Ellen Cuylaerts relocated 4 years ago from Belgium to the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman. She studied history in Antwerp and got her master in modern history and education.She homeschools her 2 gifted teenagers and decided to take up scuba diving in June 2011. Soon she became a Master Scuba Diver and took up her childhood dream photography and combined it with the wonders of the underwater world.
After diving a few months she signed up for a workshop on the island with renowned underwater photographer & marine biologist Dr. Alex Mustard and decided to use the skills she learned to spread the awareness and contribute to the conservation and preservation of the fragile marine environment.
Within the year she won 3 first prizes in The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (categories Underwater, Arts & Culture and Nature Wildlife) and last November she became 2nd in the International CITA Photo Competition (Scenic and creative) and received honorable mentions in all other categories.
Her basic concern is the decay of the oceans by pollution, overfishing, the brutal act of shark finning and dolphin and whale slaughtering. By showing the beauty of the underwater world she hopes people will start protecting what they love like Jacques Cousteau once wished.
