Who am I?

What am I here for?

Answered literally, I am Jeff Cheng and I'm here to tell you a bit about myself... and relate it to one of my hobbies which I love passionately... (that hobby in itself has a particular specialization that is in itself another great love of mine, namely... Scuba Diving...)

If I go into a more, lets say, spiritual explanation of the two questions... I am (or I tell myself I am) a person who wants to see a change in the world. A change for the better. Although I know very well that as a teenager, I can't possibly make a large impact by myself, I hang onto the hope that my work will be seen and influence those who have influence over things...

There are many beautiful things in this planet we live in. Beautiful things that are being threatened by our ways of living. Although I am sure that most people don't try to destroy the natural beauty of the Earth, by being simply ourselves, we are wreaking havoc without being aware of it... or are we?

I'm sure all of you have heard and seen the destruction we are all capable of to nature. I'm sure most of you have nodded to yourself in your head, saying "Oh, that’s terrible... something must be done..." I'm sure at least some will go on to do something about it. I am also sure that the majority will tell themselves that someone else will do what they must... save the Earth. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking and time is running short. Something must be done. And I am doing my part, as are you. How do I know? You've read this much already, haven't you?

Don't mistakenly judge me. I'm not a radical tree-hugger. Believe me, I feel that civilization has created truly wonderful things. I can sit in the most amazing landscapes such as the truly wondrous polar ice-caps of the Arctic or the mesmerizing fields in New Zealand as much as I can watch a junk drift slowly across the Victoria harbor of Hong Kong, outlined by the wondrous buildings that we have created, reaching into the heavens...

My adventure underwater was taken up due to my love of the ocean... the very love that developed into the current will to fight for the preservation of the waters. I hope that my photos will show you a beauty that you've never seen before. Beauty that I am lucky enough to have seen.

I only wish that my work can show you the truly beautiful things that nature can create. The stunning things that we as humans are capable of. My wish is to enable you to see the world as I do: A striking place in dire need of protecting. Protection from us.

I know I have succeeded in what I am after if I make you one of those that think to themselves "I must do something!" and moreover, move you on another step to those who really do something. Whether it is subtle like turning off the lights or water when not in use, or something such as helping conserve the environment with some of those groups out there. Something means everything. Please help save your planet as you know it... and spread the word.

If you've read this far, thank you. I am truly grateful for it. Please, drop me a e-mail telling me of your views and opinions on my words.

            -Jeff 8/27/2004