For more than two decades Kip has been exploring the ocean and guiding conservation efforts through his documentary photography projects. He has led or participated in over fifty expeditions throughout the world including recent expeditions to Alaska, Cuba, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, and Panama. He has worked on a number of National Geographic Society projects including the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, where he served as the chief photographer for noted marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle. In 2008, Kip joined Dr. Earle’s Mission Blue Foundation as the Director of Photography and Expeditions, documenting “hope spots”, special areas around the world that need critical protection.
As a cinematographer, Kip’s films have been featured at film festivals around the world. He has contributed video work to all the major television networks including NBC, CBS, CNN, PBS, National Geographic, Discovery, and has worked on a number of documentaries, including “Pearl Harbor – Legacy of Attack” with Dr. Robert Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic. Kip’s recent films include two award-winning documentaries: Isla Holbox – Whale Shark Island and A Wave of Change California’s Marine Protected Areas.
As a still photographer, Kip’s images have been featured in numerous books, exhibits, travel guides, advertisements, and magazines worldwide including, Alert Diver, Huffington Post, National Geographic Magazine, Patagonia, Outside, Rolex, and Sea and Coastal Living to name a few. While on contract with National Geographic, Kip has served as a photographic expert for National Geographic photo workshops, expeditions, mission programs, and the California Education and the Environment Initiative. Kip is also a Google Ocean partner and his photography was featured on the NBC Nightly news with Brian Williams in 2009 as part of this initiative. Kip also owned and operated a gallery in Carmel, California for over 6 years and his fine-art photography hangs in homes throughout the world.
Kip frequently speaks at schools, film festivals, special events, and gives interviews for various projects relating to the environment. With his stunning photographs and award-winning films, Kip’s presentations bring to life the beauty of our planet.
In addition to his photography experience, Kip has worked as a marine biologist, expedition leader, and an educator for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. As a diver and submersible pilot, Kip holds a number of certifications including PADI Scuba Instructor, Diver Medical Technician (DMT), Scientific Research Diver and he is currently rated to dive the Deep Worker and Deep Rover Submersibles to their full operating depths of 2,000 and 3,000 feet respectively. Kip has also logged over 1,300 scuba dives, mostly during research and photographic expeditions.
Kip currently resides in the Monterey Bay area with his wife and two children.
