Filming deep sea helps conquer aquaphobia

Scuba diving helped pull a failed businessman back from the brink of suicide and introduced him to a whole new world

Zhang Quanxi may be the world's most unlikely professional underwater photographer. Four years ago, not only did Zhang not know how to dive, but he also had severe aquaphobia.

"I had a very serious fear of water, but I wanted to overcome my fear," said Zhang, 33, from the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province.

Before he took up diving, Zhang was sinking into the depths of depression. The business he had founded with his friends had folded, and the stress had driven him to the brink of suicide.

But just when it looked like he might never resurface, he met Wang Di, a scuba diving instructor.

In 2014, Wang convinced him to confront his phobia and took him diving in the Philippines, where Zhang encountered an 8-meter-long whale shark and was awestruck by its beauty and grace.

From that moment on, Zhang was consumed by a desire to capture such amazing sights. He started studying underwater photography, spending 100,000 yuan ($14,600) on equipment.

"Underwater environments are like a whole new world," Zhang said. "I am addicted to diving and it has changed the way I look at myself and the rest of the world."

"I want to share all the spectacular scenes I witness in the deep sea," he added.

Wang said Zhang is a natural. "When he dives and films underwater, he exudes awe and respect, and seems at one with nature," Wang said, adding that Zhang's best quality is his attitude toward nature.

Zhang has become an expert diver and professional photographer. He spends his time exploring the oceans and scouring the skies for a film and television company, shooting footage using underwater equipment and drones.

With Wang, who is now his shooting partner, Zhang has traveled to dozens of countries around the world to film.

Their most recent project has taken them back to the Philippines, where they plan to make a documentary about sunken ships.

The seabed around Southeast Asia is scattered with Japanese warships that were sunk by the United States Navy during World War II. The wrecks are often well-preserved and have fascinated Wang and Zhang.

"The ships, seen from underwater, are a testament to the vicissitudes of time," Wang said.

A US studio has provided the duo with funding and advanced filming equipment to get the project off the ground.

Zhang said whatever happens, he feels blessed to have such an incredible job and lifestyle.

xiechuanjiao@chinadaily.com.cn