Living and working on an ultra deep water oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico is challenging to say the least. The hours are long and the environment is in so many ways, unforgiving. These photographs offer a small peek into the lives and experiences of those who choose to make their living "working offshore". Fortunately, the hard work here is often rewarded with incredible views of spectacular sunrises and amazing sunsets.

Another reward is the opportunity to work with a diverse and highly intelligent group of individuals. Together these unique people face and overcome monstrous challenges in the fulfillment of their mission to reap nature's bounty. Yet it is done with more care and concern for the environment than one might have come to believe. The overall human effort and logistical planning required to drill a well to depths of over 5 miles below the earth’s crusts with laser precision while floating in thousands of feet of ocean is mind boggling. Now imagine doing this while being located 200 miles from land. There are no stores or repair shops. No doctors, no grocery stores and no king size rooms.

If you work offshore, you are welcome to continue this story in the comments below any of the pictures. If your photo is here, thanks for letting me take your picture and attempt to show the world what an amazing job you do.