Hi, I’m Nola.
I am a journalist, visual storyteller, and award-winning photographer with a passion for the ocean, marine life, and conservation. My work focuses on diving, conservation, lifestyle, and travel. With over a decade of experience in photography, I concentrate extensively on marine conservation, particularly the protection of rays and sharks, climate change, and supporting vulnerable communities. I hold a BA in Communication from UC San Diego and a Master of Professional Science in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami.

My diverse background stems from growing up in a bicultural family, with my Guatemalan Maya heritage keeping me strongly connected to the country. Having lived in Italy and Mexico, I’ve also traveled extensively—from hiking through Tayrona, Colombia (accidentally in flip-flops) to identifying an individual manta ray, and scuba diving in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala. These experiences have shaped my perspective on the intersection of culture, nature, and conservation.

Diving is at the core of my work. As a PADI Instructor and AIDA Freediver, I have over 2,000 dives spanning the world—from California’s kelp forests to the vibrant reefs of The Philippines, the Revillagigedo Archipelago to Fiji, and the warm waters of Panama to Florida. My passion for underwater photography has evolved into conservation work, focusing on science communication and women’s empowerment through unique underwater portraiture shoots. I regularly collaborate with leaders in the dive industry and marine conservation to highlight the urgent need to protect our oceans.

I’ve had the privilege of working with NOAA’s Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, the Manta Caribbean Project in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, and the University of Miami’s Shark Research and Conservation Program (SRC). These collaborations have furthered my understanding of the impacts of climate change and the vital importance of environmental responsibility.

Each dive (or hike or whatever it may be) is a profound reminder of what we risk losing by climate change and overconsumption. We are rapidly depleting Earth's natural resources and biodiversity. Everything on this planet is connected and I use photos and storytelling to create an emotional connection and share these extraordinary places and ecosystems. Through my work, I aim to foster emotional connections that inspire action and a shared sense of duty to protect these fragile ecosystems. After all, this is no ordinary life—it’s a precious one worth preserving.