Arthur Caulliez | Ocean Photographer & Videographer | France
Although his interest in the ocean began long ago, Arthur Caulliez pursued his passion in film and photography only recently, taking on his first professional role in ocean conservation only last year, with Whale Shark Mexico. His first time diving into the marine conservation world, Arthur began documenting his experiences and stories from the field.
Arthur hopes to participate in changing perceptions about wildlife, to help people see the bigger picture. An ecosystem that we depend on.
“I don’t only fight for me and my generation but for all the other ones to come.”
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I studied environmental engineering. After graduating, I was keen to work with the ocean but wanted to do something that would benefit the world. My first job was for a company specialising in water quality monitoring for aquaculture and environmental surveillance.
After a year of working there and after almost 2 years of pandemics, I decided that I had to take a chance on my dream of working in wildlife conservation and storytelling. This is how I ended up in Mexico!
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I always enjoyed playing in the sea and snorkelling during my holidays. During long walks on the beach with my parents we would look for cuttlefish bones, ray eggs, or even algae, and I would wonder where it was coming from, and which creatures might be living under the surface.
But the first time I really decided to lead my life and career toward storytelling and marine conservation was when I saw My Octopus Teacher. This documentary impacted me at a level that is difficult to describe. I felt so much emotion and I realized the power that images and a good story could have on our hearts. I wanted people to feel these emotions and understood that I maybe had this sensitivity that could impact people.
Who/what currently inspires you?
I would say I am inspired by anyone fighting to make their dream come true. Wether it be a company director, an agricultor or a photographer, I have a lot of respect for people who follow their goals, whatever it takes.
In the wildlife world, I am particularly inspired by David Attenborough and Bertie Gregory. Both have such an incredible passion and energy that it is difficult not to feel sympathy for them. They just gather people around their cause thanks to their passionate spirit.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking, and that you'd like to recommend to other ocean lovers?
My octopus teacher
Our planet
Blue planet II
Mediterranean planet
700 sharks in the night
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I hope to participate in changing the vision that people have about wildlife, to help them to see other species as an entire part of an ecosystem that we depend on.
But especially, whatever my legacy is, I hope it is sustainable and lasts for a time. My biggest fear is that everything I fight for during my entire life dies with me. I don't only fight for me and my generation but for all the other ones to come.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
I would like people to stop spending so much time looking for the guilty one, the bad guy and the good guy. I think it is much more worth spending time on finding solutions, making compromises for everyone's interest, that to fight all year long.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
There are no ‘bad’ stories. Some people might have more money, more equipment to tell their stories, but it is your will, your heart, and your commitment that make a great story. Whatever the place, whatever the topic, it will aways reach someone's heart.
INSTAGRAM: @arthur_caulliez
