Ben

Interview Questions

Firstly, 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

What first inspired you to become a photographer?
My first introduction to art was thru painting, I took painting classes when I was a kid for few years
I only picked up a camera as a teenager, wanting to capture the ocean 



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 week end 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 capurtee the ocean, it has inspired be sine my younger age 


3. 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 3 series that resume my 3 books 
In my first book Surface, there is a series of photos where I look thru a breaking waves, it’s captured underwater but when the conditions ar eoefectc, you can actually see thru the wave 
In my second book Turbulences, I present a series of underwater turbulences (vortex) beneath breaking waves, its a hypnotizing phenomenon!
And in my thrid book, I present a series of bubles of air shot at slow speed that Creates Jelly fish forms and textures 
All those series comes with personal interprétation ton of the ocean.



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 



How do you think photography can help people connect more deeply with the ocean and its conservation?
Photography allow to show the beauty of an environment such as the ocean.
It show some aspect 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!





Through your work, what changes have you witnessed in our oceans or coastlines over the years?
Not much except that it looks like there is on rules anymore in the climat 
The rainy season can miss rain in Tahiti, other season can have rain …
The temperature goes to extreme in both ways 
Corals is definitely getting a hard time in Tahiti – French Polynesia as ocean temperature rises 



What do you think the surf and outdoor industries could be doing better to protect our oceans?
Educate people about the fragility or our ecosystem and environment 
But I think that’s what happening for the last decade, there has been big changes and improvement in that field 
Not everybrand are taking part of it unfortunately but there is a general interest in protecting ou clean which is good 



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 Fundation, Sea Legacy from Paul Nicklen are a few that coms to mind 
Patagonia is also a great exemple was a brand that take responsibility into protecting the environment 



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 



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;-)



BEN THOUARD

Ocean Photographer

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