The Galapagos Islands, the birthplace of the theory of evolution - what an appropriate destination for this particular expedition! We launched our IF expedition program less than one year ago. None of us had ever done anything like this before, we just knew that someone needed to!

There was so much to learn, how to work together as a group, how to develop trip plans, how to work with educators and funders, how to, how to….. There were many “firsts”. While we celebrated many successes, we also made some mistakes and experienced some growing pains. The mettle of our group was apparent! We forged our way through and today, just one year later, we have made it through year one and meet our second year with a huge wave of newly interested volunteers, educators, students and nonprofits.

The Galapagos Expedition was a destination of “firsts”- our first time to the Galapagos Islands, first time using our new SONY F900 High Definition Camera, our first trip under the IF collaboration with Aggressor and our first time with quite a few new volunteers.

The Galapagos Aggressor crew was superlative-Could not have been more helpful. They understood the mission of the Imaging Foundation, they joined our group in realizing it. They helped us acquire images, were quick to adjust their schedule to accommodate the needs of an expedition and they did this with laughter and professionalism.

Our expedition volunteer team was fantastic. Another first – repeat volunteers are now assuming leadership positions. This is wonderful as it frees much of my time to forge new directions and have time for a beer, at the end of the day! Now, that was a first! The group quickly formed a bond and is still working together, as an independent core group, seeking grant support for future expeditions and IF directives

Though the learning curve on the new High Definition camera is steep, we are pleased with our first shoot results, albeit totally topside. We are easing our way into the water with this ”Big Daddy”. Next expedition we will be shooting wildly underwater with our Amphibico Housing and all the extras!

As we go forward into our second year we reflect on the great things that have developed over this past year. The Imaging Foundation is thriving, our core group is healthy and looking forward to their well earned retreat in the Bay Islands, and most of all we celebrate our new and future friends who dedicate their vacation time to helping us “Dive with a Difference”.