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.

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"Undiscovered Secrets" by Rachel, 15 | Under the Surface 2016

The great formations of the red rock
Creating arches that surrounded me,
Blanketing all my worries.
And that was just the tip.
The depths were what attracted me.
I let my ears sink below the surface
To where I could see nothing but the unknown,
And I felt comfort in the place of silence
Where I could connect to the solitude
And undiscovered secrets
That hid beneath it.

About Rachel: "Hi, I’m Rachel. I came to Passage struggling to see the good in myself. My depression and anxiety overtook me, which led me to become a threat to my own life. When I first started underwater photography, it was almost instant relief. Every time I put my face in the water, all of my worries washed away. The water engulfed my ears with hope and healing, and it helped me notice all the good the world has to offer."

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Under the Surface