Steve De Neef

@stevedeneef

Photographer - Filmmaker - Father - Husband - Love The Ocean 🌊🙏 Based in Maine
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Weeks posts
Grateful for every moment spent documenting our connection to the ocean and the stories of those who depend on it. Here’s a look at some recent projects, thankful for this journey and the people who trust me with their stories.
140 15
1 year ago
One of the most amazing moments I've had filming underwater was witnessing this sperm whale calf feeding of it's mum. This family of sperm whales let us hang out and watch them socialize for a while, sometimes it just feels like they let you into their world for a few magical moments. I could tell something special might happen before freediving down, keeping my distance to not disturb the mom and calf. On my third dive down I could clearly see the calf was suckling on thick milk without a drop going to waste. At that point this behavior was new to science as nobody really knew how sperm whale calf were feeding. Moments like these are the real rewards in wildlife filmmaking. Shot for @natgeo Secrets of the Whales with @brianskerry streaming on @disneyplus So good to see this series being enjoyed by so many of you and Congrats to the whole team for the @televisionacad Emmy win for Best Documentary Series and another win at the @jacksonwildorg Film Festival!
824 44
4 years ago
Thank You Mother Ocean for the never ending inspiration. Happy @worldoceanday
237 4
3 years ago
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to spend time in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extraordinary tropical reef systems on the planet. Of all the tropical places I’ve dived, this remains my favorite. Just as inspiring as the reefs themselves are the people dedicated to protecting and studying this place, the rangers, scientists, crew, and local conservation community working to keep Tubbataha thriving for future generations.
130 4
4 days ago
Seaweed in the Philippines. Kelp in Maine. Different coasts, same story. Beneath the surface, these quiet forests are doing a lot more than we give them credit for. Absorbing carbon, creating habitat, and offering a way for coastal communities to work with the ocean, not just take from it. It’s simple, but kind of amazing: grow something that gives back.
99 1
16 days ago
Earth Day reminder, protect what you love. For me, that’s the ocean.
71 1
24 days ago
Some new commercial work with @whoop and @blue.ox This one was particularly fun as I’ve been wearing a WHOOP for while and love the product.
62 6
2 months ago
Some fantastic news for whale sharks at the CITES CoP20 in Uzbekistan! There was a significant win for sharks and rays, including whale sharks and manta rays. These species, along with the oceanic whitetip shark, were uplisted to CITES Appendix I, which bans all international commercial trade for them. We created a short film about the importance of these species to local communities and the urgent need for greater protection, leading up to the CoP. With the help of @thewcs this film was shown directly to country delegates in workshops all over the world, leading up to the CoP. So glad to hear about the success at CITES last week and hope this makes a real difference for these incredible animals. Full film in link in Bio. Made possible with the help of @sharkconservationfund @creativevisionsfoundation @thewcs @lamaveresearch @savephseas @marinewildlifewatchph
85 2
5 months ago
Whale sharks and manta rays are among the ocean’s most gentle and vulnerable giants. Despite their importance to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, both groups remain threatened by bycatch, targeted fisheries, and international trade. This week at the CITES Conference of the Parties, governments have the chance to strengthen global protections for these species through an Appendix I listing — a step that would help reduce trade-driven pressure and support their recovery. Honored to work with local communities, researchers, and partners across the Philippines who protect these animals every day. Their future depends on all of us. 🌊💙 We could not have made this without the help of @thewcs @lamaveresearch @sharkconservationfund @creativevisionsfoundation #WhaleSharks #MantaRays #CITES #AppendixI #Conservation #GuardiansOfTheBlue
72 3
5 months ago
I’ve been spending a bit of time filming with the fine folks @gliddenpoint oyster farms. While I love filming all aspects of the oyster farm operation, and sampling a few fresh oysters myself… my favorite part has to be joining an oyster diver who picks these gems hand by hand. Gotta love oysters, tasty, nutritious and good for the environment. Here’s a view from beneath the Damariscotta with @lukellett7
60 3
6 months ago
Honda Bay showing off its magic. From whale sharks to soaring mobulid rays and playful dolphins, every encounter is a reminder of what we stand to protect. Whale sharks and mobulids face threats far beyond these waters. Stronger global protections—like a CITES Appendix I listing—are urgently needed to end international trade and safeguard their future. Grateful to @lamaveresearch for their incredible work in protecting these species and the oceans they call home. @sharkconservationfund @thewcs @creativevisionsfoundation @reddigitalcinema #HondaBay #Philippines #WhaleShark #MantaRay #Dolphins #OceanConservation #LAMAVE #CITES #MarineWildlife #ProtectOurOceans #ShotOnRed
149 5
9 months ago
Getting ready to start filming a new piece in support of listing whale sharks under Appendix I at the upcoming @CITES CoP. These iconic filter feeders face growing threats from trade, bycatch, and habitat loss. Appendix I would give them the highest level of international protection. Grateful to be part of a global effort alongside so many dedicated NGOs, scientists, and advocates working to safeguard their future. #WhaleShark #CITESCoP20 #SharkConservation #ProtectWhatYouLove #AppendixI #WildlifeTrade
174 2
9 months ago