{"id":502016,"date":"2026-01-08T19:32:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/502016\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T19:32:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T19:32:11","slug":"la-jolla-photographer-launches-photo-series-on-local-wildlife-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/502016\/","title":{"rendered":"La Jolla photographer launches photo series on local wildlife \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

As can happen when coming to La Jolla, photographer Matt Kazden became enamored with the coast and the local animals upon his arrival here.<\/p>\n

In learning more about them, he wanted to become involved in protecting their habitats and encouraging others to do the same.<\/p>\n

So in September, Kazden started taking and posting a series of photos of La Jolla\u2019s wildlife along with \u201cfun facts and tidbits\u201d about them with the intent of inspiring others to care for them.<\/p>\n

The project is focusing specifically on the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve and the San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area<\/a>, he said. \u201cThe goal is to showcase what this area is, what it is protecting and why future protections are needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kazden grew up going to national parks and said a love of animals is \u201cin my blood\u201d because of his parents\u2019 involvement in wildlife causes in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

\u201cI started bringing my camera on hikes or any time we were around nature,\u201d Kazden said. \u201cI 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\u2019m [photographing].\u201d<\/p>\n

With that seed planted when he moved to La Jolla several years ago, \u201cI started by exploring the beach, like a lot of people do,\u201d he said with a laugh. \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AA harbor seal seems to be loving life in La Jolla. (Matt Kazden)<\/p>\n

Taking that from the land to the sea, Kazden soon started diving and snorkeling to get a new perspective.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt felt like there was a whole new universe down there,\u201d he said. \u201cSo I got a camera I could take underwater and started taking in that world.\u201d<\/p>\n

Highlights were being in the water in the early morning, when it was less crowded and sea lions were at play, he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so cool to swim with these puppies of the sea, see them interact and their behavior,\u201d Kazden said. \u201cRecently, two were playing tug of war with a piece of seaweed. It was surreal. It\u2019s indescribable. I love it when they boop my camera [with their noses]. \u2026 Pinnipeds are so expressive; there is so much capture.\u201d<\/p>\n

The more Kazden explored the underwater ecosystem, the more he wanted to protect it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is our responsibility to protect our shared environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AA squirrel finds a tasty flower. (Matt Kazden)<\/p>\n

Kazden also finds information about his subjects and posts it alongside the photos.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like to find interesting little facts that people may not know from reading signs [in the area],\u201d he said. \u201cIt gives them another layer.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thus far, Kazden has taken \u201ctoo many [photos] to count\u201d and tries to post new ones weekly on his Instagram account. Learn more and view Kazden\u2019s photos at instagram.com\/amazingwildlife__m<\/a>. \u2666<\/p>\n

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