Future Focus: Harvey Pringle
In each instalment of Future Focus, we speak with past and present students of the Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons) course at Falmouth University about their experiences, challenges, and successes on the course.
Harvey Pringle – Alumni
Gina: What were you doing before coming to Falmouth University and how did you find out about this degree?
Harvey: I first heard about the Marine and Natural History Photography course through one of my college tutors, who recommended it highly based on the success of past students. I applied and received an offer in 2018, but had to withdraw due to personal circumstances.
Over the next five years, I worked full time in roles across recruitment, marketing, and customer service. Despite gaining valuable experience, I often thought about what might have been if I’d gone to Falmouth.
After a sudden redundancy in July 2023, I decided to finally take the leap. I applied again and started the course that September—something I’m incredibly glad I did.
Gina: Was there a particular part of the course that piqued your interest?
Harvey: The filmmaking element of the course was a big part of what drew me in. Like many others on the degree, I grew up watching David Attenborough documentaries and was always fascinated by the people behind the camera. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in natural history television, and this degree felt like the perfect first step toward that goal.
I was also really intrigued by the underwater photography modules. The idea of learning to photograph in such a unique and challenging environment was exciting – and it quickly became one of the areas I was most looking forward to exploring.
Gina: Did you have any underwater photography experience before joining?
Harvey: Before applying for the degree, I had no scuba diving or underwater photography experience at all. It was something completely new to me.
Since then, scuba diving has become a huge part of my life. I’ve developed a real love for being underwater and discovering the marine world in a way I never imagined. That passion has only grown, and I recently completed my PADI Divemaster qualification.
Gina: What were your expectations from the underwater photography module?
Harvey: Going into the underwater photography module, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be challenging – physically, mentally and technically. I expected to gain a solid foundation in underwater photography and learn how to handle a camera underwater. More than anything, I was hoping it would open up a new way of seeing and capturing the natural world.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly I’d fall in love with being underwater. It’s become one of the most rewarding parts of the course for me, both creatively and personally.
Gina: So, you successfully joined the course. Were you apprehensive about anything initially?
Harvey: My biggest apprehension was starting the degree as a mature student. I was worried about whether I’d fit in, especially joining a course where many others were coming straight from college.
But those worries disappeared quickly. Falmouth has such a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere – it’s something that really runs through the whole university. The staff are incredibly approachable and supportive, and the students are genuinely friendly. It didn’t take long at all to feel like I was part of the Falmouth way of life.
Gina: Did you learn to dive specifically for the course?
Harvey: Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I had no diving experience before starting the degree. After applying, I needed to complete my PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver qualifications before the course began. It was an intense couple of months, but also incredibly rewarding—a time I’ll always look back on fondly.
Diving in the UK
Gina: How was your first cold-water dive?
Harvey: Most of my diving experience has actually been in the UK, apart from a week-long dive trip to Gozo during my personal time. I’ve grown to really love cold-water diving – especially here in Falmouth, where there’s such an incredible variety of marine life right on our doorstep.
My first cold-water dive was definitely a shock to the system, but also completely exhilarating. There’s something oddly satisfying about surfacing from a dive in the pouring rain! I’m drysuit trained now, but unfortunately, my student budget hasn’t quite stretched to buying one yet – my time will come one day!
Gina: Did Falmouth support you adequately for that dive?
Harvey: Absolutely. The Falmouth University Dive Team is truly exceptional. From the moment you join, you immediately feel like part of the family. The team creates such a supportive and welcoming environment that makes diving not only enjoyable but also a fantastic learning experience.
Every dive is carefully planned and managed with a strong focus on safety, which is incredibly reassuring. The dive team and fellow students are always approachable and ready to help, which really helped build my confidence both underwater and on the surface. I couldn’t have asked for better support throughout my diving journey at Falmouth.
Gina: Describe a typical week as an underwater photography student.
Harvey: A typical week starts with prepping my underwater photography gear the day before a dive – checking seals, charging batteries, and planning which techniques I want to experiment with or improve. I create a personal dive plan to focus my efforts underwater.
On dive day, we gear up, carry out buddy safety checks, and attend a dive briefing before heading out. After the dive, we return to university to carefully dekit the cameras, collect SD cards and batteries, and begin reviewing our photos.
Reflecting on the images as part of a dive journal is an important step, helping me identify what worked well and where I can improve. From there, I set personal goals and explore new creative directions. The dive team constantly encourage us to push our skills and deliver the best possible results.
Gina: Did lectures effectively prepare you?
Harvey: Your lectures have been one of the highlights of my university experience. As a former Marine and Natural History Photography student yourself, you truly understands what it’s like to be on the degree. Your lectures are packed with valuable information and inspiration. You’re incredibly thorough and organised, but also know how to inject fun, which makes learning enjoyable.
Diving is serious business, but you strike the perfect balance between safety, professionalism, creativity, and fun. Your teaching has prepared me well for both the practical and creative sides of the course.
Gina: How are dives organized?
