Serge Melesan
I am a French underwater photographer, filmmaker, and environmental storyteller based in Antibes, France.
For more than fifteen years, I have explored the oceans through photography, documenting marine wildlife across the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific. My work focuses on the fragile relationship between people and the marine ecosystems they depend on.
Every dive reminds me that we are part of the same living world. My images are an invitation to slow down, observe, and reconnect with nature through emotion rather than spectacle.
My projects have been published by international media including Oceanographic Magazine, Earth.org, National Geographic Poland, Exame (Brazil) and other conservation and wildlife publications.
Over the years, my photographs have received recognition from competitions such as the National Geographic Traveller Photography Awards, Underwater Photographer of the Year, Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year, Siena Awards, and have been exhibited internationally.
Alongside my photographic work, I develop educational and conservation projects with local communities, believing that protecting the ocean begins by learning to understand it.
Whether documenting sea turtles in Mayotte, coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, or marine life in the Mediterranean, my goal remains the same:
to create images that inspire curiosity, respect and a deeper connection with the living world.
Selected Publications
- Oceanographic Magazine
- Earth.org
- National Geographic Poland
- Exame (Brazil)
- Faune Sauvage
- 1x Magazine
Selected Awards
- National Geographic Traveller Photography Awards – Portfolio Winner (2023)
- 100 for the Ocean – Contributor (2024)
- Underwater Photographer of the Year
- Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year
- Siena Awards
- Montier-en-Der Nature Photography Festival
Why the Ocean Matters
The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and helps regulate the climate that makes life on Earth possible. It produces much of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and supports millions of people through food, livelihoods and culture.
Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the sea, occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor yet provide habitat for nearly a quarter of all marine species. Healthy oceans are not only home to extraordinary wildlife—they are essential to human well-being.
Through photography, I hope to reveal this connection between people and the living ocean. Every image is an invitation to appreciate, understand and protect the ecosystems that ultimately sustain us all.
Portfolio
Explore three curated collections showcasing underwater fine art and wildlife photography. Each gallery is available to view in full on 1x, where selected photographs can also be purchased as museum-quality fine art prints.
Monochrome
Fine art black & white photography.
Colors of the Sea
A celebration of light, color, and life beneath the surface.
Wildlife
Encounters with the natural world, above and below the water.
Published On
Editorial Licensing
For assignments, exclusive stories or direct image requests, please use the contact form below.
Alamy
View Editorial Portfolio
Equipment
My work is produced with Lumix cameras, Leica lenses, Nauticam underwater housings, professional lighting systems and DJI aerial equipment.
Puis éventuellement une ligne plus précise :
Current setup includes Lumix S1-series cameras, Leica Pro lenses, Nauticam housing, Ikelite strobes, Weefine video lights and DJI drones.