Dive into the astonishing career of Laurent Ballesta, the French marine biologist and photographer whose intrepid expeditions reveal the breathtaking and often extreme beauty of the unexplored ocean. Discover his groundbreaking techniques, his profound philosophical insights, and the incredible challenges he overcomes to bring the hidden depths to light.
The Earth’s oceans remain largely uncharted territories, with vast expanses still unseen and unexplored by humans. In this realm of profound mystery and stunning diversity, French diver and photographer Laurent Ballesta has carved out a unique legacy. Often hailed as an heir to Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Ballesta combines his rigorous training as a marine biologist with an unparalleled artistic vision to capture images that are both scientifically invaluable and deeply moving.
A Life Inspired by the Depths
Born in Montpellier, France, in 1974, Ballesta’s fascination with the underwater world began in childhood, fueled by Jacques Cousteau documentaries. He lamented that his parents weren’t explorers, preferring the beach to the abyss. However, by age 13, he was already spinning elaborate tales of his own diving adventures, a natural storyteller even then. This early passion led him to become a marine biologist and delve into photography, recognizing the power of visuals to convey the ocean’s majesty.
For more than two decades, Ballesta has dedicated himself to undersea exploration through Andromède Océanologie, an organization he directs, and his own Gombessa expeditions. His philosophy for these dives is clear: they must involve “a scientific mystery to be solved, a diving challenge to be met, and the promise of unprecedented images.” This holistic approach ensures his work is not only visually spectacular but also contributes significantly to marine science.
Conquering Extreme Challenges
Ballesta’s career is marked by a series of astonishing achievements that push the boundaries of human endurance and photographic technique. He consistently risks life and limb, embracing an extreme explorer’s uncommon job. His preparation, as he shared, isn’t about specific rituals but about a constant state of readiness: “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll never leave. For me, the best preparation is simply staying active, diving all the time, as much as possible, trying to get in the water several times a week, even between expeditions. In a way, being prepared means never needing to prepare.”
Among his most notable feats:
- In 2007, he took a photograph at a depth of 190 meters (623 feet) near Nice, France, setting a record for the deepest photo ever taken by a diver outside a submersible.
- In 2019, he spent 28 days living underwater with three other divers in the Mediterranean, between Monaco and Marseille. Two years later, in 2021, he endured another 20 days at a depth of 120 meters (393 feet) in Cap Corse, Corsica, to study coral formations.
- He has captured mesmerizing scenes, like swimming among 700 gray sharks in synchronized pursuit of prey and photographing a complete iceberg, from beneath its majestic presence.
The Coelacanth: A Living Fossil and His Proudest Moment
One of Ballesta’s most significant accomplishments, and indeed his proudest, was his encounter with the primitive-looking coelacanth. This extraordinary fish was long believed to have gone extinct with the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. Known as “Gombessa,” it represents a living link connecting fish to land animals, an unparalleled evolutionary marvel.
After years of research, Ballesta and his team successfully photographed and filmed the coelacanth in South African waters in 2010. They conducted scientific studies at depths over 120 meters, marking the first time such comprehensive protocols and aims were achieved by divers. He named his expeditions “Gombessa” as a tribute to this legendary fish, embodying the core values of scientific study, diving challenge, and unprecedented imagery.
More Than a Photographer: A Storyteller and Scientist
Beyond his daring dives, Ballesta is a compelling storyteller. He’s been a photographer for National Geographic since 2011 and has won the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year award three times. His images are not merely snapshots; they are narratives that capture the behaviors of marine life, hone in on individual traits—like a hefty crab adorned with barnacles or a colony of shrimp seeming to say hello—and reveal the astounding diversity of ocean ecosystems.
His work is backed by significant sponsorship from partners like renowned watchmaker Blancpain, who have supported his expeditions since 2012, and the French Ministry of the Environment. These partnerships are crucial, as Ballesta spends countless hours convincing people to trust in projects that, on the surface, might seem incredibly risky.
The Philosophy of Connection
Spending so much time immersed in the ocean’s depths has imparted a profound lesson to Ballesta: “I’ve come to realize that the perceived boundary between wildlife and humans is, ultimately, meaningless. All living beings share the same origins. No matter how different we appear, we are united by common ancestors. Recognizing this is, in a way, a form of reverence for all life.”
Through his lens, Ballesta strives to bridge this perceived gap. His goal is to make the strange and alien feel connected, even familiar. He believes that true contemplation begins when we recognize our shared kinship with every unfamiliar creature, revealing a trace of something we know within them. This philosophy underpins the essence of his underwater photography: not just to show, but to reconnect us to the natural world.
The Nuances of Deep-Sea Photography
For fellow enthusiasts and aspiring underwater photographers, Ballesta offers fascinating insights into his craft. He notes that, contrary to popular belief, divers actually experience more stability underwater due to the dampening effect of water on movements. This can be surprising to those who imagine constant swaying.
Another critical aspect is lighting. At depth, the goal isn’t simply to make things brighter, but to restore the natural colors that are absorbed by the water. Red, for example, quickly vanishes with increasing depth, so artificial light is crucial for bringing back the scene’s true chromatic richness rather than just illuminating it.
Even with his profound connection to the ocean, the life of an extreme diver takes its toll. Ballesta openly discusses his numerous back injuries and fingers that have been numb since an expedition to Antarctica eight years prior. Yet, his enduring curiosity outweighs all the pain, constantly driving him to explore what lies beneath. As he told El País, “Diving hurts more now than it did 10 years ago, but my curiosity still keeps me going.”
Laurent Ballesta’s work is an ongoing invitation to look deeper, to understand more, and to appreciate the intricate tapestry of life that thrives in our planet’s vast, mysterious oceans. His dedication inspires not only fellow marine enthusiasts but anyone with a passion for discovery and conservation.