Harvey: At the start of term, each diver is allocated five scheduled dives to build their portfolio. You’re given an arrival time for each dive day, allowing plenty of time to kit up, attend safety briefings, and discuss your dive plan with your buddy pair. The pace is calm and considered – dive days are never rushed.
Buddy pairs are chosen on the morning of the dive, and there’s a strong sense of inclusion – no one is ever left out. If a student can’t attend due to illness, those dive slots are usually offered to others on a first-come, first-serve basis. This gives more enthusiastic students a chance to take on extra dives and expand their portfolios.
We’re also encouraged to take out the kit in our own time – whether that’s for snorkelling or organising independent dives – giving us even more opportunities to practice and improve outside of scheduled sessions.
Gina: What did you enjoy most about the underwater photography course?
Harvey: It’s hard to choose just one thing – there’s so much I’ve enjoyed about the underwater photography course. Being part of a supportive and passionate team has been a huge highlight. There’s a real sense of community, both in and out of the water.
Spending so much time learning beneath the surface of the ocean has been incredible, especially with the stunning dive sites we have along the Cornish coast. The teaching staff are also a big part of what makes the course so special – they’re knowledgeable, approachable, and constantly push us to be creative and try new things. It’s a truly unique and inspiring learning experience.
Teaching & Support
Gina: Describe the dive team at Falmouth.
Harvey: The dive team at Falmouth is fantastic. They create an open, supportive environment where communication is really encouraged – there’s no such thing as a stupid question, no matter how big or small. From day one, they push and motivate you to become the best underwater photographer you can be, while also helping you grow in confidence and professionalism. Their passion and dedication are a huge part of what makes the course so rewarding.
Gina: How much has your work improved since starting?
Harvey: It’s fascinating to look back and see how far my work has come during my time at university. I started with no experience in underwater photography, and within two years, I’ve created some award-winning images. Both my underwater and land-based photography have improved dramatically.
The underwater side of the course has given me a huge range of transferable skills – everything from composition and lighting to planning and problem-solving – that have strengthened my work across the board. The progress has been both exciting and motivating.
Personal Growth
Gina: What’s your proudest achievement?
Harvey: My proudest achievement so far has been being shortlisted for Student Photographer of the Year in the UNiDAYS competition. The image that earned me the spot was a photograph of a leaping crested gecko. It was an incredible feeling to have my work recognised on that level, and it gave me a huge boost in confidence as a developing photographer.
Marine Life & Projects
Gina: Tell us more about your ‘Love Where You Live’ project.
Harvey: My Love Where You Live project was inspired by you. You often use that phrase, ‘love where you live’, in your teaching. Your message is simple but powerful – there’s so much natural beauty to discover right on our doorstep, if we just take the time to look.
For my portfolio, I chose to focus on a single beach and dedicate the entire project to exploring the incredible variety of marine life found just a few hundred yards from the shore. It was a chance to slow down, observe closely, and really connect with a place I thought I already knew.
Gina: Were you surprised by the biodiversity?
Harvey: Absolutely. There’s such a vast array of marine life to be found in Cornwall – from tiny, vibrant nudibranchs to larger creatures like Henry the seal, a regular visitor at one of our dive sites.
What really stood out to me the most was the sheer amount of colour beneath the surface. It completely challenged my expectations of UK waters.
Looking Ahead
Gina: Do you feel prepared for a career in underwater photography?
Harvey: Yes, I feel confident that I’m leaving university with the knowledge and technical skills needed to pursue a career in underwater photography. The course has given me a solid foundation in both the creative and practical aspects of working in challenging environments.
Many of these skills also transfer directly into underwater filmmaking, which is an area I’m beginning to explore in my own time. Although it’s not formally covered in the curriculum, the training I’ve received has definitely prepared me to take that next step and continue developing in that direction.
Gina: Advice for prospective students?
Harvey: Don’t let anything hold you back from applying for this degree if you’re passionate about photography, filmmaking, and the natural world. Whether you have diving experience or not, the course is designed to support you as you learn and grow.
It’s a unique opportunity to combine creative storytelling with real-world fieldwork, surrounded by inspiring tutors and like-minded students. If you’re willing to work hard, stay curious, and push yourself, this course can open some incredible doors.
Gina: Any advice for current students?
Harvey: Make the most of the resources available – the photography stores, underwater stores and teaching staff. Book out as much kit as you can, especially equipment you’re unfamiliar with. Don’t just stick with what you know – experimenting is one of the best ways to learn and grow.
Pursue projects you’re genuinely passionate about, not just those within the curriculum. Your time at university will go by incredibly quickly, so take every opportunity to build your own portfolio and develop your creative voice. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out.
Gina: Would you choose this degree again?
Harvey: Absolutely, 100%.
Contact Details
Instagram: @harveypringle
Click below for more details about Falmouth University’s Marine & Natural History Photography course:
https://www.falmouth.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/marine-natural-history-photography
Meet Gina Goodman and the rest of the team at Falmouth University shaping the next generation of underwater photographers here.
