First steps: Canon EOS 450D (2008-2014)
My journey into photography began in 2008 with the purchase of a Canon EOS 450D. This entry-level SLR, despite its limited APS-C sensor, proved to be the ideal companion for my beginnings. Compact, light and affordable, it enabled me to take my first steps into this fascinating world. For six years, I tamed this camera, overcoming its slow autofocus and imperfect ergonomics. This period was crucial in sharpening my photographic eye and nurturing my budding passion.
Some images taken with my Canon 450d
The big leap: Canon EOS 7D Mark II (2014-2019)
In 2014, eager to take things to the next level, I opted for the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. This tropicalized expert body, with its ultra-fast 10 fps burst, marked a turning point in my practice. Its meticulous ergonomics and responsive autofocus made it the ideal companion for my travels.
I soon realized that my old lenses were limiting the potential of this new camera. So I invested in full-frame optics – the EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens and the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM telephoto lens. This combination opened up new possibilities for me, especially in wildlife photography, where my 400mm was transformed into an impressive 640mm thanks to the APS-C cropping factor.
Some images taken with my Canon 7D markII
Diving into underwater photography: Olympus TG-5 (2018-2023)
My passion for diving naturally led me to underwater photography. After considering a waterproof housing for my 7D Mark II, I finally opted for the Olympus TG-5 waterproof compact in 2018. This little gem, rugged and capable to a depth of 15m, allowed me to explore a whole new photographic world.
Unfortunately, my diving skills at the time weren’t great, so I kept very few shots. The TG-5 became my faithful companion on many trips, enabling me to immortalize unique moments beneath the surface. Despite the technical challenges and my initial lack of experience, each immersion with this camera reinforced my fascination with underwater photography, laying the foundations for a new passion within my photographic journey.
This period of learning and exploration with the TG-5 not only enriched my photographic practice, but also fuelled my desire to perfect my diving skills. It was the start of an adventure that would profoundly influence my vision and approach to photography for years to come.
Some images taken with my Olympus TG-5
L'ascension vers le plein format : Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (2019-2022)
In 2019, I took another step forward with the acquisition of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. This professional SLR, with a full-frame sensor, has dramatically improved the quality of my images. Despite a few challenges, such as losing the range of my 100-400mm zoom, this transition has opened up new creative perspectives.
Some images taken with my Canon 5D mark iv
The ultimate in technology: Canon EOS R5 (2022-present)
At the end of 2022, I seized the opportunity of a Black Friday promotion to acquire Canon’s new flagship, the EOS R5 mirrorless. A word of clarification: I’m not an apologist for Black Friday, which often leads to impulsive, ill-considered purchases. However, I do think it’s a good idea to take advantage of these offers for an object that’s been coveted and studied for a long time, as was the case for me with the R5. Now that we’re clear, let’s get on with it!
This technological jewel truly pushes the limits of what I can achieve in photography. Its 45 megapixels offer exceptional resolution, its 5-axis stabilization ensures sharp shots even in difficult conditions, and its revolutionary autofocus makes it the perfect tool for my wildlife photography.
The EOS R5 represents a significant leap forward in my photographic career. It allows me to explore new creative and technical possibilities, while remaining true to my passion for capturing natural beauty. Every outing with this camera is a new adventure, an opportunity to push back my limits and refine my photographic art.
Some images taken with my Canon R5
Diving into professional underwater photography (2024)
In 2024, during my internship at Dauin in the Philippines, I took another crucial step in my photographic journey. To complement my Canon EOS R5 and Canon 100mm lens, I invested in a Marelux waterproof housing and a SEA & SEA YS-D3 MK flash. This cutting-edge equipment opened the door to a whole new world: professional underwater photography.
The Marelux housing, made of high-quality aluminum alloy, offers exceptional durability and outstanding ergonomics. All camera controls are easily accessible, and its double locking system ensures optimum underwater safety. With a depth rating of 100m, this housing lets me explore depths I’d never imagined before.
Coupled with the YS-D3 MK flash, this equipment now enables me to capture macro underwater shots of exceptional quality. The precision of focus, sharpness of detail and richness of color I achieve with this configuration exceed all my expectations.
This new dimension to my photographic practice has enabled me to discover the fascinating and often overlooked beauty of underwater life. From tiny nudibranchs to camouflaged coral shrimps, each dive has become a unique photographic adventure, allowing me to share with the world the hidden splendor of our oceans.
Some images taken with my Canon R5 underwater
Passion beyond technology
My photographic odyssey is punctuated by carefully considered steps – or should I say, strategic purchases. Each new acquisition has marked a progression, the fruit of continuous and passionate learning. Today, equipped with a versatile arsenal of cutting-edge technology, I set myself a new challenge: to live up to my equipment!
Yet, despite the constant evolution of my equipment, the very essence of my approach remains unchanged. Because beyond the sophisticated cameras and high-tech lenses, it’s the photographer’s eye that makes all the difference. And my gaze is invariably filled with wonder whenever I find myself in the heart of nature, surrounded by majestic landscapes, lush vegetation, wild animals or, more recently, 20m below the surface!
In these privileged moments, I’m invaded by a deep sense of fulfillment and gratitude. This intimate connection with the beauty of the natural world gives me an indescribable inner calm. Time stands still, and nothing exists apart from the unique bond I share with the plant, animal or landscape I capture. This present moment is transformed into a veritable visual meditation.
Open-air exhibition at Domaine Notre-Dame de la Route (2024)
The year 2024 marks a turning point in my amateur career: an open-air exhibition. For me, this exhibition at the Domaine Notre-Dame de la Route in Villars-sur-Glâne (article in french here) represents an exciting new milestone, pushing me to surpass myself. After years of keeping my pictures confined to my hard drives, then timidly sharing them on Instagram with my close circle, the opportunity to exhibit my photos to the general public is a totally new and exhilarating experience.
This project takes on a special dimension as it allows me to merge my personal work as a photographer with the promotion of The Green Odyssea, a synergy I’m deeply enthusiastic about. Through this exhibition, I hope not only to pass on my passion for nature, but also to gather your valuable feedback on my work. It’s an invitation to share my view of the world, and perhaps to awaken in you the same fascination for the wonders that surround us!
