Michael Aw

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Conservation and preservation of the ocean environment have been the guiding principles of Michael AW’s professional life for over 30 years. As an author, explorer and photographer he has become the recipient of over 65 international awards for his work. Michael’s photographs and essays have been featured in publications such as BBC Wildlife, National Geographic, the Smithsonian, Nature, Ocean Geographic, Asian Geographic, Nature Focus, Times and Discovery among others.

Outdoor Photography named Michael one of the 40 most influential nature photographers on the planet and he has been the principal author of 31 books as well as a contributing author and/or photographer in 11 others. In addition, he has been a principal consultant for dozens of marine projects and has published a variety of instructional diving programs for NAUI. Michael AW is project director for the groundbreaking work Elysium Epic.

This highly ambitious undertaking began in 2011 with a 57-member international team that travelled to the Antarctic retracing the steps of Ernest Shakleton’s famous 1914 trans Antarctic journey in order to document global climate change. In 2015, the saga continued to the Arctic with a 65-member international team of artists, scientists, musicians and explorers including Dr. Sylvia Earle, David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, Ernie Brooks, Dr. Cabell Davis, Howard Shaw, and Leandro Blanco.

The mission for this project is to promote understanding and awareness of the rapid climate changes our planet is experiencing and to highlight the plight of the species that are most at risk using images, art, music and solid science in order to be better able to influence critical climate policies globally. Look for the release of the film in the near future.