Ben Thouard

16 August 2026 5 min read By admin

Here are the fully updated, polished profiles for Ben and Cotty, featuring their official partners, major achievements, social links, and custom gear integrations ready for the blog.

Ben Thouard

Current Location: Tahiti, French Polynesia
Role / Title: Water Photographer & Team Rider
Instagram: @benthouard
Key Achievements:
Published author of three critically acclaimed monographs: Surface, Turbulences, and his latest book capturing hypnotic air-bubble optics.
Internationally recognized pioneer in underwater wave optics and slow-speed ocean art.
Regularly featured in global media and publications like National Geographic.

Custom Gear Setup:
1x 2mm Short Leg Long Sleeve (Chest Zip) in custom Navy with “BORN SLIPPY” on the left arm.
1x 1mm Wetsuit Vest Top (Pullover) in custom Navy with “BORN SLIPPY” on the left arm.
Branding: Team Issue stamp alongside his name (“BEN THOUARD” / “TEAM ISSUE”), clean interior lining.

Visual Gallery (3-4 Image Concepts)

Image 1: An underwater shot looking straight through a breaking Tahitian slab.
Image 2: A mesmerizing vortex from the Turbulences series.
Image 3: An air-bubble slow-speed exposure resembling jellyfish textures.
Image 4: Ben in action in the water with his housing setup in crystal-clear Polynesian blue.

The Interview

Q: Please introduce yourself by telling us your name, where you’re based, and what you photograph.

My name is Ben Thouard, I’m a water photographer based in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

Q: What first inspired you to become a photographer?

My first introduction to art was through painting; I took painting classes when I was a kid for a few years. I only picked up a camera as a teenager, wanting to capture the ocean.

Q: What draws you to photographing the ocean, surfing, or the natural world?

I’ve been a surfer my whole life, passionate about waves. My dad had a sailboat and we would spend all holidays and weekends on it. It taught me patience and grew my love for the ocean and observation in general. When I started photography it was natural for me to capture the ocean; it has inspired me since my younger age.

Q: Is there one image you’ve captured that means the most to you? Tell us the story behind it.

It would be too hard to talk about one image. I would think of a series, or let’s say three series that resume my three books. In my first book, Surface, there is a series of photos where I look through a breaking wave – it’s captured underwater, but when the conditions are perfect, you can actually see right through the wave. In my second book, Turbulences, I present a series of underwater turbulences (vortices) beneath breaking waves; it’s a hypnotizing phenomenon! And in my third book, I present a series of air bubbles shot at slow speed that create jellyfish forms and textures. All those series come with a personal interpretation of the ocean.

Q: Which place in the world has been your favourite to photograph, and what made it so special?

Definitely Tahiti in French Polynesia, because the water is so clear and the conditions to take photos from the water are exceptional.

Q: How do you think photography can help people connect more deeply with the ocean and its conservation?

Photography allows us to show the beauty of an environment such as the ocean. It shows some aspects of it that some people might not know. And by learning and getting to know an environment, we get to be amazed and to love it – and we all want to protect what we love!

Q: Through your work, what changes have you witnessed in our oceans or coastlines over the years?

Not much except that it looks like there are no rules anymore in the climate. The rainy season can miss rain in Tahiti; other seasons can have heavy rain. The temperature goes to extremes in both ways. Coral is definitely getting a hard time in Tahiti and French Polynesia as ocean temperatures rise.

Q: What do you think the surf and outdoor industries could be doing better to protect our oceans?

Educate people about the fragility of our ecosystem and environment. But I think that’s what has been happening for the last decade; there have been big changes and improvements in that field. Not every brand is taking part in it unfortunately, but there is a general interest in protecting our ocean, which is good.

Q: Are there any photographers, brands, organisations, or projects that inspire you because they’re making a positive impact?

Yeah sure, lots of them! Which is great. Surfrider Foundation and SeaLegacy from Paul Nicklen are a few that come to mind. Patagonia is also a great example of a brand that takes responsibility for protecting the environment.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring photographers who want to use their work to make a difference?

I guess when photography is driven by your emotions, people will feel your emotions and will hear/see what you want to show and protect. So the only advice I could give is to follow your intuitions and emotions.

Q: Finally, what’s one message you’d like to leave our community with about the ocean, creativity, or protecting the places we love?

Get out there and observe! You’ll get the best time;-)

(Note: Ben rigorously tests and shoots in our gear. Explore his custom-spec setup here.)