🌊 5 Actions You Can Take to Help Protect Our Oceans on World Ocean Day- from an Australian Underwater Photographer

As an underwater photographer, freediver, and mother raising her family by the sea, I see firsthand the power the ocean has to heal, inspire and connect us. But I also see the toll we’re taking on it. Plastic pollution tangled in seaweed, reef systems bleaching, wildlife struggling to survive in warming waters and the impact of shark nets and drum lines; the threats are real and are right here on our doorstep.

So what is World Ocean Day?

World Ocean Day is celebrated every year on June 8 to recognise the critical role the ocean plays in sustaining life on Earth. It’s a day to celebrate the sea’s beauty and power; but also to raise awareness of the threats it faces and inspire action to protect it. From coastal communities to global policy changes, it’s a collective call to put the ocean first.

But World Ocean Day isn’t just about awareness—it’s a call to action. So here are 5 realistic, impactful actions you can take to help protect our oceans. No greenwashing. No guilt-tripping. Just empowered choices that ripple outward.

1. Say no to single-use plastic (especially when outdoors)

That cheeky takeaway coffee cup or soft drink bottle on your beach walk? It never stays on land. Take three for the sea. Choose reusables. Make it your norm.

2. Support ocean-friendly brands and local conservation

Put your dollars where your values are. Support local businesses and ocean-focused organisations that prioritise sustainability, reef-safe ingredients, and ethical practices. Better yet—ask questions. Conscious consumers change markets.

3. Vote with your voice and values

Whether it's local council decisions on coastal developments or national climate policy—your voice matters. Sign petitions, write to MPs, share science-backed ocean content. You don’t need a megaphone. Just start talking. The Australian Marine Conservation Society takes real action for our waters and is a great place to start using your voice for change.

4. Reconnect with the water

The more we feel connected, the more we act. Swim. Dive. Snorkel. Let your kids see you love the ocean. Reconnection is the antidote to disconnection—and the spark that lights change.

5. Share ocean stories

Share the beauty, the urgency, and the wonder of the sea. Post your favourite ocean moment. Tell your kids bedtime stories about whales. Book an underwater photo session that celebrates the sea. What we love, we protect.

On this World Ocean Day, remember;it’s not about perfection. It’s about momentum. One action at a time. From the shoreline to the deep blue, your choices matter.

💙 With salt in my hair and purpose in my lens,
Katie x
One Breath Creative

One Breath Creative Nominated for Central Coast Visitor Economy Award

I’m thrilled to share that One Breath Creative has been nominated for Most Outstanding Outdoor Experience in the Central Coast Visitor Economy Awards!

This recognition is incredibly meaningful; not just for me personally, but for the incredible natural beauty we have on our doorstep.

The awards ceremony, originally scheduled for the end of May, had to be postponed due to severe flooding across our region. Our hearts go out to the rural businesses and families impacted by flood waters. It’s been a powerful reminder of both nature’s strength and our community’s resilience.

The awards will now be held at the end of this month, and I can’t wait to represent our beautiful coast and the magic of our oceans. From salty sunrises to encounters with migrating whales with fellow ocean-lovers; my work is all about inspiring people to slow down, reconnect with nature and use the ocean as a remedy for burnout.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey. Whether you've jumped in the ocean with me, shared my work, or simply followed along;  you’re part of this wild, blue mind story.

A Salty Celebration: Photographing Olympic Artistic Swimmer, Zoe Poulis, dancing among Green Sea Turtles

Some days I have to pinch myself that this is my job!

I’m beyond excited to share that a series of my underwater images have been published in the winter edition of luxury lifestyle print magazine, Salty Magazine.  Including the FRONT COVER!

The incredible images we captured accompany a stunning feature interview with Olympic Artistic swimmer, Zoe Poulis.

This shoot was something really special.

Zoe and I travelled to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, just off the beautiful Fingal coast in Northern NSW; a marine sanctuary known for its clear waters, vibrant coral gardens and resident green sea turtle colony. As soon as we slipped beneath the surface, it was like entering another world; calm, spiritual and buzzing with marine life.

Zoe moved through the water like a ballerina; graceful, strong and deeply connected to the ocean. Watching her swim alongside these peaceful animals was a deeply moving experience. They swam around us, as though they were part of our dance.  

To connect with Zoe in this environment felt like a beautiful meeting of creative enthusiasm and beauty.  Zoe uses her body as her medium, I my camera.   As a fellow ocean lover and freediver, it’s moments like this that make me feel incredibly grateful for this work and this life.

I’m so honoured that Salty Magazine chose to feature Zoe’s story. It’s not just about the unique art that we created; it’s about connection to nature, to our bodies and to the deep emotional pull that the ocean has on so many of us.

