About
For 23 years, Bob Couey managed SeaWorld San Diego’s in-house photography division . In 2000, Bob was tapped for Visual Services Manager and assumed responsibility for the continued success of SeaWorld’s Emmy-winning video team. Writing assignments followed.
But long before joining SeaWorld, Bob served in the United States Navy and, as a Photographer Mate, he documented the Evacuation of Saigon and operations “Frequent Wind” and “Eagle Pull” in 1975. The historical military operation earned Bob a Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal and Humanitarian Award for his efforts aboard the USS Hancock.
After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Bob attended then graduated from the Art Center College of Design with a BFA in Commercial Photography. He freelanced in San Diego’s industrial and manufacturing community before joining SeaWorld San Diego in 1988. By the mid 1990s, Bob returned to school and obtained a professional certificate in digital media (Photoshop) from UCSD.
Bob has received numerous awards for SeaWorld photography and feature writing. His work has appeared in “A Day in the Life” and “One Digital Day” book series, People magazine, US magazine, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, Reuters and more. His “stunts of the week” publicity series at SeaWorld during the 2003 Super Bowl week earned Bob top prizes with the Public Relations Society of America, San Diego chapter. Since 2016, Bob has regularly volunteered with San Diego area animal non profits (photo) and urges others to become involved with their communities.
Finally, through his career as a photographer and writer, Bob has lived by this Richard Avedon quote:
"And if a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up. I know that the accident of my being a photographer has made my life possible."