwest Passage looking to learn the skills that would enable me to be successful in life; to find ways of working on things I struggle with, in order for my strengths to have the chance to help me achieve that success. The InaNewLight program has helped shed light on my strengths and how I can use them to my advantage. It has also helped me identify the things I struggle with. You know that saying. "How you do anything is how you do everything"? Well, it applies to photography as well. Photography is something I struggle with on a smaller scale than just life itself. I have experienced this for the first time through participating in this program."

Browse Galleries

Under the Surface