Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: It's All Good!

Hey! We've been somewhat silent on here for several years because we have been focusing on publishing content on our adventure travel website, "Third Age Expeditions: travel / photography / exploration."

Come follow us at: www.thirdageexpeditions.com

We also have our dedicated photography site, www.jettbritnell.com which is very active as well.

We will leave our existing content on this site here for the foreseeable, but will no longer be posting updates here. Come check us out.

 I leave tomorrow to join Oriana Kalama on an OCEAN DEFENDER - Hawaii Research Expedition in Tahiti aboard a Polynesian sailing canoe (pictured below) with the Faafaite - Tahiti Voyaging Society.

In Tahiti, it is legal to swim with humpback whales. While this will be a large focus of this expedition, it is not the only part. We will also be immersed in Tahitian culture, traditions, songs, marine life, sacred places, the people and stories. This may also be the first time offered to the public (certainly, a very rare opportunity) to learn the masterful art of Polynesian ocean navigation.

The Weather Gods will smile upon us. The Humpback whales are there. Tahiti is beckoning.
Looking forward to meet all the other expedition team members who will also share in this magnificent adventure. Feeling blessed & amazed. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QwqNhGrQ-A

Celebrating 8 Years Of Bliss!

A "shout out" today to the remarkable woman who 8 years ago showed up late for our first date. Yes, Kathryn called to say she was running late but was on her way. I dare say she seemed mightily impressed that when she arrived at the restaurant, I was cool, calm, collected, handsomely dressed and savoring a glass of red wine. The rest as they say is history. Happy "First Meeting" Anniversary to my one true love...and a woman who proved worth waiting for. XX

The Nomadic Tribes: Yes, You Can Say We've Been Busy.

It's alive... It's alive, it's moving, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, IT'S ALIVE!

Over the past 7 or 8 weeks, I have been working night & day, day & night, at developing a travel blogging website. Among other things, such as setting up all the social media channels etc., the lion’s share of the work was learning how to build a Wordpress Website from scratch. I now feel like I’m somewhat of a rogue Wordpress expert now.

Anyway, we’re thrilled to introduce to you our new travel blogging website, 

http://www.thenomadictribes.com/http://www.thenomadictribes.com/

This is still a work in progress as we are continuing to populate the site with travel content. Please have a look around and press a lot of links. If you find any mistakes, or something does not appear to be happening right, please, please, pretty please let us know.
Also, please give us some shameless good lovin’ anywhere you happen to see The Nomadic Tribes on Social Media. We will be sending a “Like Us” through Facebook for our FB business page soon. I would not ask, it is absolutely necessary in the age of GOOGLE rankings.

One more thing, it is with sincere gratitude that we thank all who connect and interact with us through our personal Facebook accounts. It is indeed an amazing time we live in when you can see image posts from fellow photographers who are in Iceland today, newly released pictures of Pluto from NASA, and something we never thought we’d ever see, a picture of our friend Ken Kiefer​ straddling Belize and Mexico in board shorts. Amazeballs! 

Hugs & Kisses all!

Tripping The Life Aquatic - Ocean Quest Dive Centre.

Seriously, it's a tough assignment to put on any kind of presentation when you are competing with hot... seemingly tropical... summer nights in Vancouver. We swore we'd never do them again. But, when great friends call, how can you say no?

Call us crazy, but I for one would not want to miss this evening presentation at Ocean Quest Dive Centre. Greg & Deirdre tell us these events presentations always fill up fast! There is a limit on attendees as the temple can only hold so many fanatical ocean worshipers. So, here's the sign up link if you want to be be with the cool kids.

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg…

Black Bear Wednesday!

Sooo... I step out on to our back deck to start the BBQ and noticed something rustling in the cherry tree in the yard next door. Initially, it looked like a big ape the way it was shaking the branches. It was, of course, a black bear. There was another smaller bear arriving on scene so I assumed the bear in the tree was the mama. Turns out, it was another juvenile. My guess is, these two were one of the three siblings that visited us a few times us last fall. Anyhoo, managed to capture a few images after the bear came down the tree on the left. I just shot over the our fence, so the bear was only a few feet away. It's sibling had moved on back toward the river. I love living in BC!

June 8th Is "World Oceans Day!"

June 8th is World Oceans Day! It should be celebrated every day. Indeed, our very existence depends upon it.

Happy Turtle Day!

Help them to survive & thrive.

Pretty In The Philippines!

Moalboal, Philippines. My lovely wife, Kathryn, exploring the reefscape with her underwater camera.

Duh Duh-Duhhhh! Some Hot Fun On A Metro Vancouver Weeknight!

Ocean Quest Dive Centre​ in Burnaby has just announced their upcoming Guest Speaker Series. Tom Beasley​’s, talk on “Shipwrecks of British Columbia.” Is on May 13th. Not to be missed, as Tom really knows his stuff. It is suggested you sign up quickly if interested as these events always hit room capacity very quickly. The registration link is here: 

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eaz1z7h0f28e5832&oseq=&c=&ch=uest Speaker Series!

