Ocean advocate and distinguished photographer Cristina Mittermeier has documented over 765 marine species across more than 45 expeditions, capturing around seven million images.
By becoming the first female photographer to achieve one million followers on Instagram, she was able to mobilise a global audience of ocean advocates.
She is renowned for her exceptional images of the marine world, using visual storytelling to ignite change and draw attention to the urgent need to safeguard our seas.
The photographer is being celebrated by Rolex as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative, and features in the watchmaker’s ‘Reach for the Crown’ campaign.
“Everybody understands photography,” says Mittermeier. “It’s a universal language that has unparalleled power to inspire and engage audiences to take action.”
A pioneer in the conservation field, Mittermeier’s multi-award-winning career has taken her to more than 130 countries and every continent on the planet, often on assignment for National Geographic magazine. In 2018, she was named one of National Geographic’s Adventurers of the Year.
With the support of the Perpetual Planet Initiative, Mittermeier and her partner Paul Nicklen have documented the many untold wonders of the oceans, highlighting the issues facing them.
The pair co-founded the non-profit organisation SeaLegacy, which brings together filmmakers, photographers, and storytellers to shine a light on marine conservation efforts around the world.
“One of the greatest joys and achievements of my career is when people use one of the photographs I have taken as a banner to champion their cause,” says Mittermeier. “Any time I can use my photographs to represent something bigger makes me really happy.”
With only 8% of oceans currently protected, her work is more vital than ever as nations strive toward the goal of safeguarding 30% of oceans by 2030.
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