Featured Underwater Photographer – Fabrice Guerin
One of the best ways to learn photography is to see other photographers’ work. We try to find some of the best underwater photographers in the world, and showcase their work, along with the gear they use, to help other aspiring photographers improve, learn new skills and get inspired.
This week we will feature the talented Fabrice Guerin!
About Fabrice
I’m 50 years old. I’m wildlife photographer and I live in Paris.
Since my young age, I have been passionate about wildlife documentaries. This world is fascinating because Nature is prioritized over all. An animal doesn’t lie, it’s authentic. That is what I like.
I began photography in the forest near my home in France with a reflex and a telephoto lens. A few years later, I had the opportunity to scuba dive: I discovered an amazing world. So I tried the underwater photography whose constraints are more important than on the surface. I began with a NIKONOS IV (traditional camera film). A few years later, Digital cameras appeared: a new-age was born.
By doing wildlife photography, I learnt to be patient, to watch animals and to understand their behavior. For me, the key is the ability to come across animals, because the animal decides, not you. I usually do my research to know the good places to find a certain species. But sometimes, we see nothing for days and days: Nature is like that, wild and unpredictable. I photograph by instinct and I trust my luck trying to be at the right place at the right time. The photo should tell a story, arouse feelings and questions: that’s what I’m looking for!
Nature gives us great moments and surprises, on both, land and ocean. I have had the privilege to observe it for many years. Like the first time in the forest behind my house, nowadays I’m still amazed by this biodiversity.
Unfortunately, I am also a witness of its degradation: climate change, overfishing, pollution, poaching… So much damage we are imposing on it. Nevertheless, all species, no matter how powerful they are, rely on the others to exist.
Human being is the only responsible of the health of our planet, and we are currently living dramatic environmental situations. However, it’s never too late, and we have the responsbility to do everything possible to improve this situation. There are a lot of possible solutions but it is never easy to establish them, especially because the effects are not immediate.
Today everyone participates in its own way for the conservation of this biodiversity. My way is to increase people’s awareness by sharing my experience. I use my images in conferences, exhibitions, schools… and I work with scientific expeditions as a part of a teamwork that identifies individuals of species like sperm whale, whale shark, polar bear, gorilla… As well, I collaborate on several projects aiming the protection of the environment from plastic waste.
As you can read in this lines, Nature is a subject that fascinates and moves me. Providing visual testimony with this images is my way of participating on its preservation and protection.
Several of my images made me won outstanding international awards such as the Underwater Photographer of the Year (twice) and the Nature’s Best Photography Smithsonian. In adittion, I have collaborated with National Geographic in two books and National Geographic fine Art Galleries.
Fabrice’s Gear
- Camera: Canon 5D mark IV and III
- Lens for underwater images: Canon 16-35 mm IS USM f/4 and Sigma 15mm, 2,8
- Lens for the surface: Canon 100-400 f/4-5,6 – Canon 24-105 f/4
- Strobe: 2 x INON Z240
- Underwater housing: Aquatica digital
Get in touch with Fabrice
Fabrice’s personal website – My Nature
Facebook page – My Nature Expedition
Instagram Profile – @fabriceguerin
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