Another friend, Donnie Reid​, will be presenting on British Columbia’s Pavilion Lake on June 3rd. For many years, Donnie has been Project Manager for the Pavilion Lake Research Project. He also knows how to blend superb strawberry margaritas après dive. Sorry to disappoint girls, but he’s happily married. No sign up registration link posted, as yet.

On July 9th, Kathryn​ and I will be presenting, “Tripping The Life Aquatic!” We’ll show some images and wax poetic about some of our adventures, perhaps include a few photo tips, and Kathryn will speak on how she conquered her fear of sharks. Personally, I would not want to miss this one. Especially, since I’m a presenter. Hey, there could even be some narwhals and mermaids there if the stars align. No sign up registration link posted, as yet. However, I’m sure, Ocean Quest Dive Centre will happily accept dive instructor training registrations for any, as yet, unborn children to save you a seat. ;)

Foodie Paradise:Vancouver's Granville Market.

This little piece of ours just hit the front pages of Matador Network today. Last June, Edible Canada's Foodie Tour introduced us to some yummy taste treats and also pulled back the curtain as to what goes on behind the scenes at Vancouver's Granville Island Public Market. Matador Network recently reached the milestone of over 10 million unique visitors per month, so hopefully this short story will garner some attention worldwide for one of Vancouver's popular tourist attractions.
  
http://matadornetwork.com/network/foodie-paradise-vancouvers-granville-market/

Picture Of The Day In The United Kingdom!

One of our tiger shark images from Tiger Beach made "Picture of The Day" in the UK's Telegraph. I don't know why in this day and age non-diving publications always seem to call them... killer sharks? Certainly, not my words.

Visions of Ecotourism Photo Contest: A Win For Shark Tourism.

Kathryn and I spent the day at the BC Association of Travel Writers annual symposium whose theme this year was, "Ecotourism: Tread Softly, Write with Impact." David Smith, a professional freelance travel photographer, writer, blogger and keynote speaker judged the "Visions of Ecotourism Photo Contest" and awarded our tiger shark image first prize for best exemplifying the symposium's ecotourism theme. So many other talented photographers submitted some very strong images. Thank you, BCATW and also thank you to  Kathryn​, for the assist! Could not have made this image without you. XX  

Lucky Number Seven!

Happy days! Wedded bliss is sharing this space in time with such an amazing woman. Here it is in our own words.

"Shoot Like An Underwater Pro!" At Browning Pass Hideaway!

Come and make a splash with us this spring! Deets are in the attached brochure. Mucho thanks to our pal, Eiko Jones for the photo of me made during last fall's Adams River Sockeye Salmon run.

Professional Photographers Of Canada 2015 Creative Series - Jett Britnell.

On, Feb 16th, I gave an evening Creative Series presentation “A Life In The Depths” at Vancouver’s Langara College to some members of the Professional Photographers of Canada, British Columbia Lower Mainland Branch along with some Langara Photography Students who also attended. To say I was blown away by some the kind praise and feedback I received is an understatement. With gratitude, I say thank you! ;)

“2hrs & 20 min of incredible photos, stories, and guidance - Thanks Jett!” - Brian Keith Smith​.

“Thanks so much for taking the time to come and speak with us Jett. You were very inspiring with your stories and your images! Very well done presentation.” - Anna Beaudry​.

“Fabulous evening - thanks for the great info and imagery.” - Craig Minielly​.

“We were treated to a wealth of world class images and knowledge. Wonderful to see so much from our local waters.” - Paul Wright Jeff.

“I was so disappointed to miss it!!! I heard it was amazing!!” - Kerri-Jo Stewart​.

BC Association Of Travel Writers 2015 Symposium.

Of all the pictures of me on the internet, they used the one of me in a blue shirt and tie. Can I have a drumroll please?

Coming Soon! The British Columbia Association of Travel Writers 2015 Symposium, “Ecotourism: Tread Softly, Write with Impact” is an all-day event at the Century Plaza Hotel in Vancouver, BC on Saturday, April 18th from 9am to 5pm.

The program’s Keynote Speaker is author Jack Christie, one of Canada’s most trusted sources on travel, recreation and sport.
 

At some point during the day, I will be participating in a panel discussion composed of a cross section of editorial representatives to discuss ways to get your stories published. Although I am a card-carrying member of the BCATW, I also happen to be a Matador Ambassador for Matador Network, one of the largest independent online travel publishers. My role on this panel will be to discuss how Matador works and give voice to their travel editorial vision.

There will also be a second panel discussion during the Symposium comprised of industry experts who will be discussing future trends and challenges in the Ecotourism genre.
Non-BCATW members are invited for $60 until March 14, after which the rate rises to $70. Registration includes lunch, snacks, prizes and entrance to a post-Symposium networking event. If interested, you can register at http://bcatw.org/bcatw2015/

Kathryn Britnell - This Guy's In Love With You!