Salty Magazine is a “premium lifestyle magazine for those who crave adventure, connection and freedom. Rooted in the South Coast of NSW, Salty celebrates bold experiences, elevated travel, and intentional living.  From luxe travel gems and boutique stays to wellness, authentic living and the creatives shaping the far south coast-  Salty delivers inspiring stories, expert insights and must-visit destinations. Whether you're looking for luxury escapes, coastal adventures, or insider tips on the best places to eat, stay and explore, Salty is your guide to a life well-lived.”  You can order your print copy of read online here.

Thank you to Zoe for trusting me to capture your story in saltwater and sunlight and thank you to Salty Magazine for the feature.

Katie x

I saw my first whale of the season!

Winter along the NSW coast brings more than just offshore winds and great ocean visibility; it marks the return of one of nature’s most breathtaking spectacles- the annual humpback whale migration. And if you are lucky enough to live here- we can view these incredible mammals on our doorstep!

Starting at the end of May, beginning of June, thousands of humpback whales begin their epic journey from the krill-rich waters of Antarctica to the warmer breeding grounds of the Coral Sea. This 12,000 to 16,000 km round trip is one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. By early June, sightings off Sydney and the Central Coast become increasingly common, with whales breaching, tail-slapping, and cruising close to shore.

Peak viewing typically occurs from late June through July, when hundreds of whales pass by daily. Prime vantage points in Sydney include North Head, Cape Solander, North Curl Curl and Long Reef in Sydney. On the Central Coast you can head to Bouddi National Park, Copacabana, Forresters Beach, Crackneck in Bateau Bay, Terrigal Haven and Soldiers Beach.

If you are an ocean lover; there are some fantastic tour operators that head out on the ocean daily (weather permitting) so that you can see these incredible animals up close. Some operators, such as Wobegone in Jervis Bay, offer swim with whale experiences (www.woebegone.com.au). For fellow coasties- Terrigal Ocean Tours (www.terrigaltours.com.au) have trips heading out daily and have some great mid week deals. I went out with them twice this season and hope to take my children out for the first time, this winter.

For ocean enthusiasts, this season offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you're a seasoned whale watcher or a first-timer, the migration is a reminder of the wonders that lie just beyond our shores. The humpback whale migration is a great ‘good news story’ for environmental conservation policies. Thanks to decades of strong conservation policies (including the 1966 international ban on commercial whaling) the humpback whale population has made a remarkable recovery, with numbers in Australian waters increasing from just a few hundred to over 40,000. However, these gentle giants still face serious threats. Shark nets entangle migrating whales each season, causing injury or death, while large-scale krill fishing in the Southern Ocean threatens their primary food source. We can all help by supporting marine conservation initiatives, choosing sustainable seafood, advocating for non-lethal shark control methods and reporting whale entanglements to marine rescue authorities. Every action counts in protecting these icons of the deep.

So grab your binoculars, head to the coast, and keep an eye out for the telltale spouts and splashes. The giants have arrived—don't miss their spectacular show!

Santa on the beach Central Coast 2024

We have a new offering for Christmas 2024- Santa on the Beach Central Coast.

We have launched a new website, where you can find out all the details and book directly. You can find the link here.

Start a new Christmas tradition this year with super fun and festive Christmas photos with Santa on the Beach on the Central Coast;

• $80

• 5 minutes to strike as many fun poses with Santa as possible

• 10 professionally edited imaged delivered via online gallery within 7 days

• North Shelly Beach location, on the Central Coast

• Dog friendly (must be on a lead)

• Bookings available from the beginning of November through to Christmas on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons

• Book directly below;

https://santaonthebeachcentralcoast.setmore.com

Winter Midweek Minis

New for winter- budget friendly and time conscious mini sessions.

15 minute photo shoot

One Central Coast location

Receive 10 carefully curated and professionally edited images delivered via online gallery.

Only available from Monday to Wednesday on the Central Coast.

Please fill in my contact form to receive my Welcome and Price Guide.

Heated Pool is back for Winter!

If you are currently pregnant and looking to book a underwater maternity photoshoot but not keen on braving the cooler temperatures, I have a heated hydrotherapy pool available on the Central Coast.

Heated to a balmy 32 degrees, the pool is safe for mum and Bub and allows you to take the weight off achey joints and immersive yourself in a relaxing hour long art experience.

Available on weekend mornings only.

Mothers Day Mermaid Minis

Mothers Day Mermaid Minis- for the ocean dwellers

Central Coast- Saturday 30 March 2024

Northern Beaches- Sunday 31 March 2024

10 minute surf and sand sessions starting from 7.30am

$200- 10 minutes, all images returned via digital online gallery

Location TBC dependant on conditions but will be;

Central Coast- between Toowoon Bay- Terrigal

Northern Beaches- Manly

Full payment required at time of booking.

If conditions adverse on day, possible reschedule to Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 April 2024

Link to book below

(PLEASE ENSURE YOU BOOK THE CORRECT DATE FOR LOCATION);

https://app.studioninja.co/booking/3Q7M11Y4V5FK34878G48U7P46

Playing in Puddles

I’m thrilled to feature in the ‘go to’ local business directory for Central Coast families- “Playing in Puddles”.

I’m so proud to offer family, maternity and underwater photography services to my local community of coastal dwellers. The write up highlights the unique immersive experiences of underwater photography which I’m able to offer in pool and ocean.

Check out the epic write up by clicking the link above!

Christmas Minis- Holgate

2nd date release for Christmas Minis on the Central Coast at the stunning location of Firescreek Botanical Winery in Holgate.

Sunday 26 November 2023

$180- 10 minute sessions from 4.30pm

All images from shoot delivered via online digital gallery in time for Christmas (at least 5 high resolution, professionally edited digital images)

$100 booking fee, balance due by end of October 2023.

DM for availability and to book.

CHRISTMAS 2023

2 DATES IN NOVEMBER- KULNURA CHRISTMAS TREE MINIS AND HOLGATE LOCATION

Christmas 2023 Kulnura Christmas Tree Farm

Sunday 19 November 2023

$180 10 minutes- all images included

times starting from 4pm

$100 non refundable booking fee (transferable to another shoot or gift voucher), full payment due by the end of October 2023

Online booking via below link (may need to copy and paste into browser):
https://book.usesession.com/s/FLzJ3dk-G

Heated pool underwater photography sessions 🧜‍♀️

Dear Juniper Photography is proud to announce a fabulous local collaboration with The Gym at Forries on Bellevue Road in Forresters Beach, offering underwater photography sessions in their heated hydrotherapy pool.

The pool is heated to balmy 32 degrees, a temperature safe for pregnancy and a blissful experience for clients.

Some of the benefits of hydrotherapy are;

✅ Bolsters the immune system-

Hydrotherapy is known to increase blood flow and the circulation of white blood cells around the body, assisting the immune system to fight infections and illness.

✅ Relieves stress-

Hydrotherapy treatment can be used to lower blood pressure, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels and improve sleep quality.

✅Relieves pain and reduces muscle tension

Weightlessness in water can increase movement capabilities, relieve tension in the limbs and pressure on joints. The obvious benefit of hydrotherapy is endorphin release- , the body’s natural pain reliever!

✅Rehabilitation for injuries and conditions

The use of heated water increases the blood flow, alleviating pain and improving circulation. This has been shown to help heal injured tissues, reduce swelling and support the rehabilitation of injured joints and muscles.

✅ Detox Benefits 

Treatments which encourage sweating induce one of the body’s primary detoxification pathways and therefore helps to eliminate toxins.

✅ Improves Mental Health 

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) water-based activities can improve mental health outcomes for some people.

Being immersed in water benefits our bodies and minds. Being in such a relaxed state is a perfect opportunity to capture and celebrate your uniqueness in the form art! 🧜‍♀️📸

Take advantage of this unique immersive photographic portrait experience this winter with this fantastic local collaboration- perfect for maternity, families, self love and unique content for local brands and businesses.

I’m offering a discount of $50 on underwater shoots booked over the winter months.

(regular price $350, discounted to $300 with this offer).

Sessions available between 7am-9am on Saturday mornings or 8am- 10am on Sunday mornings.

Only valid for shoots booked between June to August 2023.

(Offer includes session planning and advice, 60-minute shoot time in pool, pool hire, props for shoot and delivery of online gallery of professionally edited high resolution images from which you can select 20 images to download, share and print. Gallery upgrades available for an additional $100.)

If you would like to dive in or for more information, send me a message via my contact page or give me a call directly on 0423 623 418.

(don’t forget to look for my reply in your junk mail folder if I am not a contact already)

Mother’s Day minis are live ⚡️

Mother’s Day mermaid mini sessions are live💫.. the ocean is calling the saltwater women of the east coast🌊

Join me at the shore to celebrate the sunrise with your little fish on Saturday 29 April 2023 and make some epic new memories with a unique photo shoot experience. 🐠

20 minutes of fun on the shore or in the water at either Toowoon Bay or Bateau Bay Beach (location tbc closer to date based on swell and weather).

All the details;

🐚Sessions starting at 6.30am until 10am.

🌴$150 for 20 minute session either on shore or in the water, 10 professionally edited images delivered via online gallery in time for Mother’s Day, to download, print and share (gallery upgrades available)

🐚$50 booking fee payable to secure session

🌴book via online link in bio or click this link;

https://dearjuniperphotography.as.me/schedule.php

DM for more info🤌🏼

Arriving 2023

Dear Juniper Photography news arriving in 2023. Giveaways, Minis, client guides and inspiration. Subscribe to keep up to date.