Lights, camera, action!

Timothy Hay is one of those lucky people who have turned their passion into their livelihood.

Not only that, but he also combined his love for an adventure, travel and the outdoors into his own business, Helmot Productions.

Hay is an underwater and land filmmaker and photographer who much prefers water to land.

He spends most of his time under the sea for fishing shows like ‘ASFN’ and ‘Free spool’ as well as photographing for fishing magazines like ‘BASS’ and ‘Saltwater’.

When he is not in the water he can be found off road motorcross riding and training for the Roof of Africa race. Hay is currently making a documentary of his team’s training for the enduro race in Lesotho for Super Sport.

Hay currently lives in Salt Rock but was born in Winston Park, Hillcrest. Every chance his parents got they took him to the sea. His passion for the ocean all started when he was in standard three and his mother swapped her old washing machine for a thick pink surfboard after he begged so hard to have one.

“I started a trend with the pink board back then and it is only catching on now.”

Being creative has always been in Hay’s blood.

He enjoys painting portraits and “When I was about 17 years old I used to steal my sister’s camera.”

After school he travelled, filming and photographing as he went. Once Hay returned to South Africa he was snapped up by ESA, Extreme Sport Angling, and worked on the production and filming of their fishing shows. He loves the creative challenge that underwater photography presents.

“You have to be aware of where the boat and its engines are as well as the sharks that are around you and following the boat. When there are sharks you need to make sure you are always calm.”

Another challenge is being able to stay under the water for long periods of time, so he trains regularly through crossfit and hypoxic training to expand his lung capacity.

“I love a challenge, to be better, take awesome shots, being creative and making something my own, seeing amazing things, places and animals.”