Kasun Silva loves to dive deep into his role as a Local Guide in Sri Lanka—literally. He’s hosted meet-ups everywhere from an underwater museum to underground caves. Of course, @kasunaaa also loves connecting with fellow Local Guides above ground, to map out food crawls and more. He makes a difference by sharing knowledge about how people can protect the ocean, participate in coral restoration projects, clean beaches, and more.
We sat down with Kasun to learn more about him and his fascinating interests in his own words.
What inspired you to start adding underwater contributions on Google Maps and hosting underwater meet-ups?
Since I live in an island nation, I’m so accustomed to going to the beach with my friends and family since my childhood. Ocean and beaches always captivate my heart. I don’t forget to include visits to the ocean and the beach most times I travel. However, until my first discovery dive at Unawatuna in 2019, I hadn’t seen underwater beauty from my own eyes. That amazing experience triggered my passion for the underwater world and I was able to get my open water license in 2019. I have organized and participated in many underwater meet-ups since then.
We added many scuba diving spots around the country including a couple of underwater Navy museums. I could show the underwater beauty of my country to the whole world by sharing it on the maps. These photos and details may help other divers to find the dive spots and a good experience for people who can’t physically go and see.
I’m planning to do an underwater 360 photography meet-up in the coming month with my new underwater 360 photography equipment not yet put to the test.
Do you have any tips for taking great photos, underwater or not?
I have seen a lot of poor quality underwater footage and photos where divers make frequent mistakes with most cameras underwater and end up with frustration with how underwater videos and snaps look. Underwater photography is a bit trickier than usual photography. We have to keep in mind these 5 important factors before we go for underwater photography.
- Shakiness: Use dual handle and/or use the stabilized camera, improve buoyancy
- Settings: Use (-1) exposure (see my post for my favorite settings)
- Equipment: Use proper dive protective case/ use red filters
- Weather: Sunny and less windy weather conditions better
- Water: Water visibility should be higher
Read my Connect post to learn more about these tips for better results in underwater photography.
How do you make your reviews helpful? How do you make your photos helpful?
Whenever I add reviews on Google maps, I consider including all important information that would help people who want to visit the place. I always look for accessibility facilities and don’t forget to mention them in reviews. I’m happy to express my real experience in a detailed review other than short or generic reviews.
When I take photos for Google maps, I spend some time capturing the best frame. Balancing the subject of the image is very important as well as the focus of the subject. Also, when I see an important notice or information that would help the visitors before they come to a place, I try to capture them to add to maps.
What is your favorite thing about being a Local Guide?
I love meet-ups, both hosting and participating in them. I have hosted more than 15 physical meet-ups and participated in many more. Read the meet-up log with my Local Guides partner @ravindus we have completed almost 30 physical and virtual meet-ups so far.
Another amazing thing about Connect is the wonderful people in this community. I love to meet new people and share my thoughts and experiences. I have learned so many things from people who I’ve met on Connect. I appreciate all the admins and moderators who are keeping this community alive and positive in these hard times.
Learn more about Kasun from his posts on Connect and check out his contributions on Google Maps.
). Have you ever thought of hosting a virtual Underwater Photography/videography tips meet-up with 
. We are planning a Turtle Conservation meetup very soon. we’ll send a special invite to you. I’m so happy today …!!! It’s