Browse Galleries

  • HOME
  • BACK TO BLOG
  • SEARCH
  • Home
  • Browse
  • Search

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.
Read More
"Rite of Passage" by Rachel, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
52 / 119

"Rite of Passage" by Rachel, 15 | Under the Surface 2016

My hands ache, the cold water combining with the icy chill of the abyss.
I know I should be here.
I know this is the place where I turn things around.
All I need is just the last burst of courage that I beg the water to give me.
My legs burn.
I swim towards the arch of the rock that threatens to crumble down on top of me.
I remember my fears.
My hopes.
My family.
All that I hold onto so tightly I shake from my grip.
I let them all go.
I release the anxieties from my hands as I cross under the curved rock.
It encases me in a sense of warmth, of happiness.
I let everything melt away.
I let the ice that has created a mold around my body go.
From the top of my head to my neck.
To my chest and my stomach.
Then to my legs and feet.
And last, to my toes.
Each one of them releasing the last bit of doubt that I held onto for what seemed like ages.
And I know in passing under the arch that I have become a new person . . .
A new me.
And I am stronger this way.

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."

  • "Lily from Under" by Tabby, 15  |  Under the Surface 2015
  • "Crying" by Hailey, 14 |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Under the Surface" by Hailey, 14 |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Revived"  by Anonymous, 16  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Hidden in the Obvious"  by Anonymous, 16  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Looking Up" by Anonymous, 16  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Broken and Lost" by Jourdyn, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "My Spot" by Jourdyn, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Reflection of Truth" by Kim, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "This is Me" by Kim, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Undiscovered Secrets" by Rachel, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Rite of Passage" by Rachel, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Under the Surface" by Rachel, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Don't Turn Away from Me" by Anonymous, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Watching from Afar" by Anonymous, 15  |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "Inner Peace" by Sarah, 17 |  Under the Surface 2016
  • "I'm Just Enough" by Kimi, 15  |  Under the Surface 2018
  • "Looking in the Mirror" by Alex, 15  |  Under the Surface 2018
  • "Magic Within Us" by Victoria, 14  |  Under the Surface 2018
  • "Showing Off" by Destiny, 17  |  Under the Surface 2018
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.