Ocean Art 2025 Stories behind the Image – Cassie Pali
Cassie Pali received a Second Place in the Underwater Fashion Category for her image “Goddess of the Night”.
About the Shoot
When I met this beautiful woman, I only knew her name. Through several meetups, she slowly opened up and shared why this shoot was so important to her—what she hoped to take away from it, the meaning behind the carefully chosen costuming, and the ferns that were thoughtfully gathered and woven together. Every piece we brought to the shoot held intention and purpose.
Once we entered the water, we let go. All the preparation was complete, everything was in place, and the water was free to do what it does best—reveal the goddess.
After the shoot, I take the images into my digital darkroom, reflecting on the trust she shared, the soul she bared, and what the final images were meant to represent. Witnessing her receive these images—fully seen, deeply vulnerable, and powerfully present—is the reason I do this work.
Why it is Important
Participating in Ocean Art 2025 and placing 2nd is a powerful reminder that what I do matters, not only to others, but deeply to me as well. My underwater photography journey began out of necessity after an injury left me unable to walk, forcing me to step away from land-based photography, which had long been both my passion and my career. Rather than letting go of photography, I ventured into the underwater world, where this work, and the recognition it has received, has helped me better understand myself and the people I photograph and support. The ocean is profoundly healing for me; when I sink below the surface, everything quiets, and I can breathe again.
My work has always been done as a free diver until July of this year, 80 dives and finishing AOW tomorrow. I am now certified in scuba and have found the love of macro photography. You will see more of my work in the future.
