I got really excited about the IF trip agenda then decided it would be much more interesting than a regular tourist/recreational dive. On the trip, I learned a lot about photography and image capturing. My accomplishments include setting up the technology, data analysis, data presentation, data collection and web site development. My favorite part of the trip is sharing a life time experience with very knowledgeable people who want to do more than just SCUBA dive. I would highly recommend this to anyone who dives, who likes adventures and who likes to contribute to raising awareness about the undersea world, in order to protect it.

Scott Phillips
San Jose, CA
Solution Architect
Assistant Instructor

I met Jay & Georgienne in Roatan, Honduras several years back and the duo made an imprint on my heart. Their love of life and the environment was real. When my husband and I heard that they were sponsoring a trip to Cocos Island, we jumped at the opportunity. While I must admit, the mission behind the Imaging Foundation was not the top reason to join the expedition (the diving was), I have come to embrace it. I have a natural joy for life and I love to encourage others. I have a get it done attitude, and there are a lot of Foundation goals & objectives to accomplish! The TEAM effort on the expedition is addictive. My philosophy has always been to expect nothing, blame no one, do something… That is exactly what Jay & Georgienne are doing! The mission of the Imaging Foundation is important and critical to our world and reminds me of the story of the little boy walking along the beach throwing back one-by-one the hundreds of little starfish that had been swept ashore. When someone stopped and told the boy, don’t waste your time there are so many, you cannot make a difference? The little boy answered… it makes a difference to the starfish I just threw back. Best part of Cocos aside from the people, the diving! DUH!

Virginia Van Ness
Dana Point, CA
Executive Assistant/Project Manager
O/W Diver

While reading a dive magazine I noticed an advertisement by IF and was intrigued by their mission. My background as a software consultant proved helpful by organizing tasks outlined by the director of IF as well as scheduling expedition members to assigned tasks. I have learned that I enjoy applying my skill set to use for non-profit work especially when it involves not only my favorite sport but also being able to contribute to education and awareness to help preserve our natural world. My accomplishments on the expedition have been to assist in insuring that the goals of the expedition are met along with meeting many new friends from all over the US with whom I share common interests. I was also able to use my scuba diving skills to contribute to the 2005 data collection portion of the project. My favorite part of the trip has been the whole experience: being able to contribute in a project that I do believe will make a difference in our world, sharing in a new adventure with a great group of folks, and seeing more sharks and rays in one dive than ever before!

Wanda Rowan
Atlanta, GA
Software Consultant
Advanced Diver

I am a foot soldier for the Imaging Foundation. I heard about the mission through fellow divers. I was ready to go diving and was looking for a new and exciting place to go. Originally I was uncertain whether my skills fit the Imaging Foundations needs. Through IF workshops, my hidden abilities came out. I have been on other dive liveaboards, and have made many friends, but the closeness of a working team seems more complete.

Bradley Carlson
Pasco, WA
Cherry Grower
Advanced Diver

I have brought to the group my administration skills, and I’m a team player working for a good cause. I have contributed to the design of the website with my fellow team members. I have learned how to edit photographs, since one of our goals was to categorize 10,500 pictures. My favorite part of this trip has been the camaraderie and interacting with other team members. The diving has been challenging and exciting. I have seen creatures I have never seen before. An additional benefit for our hard work was the tax deductible status of the expedition.

Peggy Huff-Zahn
Richland, WA
Office Administrator for Battelle
Advanced Diver

Meeting new people and new friends has been a plus on this trip. I plan on helping to document this trip with my above water photos and my underwater videos. I was able to learn new skills by working with Photoshop, which was explained by other members of the team. I feel that my accomplishments, enhancing photos and adding to the photo library for the IF, has been a good feeling for a good cause. I have so enjoyed being able to video the underwater beauty of the Cocos Islands, including Hammerhead sharks, Manta Rays, white tip reef sharks, large schools of tropical fish, and so very much more.

Don Zahn
Richland, WA
Nuclear Operator
Technical Diver

Through my past years of employment, I was able to bring to the table project planning skills, including definitions of goals and how to meet them. One of the things I have learned is working together with other divers and professions from around the USA. I have learned to appreciate the objectives and goals of the Imaging Foundation. The best parts of the trip are the awesome diving here at Cocos and working with fellow divers on a common goal supporting the IF.

Pat Hart
Richland, WA
Retired Scientist - High Temperature Research
Divemaster

Through a friend I learned about the Imaging Foundation. Sounded very interesting to me. The double benefit was diving in a tropical paradise and have a tax deductible trip. Being a computer consultant, I am very familiar with web technology and other important elements required coordinating a large network of computers for the team to work on. I assisted setting up the team members computers in order for them to work on the images. A good thing I learned is that other people are dedicated to similar non-profit causes. It’s been a pleasure both diving and meeting new friends.

Mark Divitt
Moraga, CA
Computer Consultant
O/W Diver

I came on board with an open mind and the willingness to learn. I have learned a lot about computers, and designing a website. In addition, I have learned about the environment. I have always dreamt of diving Cocos Island; it is an added benefit to come with the Imaging Foundation. This trip has been one of meeting new friends with a common interest for the betterment of environmental education.

Linda Bascom
Richland, WA
Endodontist
Nitrox Certification

Jay Ireland was giving a presentation at John and Linda Monk's home. I was so overwhelmed with the beauty of the photography that I wanted more. Georgienne has such a delightful attitude and her knowledge of the underwater world is fabulous. The mission of the Imaging Foundation is educational and most importantly, inspires us to be more aware of our environment. I was uncertain if there was anything I could contribute on our expedition, but was surprised that through our power talks and hands-on learning, I was able to contribute. The diving at Cocos was awesome too!

Barbara Chervenell
Kennewick, WA
Office Manager of Chervenell Construction
Master Diver

I learned about IF from Georgienne Bradley at the end of 2004. I felt that it was definitely a way to contribute to a good cause while diving, which is my first love. The more I got involved, the more I felt that "traveling with a purpose" is the way of the future. I have learned that passion for a cause can transform your life.

Ana Martin
Olympia, WA
Wells Fargo Bank Manager
Dive Instructor

Having recently retired from a career in the medical profession, I was looking for a new outlet for my energies. IF has afforded me a great opportunity. My organization and detail analysis skills have been integral to achieving the goals of IF. Through the guidance of other volunteers and staff, I have been learning new computer and graphic skills. It has been a Win!Win! situation for both.

Judy Bennett
New Orleans, LA
Medical Technologist
Dive Instructor

Photographing the natural world in such exotic places as Tonga, Cocos Island, Madagascar, etc., with the help of true photo professionals Jay Ireland and Georgienne Bradley, what could be better? Oh, yes, the expeditions are through a non-profit, the Imaging Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting efforts to educate people on the beauty of the world’s unspoiled places. My goal is to help promote the Imaging Foundation’s expeditions and provide other support where applicable.

John Monk
Kennewick, WA
Nitrox Certification

I learned about IF by reading a dive magazine. IF’s mission interested me. I thought I could contribute with my computer skills and underwater photography skills. I was also interested working with a group of people who shared the same interests. I have learned about the tasks involved in creating and preparing an imagery data base. The fact that this expedition is tax deductible provided an extra incentive. The unique underwater environment at Cocos has been an outstanding experience for me.

John Hodson
Atlanta,GA
Software Consultant
Dive Instructor

Working on board with the members of the Imaging Foundation, I have learned about categorizing photo shots and captioning images for IF’s catalog. It is a fantastic experience to be able to pursue a sport for love and be able to give something valuable back for others education and enjoyment.

Kelly Mullarney
Santa Ana, CA
Chef Consultant
Advanced/Nitrox/Specialty Diver

I managed the technical systems for this expedition to Cocos Island. I also participated in the Tonga project. I feel the cause is very important, one that can help others learn about the environment and educate future generations.

Daniel Berhman
Santa Monica, CA
Web Developer and Video Producer
O/W Diver