Jean-Michel Mille

Location: Nice, FRANCE

Occupation: Professional Underwater Photographer

Scuba Diving Since: 1971

Favorite Local Dive: Var Region, South of France

Favorite Dive Location: Var Region, South of France

 

An Interview with Jean-Michel Mille

 

How has diving changed your life?

Born in 1959, on the Atlantic coast, I have a real passionate love of the sea. Captivated by the underwater world, I  started scuba diving at a young age. Very quickly I wanted to share this extraordinary universe with others. Photography is a wonderful way to do this. I took my first underwater photos at the age of 18. Self-taught in this field, I was soon attracted by the competitive aspect of underwater photography. I regularly participated in national and international competitions and received prizes and awards. I was French Champion in 1990.

I am very concerned with the preservation of the marine environment, and attempt to put my talent to the service of marine ecology as much as possible.  For 37 years I was a volunteer photographer for the A.M.P.N.(Association managing the Monaco Underwater reserve) where my photographic work, carried out in the underwater reserve of Monaco, shows the extraordinary results that can be obtained in protected sites. As such, I was named Knight of the Monegasque Order of Cultural Merit in 1998.

Reporter photographer, collaborator with many magazines (diving, nature, science, travel), I have also worked in advertising, fashion and for scientific or archaeological missions.  Eclectic in my photographic choices has allowed me to excel in many fields, both on land and underwater. Nature photos, but also artistic or creative ones are a real source of inspiration for me.  The numerous underwater photography exhibitions I have organized show the beauty and fragility of the underwater world. They make the general public aware of the need to protect our seas.

 

What kind of diving do you like to do?

I like dives with a lot of fauna & flora, for photography reasons. I like interactions with the inhabitants of the underwater world. I also like diving on wrecks: lost to man, the sea transforms them into wonderful gardens.

 

 

Tell us about one of the most amazing experiences you have had underwater.

An encounter with a manta ray in the Maldives. A piece of something was stuck around its head, it came towards us and approached us to remove it. A very emotional moment.

 

Where are some of your favorite places underwater?

- Lifou, New Caledonia

- The Red Sea

- The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

 

What is your advice to someone considering diving?

To be calm underwater, to try to blend in with the aquatic element and to get to know the environment.

 

What would you tell people about the oceans?

That despite their immensity, they are fragile. We must protect them, our future depends on it.

 

 

What does diving mean to you?

Diving is a vital element in my life.  It allows me to recharge my batteries, to escape and to explore a wonderful universe. 

 

Why have you chosen SCUBAPRO as your gear of choice?

The conditions of underwater exploration and journalistic reporting require reliable equipment. SCUBAPRO equipment is resistant, efficient, innovative and at the cutting edge of technology. I have been using it for 37 years now.

 

Follow Jean-Michel Mille on Facebook: @JeanMichelMille