Beyond the twilight zone and the foggy ruins of time, we both know we were married to each other in a past life and made a bargain that if there was a way… we would find each other again. It does indeed sound like something we would do. Kathryn Britnell, you are loving, kind, charitable and blessed with the ethereal grace of an Angel’s heart. I waited so long during this lifetime to find you again. Next time, please don’t be so unfashionably late. Happy Valentine’s Day, Lover!

Martine Art Studio: This Bird Has Flown.

Our dear friend, Martine Wardill Harvengt, is a highly talented artist who lives in Freeport, Bahamas with her husband, Tim. Martine creates simply beautiful water color artwork. Thrilled to see that the Bahamas airline, Air Unlimited, is now using one of her paintings in their promo posters. Kathryn and both I love her work! Check it out at: www.martineartstudio.com

Jimmy Webb At Seattle's Dimitriou's Jazz Alley - What A Night!

Kathryn and I made a lightening trip to Seattle yesterday to catch Jimmy Webb’s performance at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley last night. Maximum seating in the club is only about 380 people, with all seats being within 50 feet of the stage. A truly intimate performance by a legendary songwriter. It felt as if we were sitting in Mr. Webb’s living room. Greatness!

Prior to the show, we stopped in for Happy Hour at Seattle’s Yard Arm Restaurant. We had some fun!

Harbor Seal At LeConte Glacier, Alaska.

LeConte Glacier Bay is North America's southern most, tide water glacier. The protected waters of this 10-mile fjord is a haven for hundreds of Harbor seals and their pups. The glacier calves frequently filling the bay with beautiful blue icebergs which serve as a breeding, birthing and rearing site for the seals.

In The Ocean, The Mighty Ocean, The Lionfish Sleeps Tonight.

“There is no exquisite beauty… without some strangeness in the proportion.” ~ Edgar Allan Poe.

Lionfish photo from Wakatobi, Indonesia.

A Life In The Depths - Jett Britnell Presentaion.

Here is a link for a speaking engagement I'll be doing for the British Columbia branch of the Professional Photographers of Canada. PPOC tells us they will be sending out a mass email invite soon. In the meantime, here is the live sign up link: www.eventbrite.ca/e/ppoc-lower-mainland-branch-creative-ser…

Come one, come all since this event is open to PPOC members, non-members and students.

Beauty On The Reef!

Some surprisingly stiff currents, but spectacular reefscapes. Kathryn Britnell at Sombrero Island, Anilao, Philippines.

"The Best Wines Are The Ones We Drink With Friends."

 

Eiko Jones and Jody Greaves came for dinner and an overnight stay at stately Britnell Manor last night. Great company, good conversation and a surprise gift they left behind.

Eiko is an extremely talented photographer. Check out his work at:  http://www.eikojonesphotography.com

Fish Photography Quickstart: Ten Tips for Mastering the Ultimate Undersea Skill.

Kathryn and I have another underwater photography story in the January 2015 issue of Scuba H2O Magazine.

"Je Suis Charlie"

There will always be people in this world who will only see what they want to see, hear only what they want to hear, and allow you the freedom to speak only what they want you to say... Never surrender.

VOTE For A SINGAPORE Without FINS!

WE, Jett and Kathryn Britnell, VOTE for a SINGAPORE without FINS! 

All you need to do is:

- Upload your selfie to SINGAPORE WITHOUT FINS page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/singaporewithoutfins/ 
with the caption:

“I VOTE for a SINGAPORE without FINS!” It can be shot anywhere.
- Add the caption "I VOTE for a SINGAPORE WITHOUT FINS!"
- Nominate three other people
- Please share it on your own Facebook page to help spread the message.

All the images will be consolidated on the SINGAPORE WITHOUT FINS Facebook page. They hope to gather 10,000 faces (or more!) by the first day of ADEX 2015 Dive Show on April 11th. Every image will then be printed onto a large wall during the event and submitted as a petition in support of the cause. Pay it forward people!

The Shark Connection - Jett Britnell Presentation For The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia.

Happy to confirm that on May 27th, 2015 I will be doing a presentation called, "The Shark Connection." Come discover where you can experience some rapturous shark diving and snorkeling adventures and learn why it is imperative that we protect these apex ocean predators from extinction.

The Underwater Archaeological Society of British Columbia’s Lower Mainland Chapter holds regular monthly meetings in the beautiful city of Vancouver. At each meeting the UASBC invites a new guest to give a presentation on various archaeological, exploration or diving topics. This occasion marks my 5th presentation for the UASBC. Hey, if this were “Saturday Night Live” I would now be in the SNL Five-Timers Club.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015 - 19:00 - 21:00
Vancouver Maritime Museum
1905 Ogden Avenue
Vancouver, BC Canada
49° 16' 39.576" N, 123° 8' 49.8912" W

"A Night In The Depths" Presentation With Professional Photographers Of Canada.

Feel honored to have been invited by Professional Photographers of Canada, British Columbia to do an evening presentation about my underwater work. “A Night In the Depths” will discuss how to pursue your passion, get published, and get your work out into the world. Looking forward to meeting some of our fellow PPOC members at this event.

Date: February 16, 7:00 PM
Where: Langara College, 100 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver.