Kevin Dodge is an American underwater and oceanic photographer who was raised in South Florida and grew up spearfishing and freediving. His newest collection, “Two Worlds,” opened at La Casa Studios on Jan. 2 with a welcoming celebration at the studio.
Dodge said that the new exhibit has a good assortment of his work. He shared that much of his career as a photographer is reactionary. He enjoys chasing sailfish and planning shots as soon as he finds a good view.
Dodge said he shot models before pursuing oceanic photography and enjoyed a successful career. However, when the business went digital, he wanted to reinvent his career. Once he saw a photographer shooting game fish, he knew that’s what he wanted to pursue. He said that his goal was to “take it to a level that the world has never seen.”
When asked about one of his favorite photographs, Dodge said that some of his favorite shots are of sailfish. He said the process itself is a challenge. He jumps into the water after a fish that is hooked and chases the sailfish until it slows down so he can capture it on film. Swordfish are a whole other story, and will attack, Dodge explained.
There really isn’t a typical day for Dodge. On some days, he travels on a boat with some of the best captains from around the world to photograph game fish and other marine life. On other days, Dodge gets up before sunrise to take photos at the beach where he lives in Boca Raton. Dodge said that 99% of the time, it is difficult to capture the shots he wants because of wind, rain and overall rough weather.
When asked about what he likes best about what he does, Dodge said that, “I do what I want to do.” He likes being in control of his time and considers how he spends it to be the most valuable. He gets to work with who he wants and genuinely enjoys his career.
Dodge has traveled all over the world and one of his favorite places to take photographs is the Exuma Bahamas. He said that it’s one of the “prettiest places on the planet.” The water is pristine and it is overall beautiful.
Dodge said he’s excited for people to see the exhibit. His photographs are real – he doesn’t create them in a studio. He wants people to walk in and feel like they are in a time portal and in the moment.
La Casa Studios is a cutting-edge podcast and visual arts production studio located on 33 King St. in downtown St. Augustine. The studio is open from Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dodge’s exhibit will be on display from through the end of February.
