About Serge

I photograph living ecosystems to confront my own contradictions.

Biography

My photographic work exists at the intersection of modern life and living ecosystems. Working across the Indian Ocean region, I use photography not to judge the world around me, but to question my own contradictions — and my responsibility toward what is still alive.

My journey began in the lagoon of Wallis, one of the Pacific’s most pristine sanctuaries. It was there that I first understood how the ocean reveals the human being we are — and the one we try to become.

At Pacific Blue Prod, I create images and films that explore the thin line between beauty and consequence: turtles rising for air, dolphins shifting their behaviour, coral reefs holding memories of what we choose to protect or abandon. My work is less about changing the world and more about questioning my place within it.

What I document is my own reflection — the tension between my life as a modern man and my desire to remain connected to the living world. Each encounter becomes a mirror, a reminder that understanding begins with looking at ourselves honestly.

Through educational work with youth and local organisations, I share what the ocean teaches me: attention, humility, curiosity. We only protect what we learn to see — and learning begins with presence. Every moment underwater is a lesson in vulnerability and emotion.

Publications

Serge Melesan is a regular contributor to leading international media focused on ocean conservation and environmental storytelling.

Earth.org – Contributor
View all articles by Serge Melesan on Earth.org →

Oceanographic Magazine – Contributor

• Mayotte’s Ocean Heritage and the Chance to Change Everything
• Guardians of the Lagoon – Green Sea Turtles of Mayotte

Awards & Recognition

Selected Contributor

100 for the Ocean — Contributor (2024)

Selected as part of the “100 for the Ocean” artists list (curated by Cristina Mittermeier). View contributors →

Master Award

National Geographic Traveller (UK) — Portfolio Winner (2023)

National Geographic Traveller Photography Awards — Portfolio Category. View results →

Recognised by major international competitions and institutions including:

• Siena Awards — multiple honors photos and videos (2020–2025)
• Underwater Photographer of the Year – Black & White (2024)
• Montier en Der – Nature Photo Festival (2023, 2025)
• Ocean Geographic – Photo of the Year (2023–2025)

Explore my stock photography collections :

Publications ​& Partners
My work has been published and supported by international organisations, conservation programmes and media. Each collaboration contributes to a shared goal — protecting ocean life through storytelling.

Serge Melesan est également référencé parmi les photographes animaliers sur le site Faune Sauvage.

Fine Art Ocean Photography – Exhibitions & Interviews

Discover exclusive insights and stories behind the award-winning fine art ocean photography by Serge Melesan. Recognized internationally for his captivating marine wildlife imagery, Serge shares his passion for ocean conservation through exhibitions and interviews.

Interviews & Features

• Shades of Colors – Issue 18, Fine Art Ocean Photography Feature
• Faune Sauvage – Print & Digital Wildlife Photography Interview
• 1X Magazine – Photographer Spotlight Interview

Exhibitions

• I Wonder if You Can – Siena Festival Award, 28 Sept – 24 Nov 2024
• Festival International Montier-en-Der – 17-19 Nov 2023, 20-23 Nov 2025
• Festival Image Sous-Marine Mayotte – May 2022, 2023, 2024
• Festival Galathea Hyères – November 2020, 2022, 2023
• Chester Cathedral – June 2021 (TPOTY)
• Coal Drops Yard, London – 12 May to 11 June 2021 (TPOTY)
• Sharjah, UAE – 10–13 February 2021 (TPOTY)
• Big Screen Plaza, New York – For Wildlife, 2020
• Art Gallery 514, Edinburgh – Ocean Photography Exhibition, 1–30 June 2021
• La Provence Sous-Marine, Avignon – 2020
• Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris – Plongée découverte des récifs d’Outre-Mer et d’Israël
• Festival Image Sous-Marine, Nouméa – 2019, 2022, 2024
• Festival Image Sous-Marine, Strasbourg – 2018, 2019

Photography Gear: My Underwater & Wildlife Setup with Lumix S1

Every image is shaped by the tools that make it possible. I rely on the Lumix S1 system for its color depth, dynamic range, and reliability underwater — a balance between precision and endurance.

• Lumix S1, S1R & S1R2 with Leica Pro lenses — 16–35mm, 24–105mm, 70–200mm, 140–400mm
• Lumix 100mm Macro f/2.8 — for close-up marine life and fine textures
• Atomos Ninja Ultra (ProRes external recorder) — ensures cinematic color fidelity in 10-bit
• Marelux Soft Pro Snoot — creative control for isolated light and composition
• DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic Air 2, Ronin-S gimbal & DJI Mic — for aerial and topside storytelling
• LaCie SSD Pro — secure on-field backup workflow
• Nauticam housing for Lumix S1 — precision-engineered for depth and stability
• Ikelite DS160 strobe & Weefine 10 000 lumens video lights — versatile lighting balance between stills and motion

Drone Certification: EASA licensed pilot, authorised for operational scenarios S1 • S2 • S3 — enabling safe and compliant aerial work across European territories.

My setup evolves with each expedition, but the philosophy stays the same: use technology to serve emotion and truth — never the other way around.