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Featuring Denise Pietsch
One question we get asked a lot is, "How do I become an Ikelite Ambassador?" Head of Social Media and Web Content, Denise Pietsch, shares the five key aspects we look for in our ambassadors and how you can get connected with us to share your story.
If you're more of a reader, scroll down to see the article version of this video.
Be an Avid User of Ikelite Equipment
In some ways we don’t choose our ambassadors, they kind of choose us. For example, Glenn Ostle was on his sixth Ikelite system by the time he joined our ambassador team in 2019. Even though Glenn’s had plenty of options in his 30+ year career, he’s consistently chosen Ikelite housings and strobes to share his vision with the world. So the first step is: be like Glenn and be an avid user of Ikelite equipment.
If you're not already, do yourself a favor and follow Glenn's work! Image © Glenn Ostle
Live and Breathe Underwater Photography
Our ambassadors live and breathe underwater photography, but you don’t need to live and work on a dive resort to live the lifestyle. When Ken and Kimber Kiefer aren’t diving with sharks and crocodiles, they’re in their backyard doing a photo shoot in their pool or shooting the local stars of their swim team. Other ambassadors are spending all their free time shooting in the Florida Everglades, in the kelp forests of California, in the Great Barrier Reef. You just have to get out there and shoot underwater.
The ultimate adventure ambassadors, Ken and Kimber Kiefer are always out shooting whether it's with crocodiles in the Yucatán or in their backyard pool doing a superhero shoot. Image © Kimber Kiefer
Share Your Passion
Another huge thing we’re looking for is an ability to communicate your passion for underwater photography in your own voice. We work with tons of great writers, like Brandi Mueller who's had two books published, she’s always writing for dive industry articles, including for the Ikelite website. But whatever medium you use to share your passion, we just want to hear your voice - be passionate and be authentically you.
We never quite know where in the world we're going to find Brandi, but wherever it is it usually involves a boat in the middle of the ocean shooting something really cool or writing a book. Brandi is pictured here shooting a sea turtle during the sardine run in Magdalena Bay, Mexico. Image © Logan Wood
Be a Community Maker
Probably most importantly, our ambassadors create community around underwater photography. Our ambassadors spread the word beyond social media, off the screen and in real life. Whether that’s workshops, photo seminars, or trips. We really value face-to-face communication.
Our first ambassador, Steve Miller, was Mares sales rep working the dive store circuit and just kind of doing photo seminars on the side. Then he joined the Ikelite team and started the Ikelite Photo School over 15 years ago. Now he’s taken this community beyond the classroom and inspired countless underwater photographers to sharpen their skills through thousands of articles and videos.
If there's one thing we really love, it's connecting with our underwater photography community. Come dive with us on our next trip, join one of our ambassadors on their next underwater photo workshop, become a Featured Customer, or visit us at the next Scuba Show.
Connect With Us
While there’s no one single path to becoming an ambassador, the best way to start is by connecting with us. Whether that’s by becoming a Featured Customer, reaching out for advice, or diving with us.
We want work with people who not only shoot Ikelite products, but are as passionate as we are about making underwater photography accessible, relatable, and relevant.
With all that being said: we can't wait to hear from you! We’re @ikelite on all the social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Or you can reach us at ikelite@ikelite.com and tell us what you’re up to.
Additional Viewing
Meet the Ikelite Ambassador Team
What a Wildlife Filmmaker Learned From an Underwater Maternity Photoshoot
Underwater Museums: What Remains of WWII in the Pacific by Brandi Mueller
Little Cayman 2024 Ikelite Underwater Photo Trip [VIDEO]
Denise Pietsch (pronounced “Peach”) currently manages Ikelite’s Photo School and social media presence. Denise hails from New Jersey, where she obtained a degree in Dance Therapy. After years teaching dance she migrated into the corporate world and eventually came around to Ikelite via the natural career path of fruit distribution and early childhood development. In the end, her lifelong love of photography and octopuses combined into the work she does now. In addition to sharing her energy and enthusiasm with the underwater community she also manages social media for her dog, Joe, collects vinyl records, and is a staunch advocate for native wildflowers.
