PHOTOGRAPHER IN RESIDENCE
Mathieu Meur – Senior
Alex Rose
Jorgen Rassmunsen
With Prestige in association comes THE RESPONSIBILITIES
More Than a Distinction in Photography
To be recognised as an Ocean Geographic Photographer is more than a distinction in photography. It is recognition of professional excellence, integrity, ethical fieldcraft and a commitment to using imagery with purpose. It is also the privilege of belonging to an extraordinary community.
Guided by an Advisory & Editorial Board Chaired By
Legendary Oceanographer & Explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle
Alongside some of the most respected names in ocean science, exploration, conservation, photography and filmmaking.
Celebrated underwater photographer David Doubilet and aquatic ecologist & photographer Jennifer Hayes; pioneering coral scientist Dr. Carden Wallace; marine biologist & coral restoration scientist Dr. Emma Camp; internationally renowned reef-fish authority Dr. Gerry Allen; and acclaimed underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall, among other distinguished scientists, explorers and ocean advocates.
Ocean Geographic Photographers stand in association with people who have dedicated their lives to exploring, understanding, documenting and defending our ocean.
This ASSOCIATION IS BOTH AN HONOUR AND A RESPONSIBILITY
More Than Image-Makers
Ocean Geographic photographers are storytellers, explorers and witnesses. Through their lenses, they reveal the extraordinary beauty of our ocean planet, document its rapidly changing ecosystems and give a voice to species and places that cannot speak for themselves.
Ocean Geographic Photographers believe the integrity of a photograph begins long before the shutter is pressed. Ocean Geographic photographers are expected to place the welfare of wildlife and the integrity of the environment before the photograph.
Technical excellence matters. Creativity matters. Originality matters.
BUT CHARACTER, CREDIBILITY AND INTEGRITY MATTER MORE.
For nearly two decades, Ocean Geographic has brought together exceptional photographers, scientists, explorers, conservationists and storytellers around a common purpose: to reveal the wonder of our ocean, communicate the science of its changing condition, and inspire people to protect what they understand and love.
An Ocean Geographic Photographer becomes part of that legacy.
Whether working on assignment, participating in an expedition, contributing to Ocean Geographic, representing the Society at an international event or simply carrying the designation into the field, our photographers are visual ambassadors for the ocean and custodians of the values represented by the Ocean Geographic name.
Prestige also carries an obligation to give back.
We believe great photographers should help create the next generation of great photographers. Alongside established professionals, Ocean Geographic identifies, encourages and mentors emerging visual storytellers who demonstrate exceptional promise, ethical practice and a genuine commitment to our ocean.
Photographer in Residence • Contributing Photographer • Associate Photographer • Emerging Photographer
These designations represent far more than levels of photographic achievement. They recognise an individual's contribution to the Ocean Geographic mission, the standards they uphold and the responsibility they accept as part of an international community dedicated to ocean exploration, visual storytelling and conservation.
PRESTIGE MUST BE EARNED. TRUST MUST BE PROTECTED.
An Ocean Geographic picture should do more than make someone stop and look. It should make them feel. It should make them understand. It should make them question. And, at its very best, it should inspire love and care.
And sometimes, one extraordinary picture is where that love begins.
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mok Wai Hoe
Renee Capazola
Nur Tucker
Nicolas Remy
ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gabriel Jensen
Maryline Renault
EMERGING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fabi Frigonesi
Stephanie Doniger
THE OCEAN GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER'S CODE
Ocean Geographic Principles
The Ocean Geographic name carries a responsibility—to the wildlife we encounter, the environments we enter, the communities that welcome us, our colleagues in the field, and the audiences who trust what we show them. Every photographer recognised by Ocean Geographic upholds these eight principles.
Wildlife Comes First
No photograph is worth harming its subject. Never deliberately stress, chase, restrain, reposition or provoke wildlife simply to obtain an image. Observe natural behaviour with patience and respect and withdraw when your presence begins to alter that behaviour. The welfare of the subject always comes before the photograph.
Leave the Ocean as We Found It
Protect the environment that makes the photograph possible. Do not damage, move or manipulate corals, marine life or habitat to improve a composition. Maintain responsible buoyancy and fieldcraft, minimise disturbance and leave nothing behind except bubbles. Take the photograph. Leave the ecosystem intact.
Truth Before Drama
Documentary nature photography is a record of what was witnessed. Ocean Geographic photographers do not fabricate behaviour, combine elements from different encounters or materially alter an image in ways that misrepresent reality. Processing may refine the presentation of an image; it must never manufacture the truth of what happened.
Our audiences must be able to trust our pictures.
Disclose What You Create
Transparency protects credibility. Captive, controlled, baited or otherwise managed situations must be clearly disclosed where relevant. Composite, conceptual and AI-generated imagery must be unmistakably identified as such and must never be presented as authentic documentary wildlife photography.
Technology will continue to change. Our obligation to truth must not.
Caption with Integrity
Words carry the same responsibility as photographs. Species, locations, behaviours and circumstances should be described accurately. Do not exaggerate rarity, danger, environmental conditions or conservation significance simply to attract attention.
A powerful photograph does not need a false story.
Respect People, Place and Culture
Respect local communities, Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, regulations, permits, protected areas and fellow ocean users. Work collaboratively and give appropriate recognition to the researchers, guides, communities and individuals who make our stories possible. Respect must extend beyond the frame.
Be a Professional — Above and Below the Water
The Ocean Geographic designation represents more than photographic ability. Ocean Geographic photographers act with professionalism, courtesy, preparedness and respect. Observe safe diving and expedition practices, work responsibly with colleagues and never compromise personal safety—or the safety of others—in pursuit of pictures.
Use Your Camera for Something Greater
A camera can do more than record what is beautiful.
IT CAN REVEAL. IT CAN QUESTION. IT CAN BEAR WITNESS.
IT CAN CHANGE PERCEPTION. AND SOMETIMES, IT CAN CHANGE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
Celebrate beauty. Document change. Reveal genuine threats. Communicate science faithfully. Create pictures that deepen humanity's connection with the natural world.
Ocean Geographic Photographers are not simply collectors of beautiful pictures. They are witnesses to a changing planet and they give their voice to the voiceless—they speak for our ocean.
"The prestige in association is being trusted to carry the Ocean Geographic name."