As can happen when coming to La Jolla, photographer Matt Kazden became enamored with the coast and the local animals upon his arrival here.
In learning more about them, he wanted to become involved in protecting their habitats and encouraging others to do the same.
So in September, Kazden started taking and posting a series of photos of La Jolla’s wildlife along with “fun facts and tidbits” about them with the intent of inspiring others to care for them.
The project is focusing specifically on the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve and the San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area, he said. “The goal is to showcase what this area is, what it is protecting and why future protections are needed.”
Kazden grew up going to national parks and said a love of animals is “in my blood” because of his parents’ involvement in wildlife causes in Los Angeles.
“I started bringing my camera on hikes or any time we were around nature,” Kazden said. “I realized it was all fun, but I started to wonder what I could do besides post them on Instagram. I wanted to tell a story and help the wildlife that I’m [photographing].”
With that seed planted when he moved to La Jolla several years ago, “I started by exploring the beach, like a lot of people do,” he said with a laugh. “It blew me away that there are these marine reserves and all these fish, pelicans, seals and sea lions and an ecosystem that is so diverse. I felt like I was in photographer heaven.”
A harbor seal seems to be loving life in La Jolla. (Matt Kazden)
Taking that from the land to the sea, Kazden soon started diving and snorkeling to get a new perspective.
“It felt like there was a whole new universe down there,” he said. “So I got a camera I could take underwater and started taking in that world.”
Highlights were being in the water in the early morning, when it was less crowded and sea lions were at play, he said.
“It’s so cool to swim with these puppies of the sea, see them interact and their behavior,” Kazden said. “Recently, two were playing tug of war with a piece of seaweed. It was surreal. It’s indescribable. I love it when they boop my camera [with their noses]. … Pinnipeds are so expressive; there is so much capture.”
The more Kazden explored the underwater ecosystem, the more he wanted to protect it.
“I want to showcase the beauty and cuteness of these animals to inspire a deeper appreciation of the ecosystems and the need for policies [on] wildlife preservation,” he said. “It is our responsibility to protect our shared environment.”
A squirrel finds a tasty flower. (Matt Kazden)
Kazden also finds information about his subjects and posts it alongside the photos.
“I like to find interesting little facts that people may not know from reading signs [in the area],” he said. “It gives them another layer.”
Thus far, Kazden has taken “too many [photos] to count” and tries to post new ones weekly on his Instagram account. Learn more and view Kazden’s photos at instagram.com/amazingwildlife__m. ♦