Between Two Corals Where There's a "Will," There's a Way -

Between Two Corals
-A One Dive Family Podcast-

Episode 4 Recap

Where There’s a “Will,” There’s a Way

Article by Jason Meany

Pictures by William Drumm

At SDI, diving isn’t just about exploring the underwater world, it’s about the people we share those experiences with. That sense of connection is at the heart of Between Two Corals – A One Dive Family Podcast, where we dive into the stories, insights, and experiences that shape our community.

Hosted by Jason Meany, SDI’s Director of Education, the podcast brings together voices from all corners of the dive industry to talk about training, adventure, and what it means to be part of the One Dive Family.

In this laugh-filled, salt-sprayed episode of Between Two Corals, host Jason Meany dives headfirst into the wonderfully chaotic world of underwater filmmaking. Joined by the double-Will dream team, William Drumm and Will Limpert, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the reality of capturing magic beneath the waves.

And let’s be clear: it’s not all graceful dolphins and perfect viz. Sometimes it’s foggy masks, rogue mermaids, and camera housings that decide they’d rather float solo.

From GoPro Grit to Underwater Glory

Will L., a wreck diver turned filmmaker from New Jersey (home of the famous one-foot viz), and William D., a Denverite who loves bubbles and bait balls, talk about their evolution from curious kids with cameras to full-blown underwater content creators.

What do they have in common? Seventeen years of underwater cinematography, a ton of busted gear stories, and a deep love for the ocean’s unpredictability.

💡 Tips from the Deep

New to underwater photography or videography? Here’s what the Wills had to say:

Stick with it. It’s not easy to build a career in underwater media. There’s little money and a lot of soggy gear, but passion and perseverance matter most.
Use what you have. You don’t need a trip to the tropics to make art. Some of their most compelling footage came from murky, frigid waters.
Don’t chase perfection. Use the tools you have, get the framing right, and learn to pivot when conditions change.

When Shoots Go Wild

From bait balls hijacking shoot days to mermaids photobombing instructor courses, this episode is packed with hilarious tales of Mother Nature stepping in as director. Highlights include:

A shoot in Florida’s springs ruined by an unexpected mermaid
A commercial production in Canada involving a massive underwater light that required a lift bag and three divers
A missed opportunity to film whales, all because of a leaky drysuit

Moral of the story? Always bring a backup. Maybe two.

Dive Gear, Free Diving, and Film Dreams

Both guests stressed the importance of being comfortable underwater first, whether that means getting your buoyancy dialed in or learning to free dive. William D. shared how PFI’s freediving course gave him a new connection with his body and the ocean.

Will L., on the other hand, remains loyal to his steel doubles and trusty Shearwater. Just don’t ask him about that time he had to be hoisted upside down to drain his leaky suit.

Lighting: To Strobe or Not to Strobe?

Both guests leaned toward natural light for its aesthetic and simplicity. William D.’s wildest shoot? Capturing the album cover for Billie Eilish with a 20-by-20-foot softbox on a crane over a pool. Not your average Tuesday.

But in the murky wrecks off New Jersey, Will L. still trusts a solid light rig because no ISO setting can fix pitch black.

Final Thoughts

This episode is full of golden advice for aspiring underwater shooters:

Be safe before being creative
Embrace the unpredictable
If all else fails, laugh it off and go again tomorrow

As William D. puts it:

“Just shoot a lot, dive a lot, and don’t get discouraged if no one likes your photo on social media.”

And if you remember nothing else, take your lens cap off.

🎧 Listen now on
YouTube
🎙️Spotify
🍏 Apple Podcasts
📸 Follow William Drumm on Instagram: @williamdrumm
🎙️ Join the #OneDiveFamily and stay tuned for next month’s episode