[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
\nFor the last 13 years, Nathalie Michel has been one of Ponant\u2019s signature photographers, focusing on the out-of-the-ordinary across the globe. Curiosity, respect for her subjects, and a love for travel and the remote treasures of the planet \u2014 all this inspires Nathalie Michel and influences her way of looking at the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
How did you choose travel photography?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel :<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>It was somewhat by accident that I stumbled upon a career in photography, and it was\u00a0<\/span>love at first sight<\/strong>. I found myself caught up in the desire to share, to bear witness. Subsequently, a\u00a0<\/span>love for the sea<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and an urge to set sail led me to\u00a0<\/span>travel photography<\/a>. The\u00a0<\/span>maritime world<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is extremely impressive depending on the conditions brought on by\u00a0<\/span>storms<\/a>, light, and\u2014though it can\u2019t be seen in a photograph\u2014smell. The atmosphere changes every single day.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also important to me to continuously\u00a0<\/span>learn<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>about people, fauna, and flora. I\u2019m lucky to be able to\u00a0<\/span>travel<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>across all the continents and to share the diversity and beauty of the world with people who don\u2019t have the opportunity to see it all.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d max_width=\u201d100%\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\u201d3760675,734,3760676,738,3760677\u2033 posts_number=\u201d6\u2033 show_title_and_caption=\u201doff\u201d show_pagination=\u201doff\u201d module_class=\u201dgal-col\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|10px|true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n
How did this career take you to Ponant?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0I was lucky enough to set sail 25 years ago with another company. But the world of the sea inevitably leads to\u00a0<\/span>Ponant<\/a>. Some of my friends already worked at\u00a0<\/span>Ponant\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and they asked me to join them, assuring me that I would find my place there. I admit that in the beginning I got on board thinking,\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI\u2019ll do a year or two.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0In the end, I\u2019ve barely noticed the last\u00a0<\/span>thirteen years<\/strong>\u00a0go by! I\u2019ve been aboard all the\u00a0<\/span>ships<\/strong>: Le Diamant, then Le Bor\u00e9al, L\u2019Austral, Le Sol\u00e9al, Le Lyrial, and finally\u00a0<\/span>Le Lap\u00e9rouse<\/a>, a magnificent ship, launched in July 2018. Ponant is an\u00a0<\/span>adventure\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>that flies by and takes you far, and, I think, helps make all your dreams of non-stop travel and\u00a0<\/span>discoveries\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>a reality. I always want to go further. That\u2019s what\u2019s inspiring in my career \u2013 to tell yourself that the most beautiful photograph is the one you\u2019ll take tomorrow.<\/span><\/p>\n
Today, how many photographers and film-makers work within the Ponant fleet?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0I had the opportunity to start on Le Diamant, with my husband Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric, who is a\u00a0<\/span>film-maker<\/strong>. We were a small team. Then, with the arrival of new ships, we had to recruit and train more people. We look for candidates who are always\u00a0<\/span>passionate\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and involved and who have a constant thirst for\u00a0<\/span>discovery<\/strong>. Today, we have ten photographers and film-makers on the ships. By 2021, we plan to have\u00a0<\/span>30 photographers<\/strong>\u00a0and cameramen on board.<\/span>
The goal is to support Studio Ponant, created in 2016 and made up of an image bank (a photo library). Its purpose is to promote the image of Ponant and to make the company visible around the world. The photographs are used on social media, in our brochures, etc.\u00a0<\/span>Studio Ponant<\/a>\u00a0is\u00a0<\/span>Ponant\u2019s image DNA<\/strong>, in terms of both photos and videos.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the life and schedule of a photographer or film-maker on board?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0We are there from\u00a0<\/span>embarkation day<\/strong>, when the guests arrive, to map out the\u00a0<\/span>story of their cruise<\/strong>. In photos, we preserve the welcome with the Captain, the first handshake, the first contact with the ship. Then, we continue with the classic sequence of events: the safety instructions, followed by the Captain\u2019s welcome\u00a0<\/span>cocktail party<\/a>, complete with ball gowns and emanating a\u00a0<\/span>cruise spirit \u00e0 la fran\u00e7aise<\/strong>, with all its style and splendor. Most importantly, whether you\u2019re on an\u00a0<\/span>expedition cruise<\/a>\u00a0or not, you will discover the destination very quickly. We capture all the highlights: landscapes,\u00a0<\/span>fauna\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and\u00a0<\/span>flora<\/strong>, encounters with\u00a0<\/span>local people<\/strong>\u00a0and their unique craftsmanship\u2026 Guests receive all the photographs on a DVD that retraces the entire story of the trip, complete with interviews with lecturers, naturalists, and Captains. A stunning photographic\u00a0<\/span>\u201cBest Of\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0also includes all the highlights.<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1100px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nathalie-michel-georgie-du-sud-1200\u00d7800-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dNathalie Michel en Georgie du Sud \/ \u00a9Nathalie Michel\u201d title_text=\u201dnathalie-michel-georgie-du-sud-1200\u00d7800\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#767676\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d12px\u201d background_color=\u201drgba(0,0,0,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]Nathalie Michel in South Georgia \/ \u00a9Nathalie Michel[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px|10px|true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||50px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d19px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
How do you reconcile your work as photographers with that of naturalists or even the presence of guests on board?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0We need to work with the\u00a0<\/span>naturalists\u00a0<\/span><\/a>and lecturers to find out the names of animals, the histories, and the places that can be described in images. They help us tremendously with our captions. There is true teamwork on board.<\/span>
During expedition cruises, we take part in the\u00a0<\/span>briefings\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>that the expedition leader gives to the naturalists before every landing. The photo and video teams go with the first Zodiac launched. The naturalists scout the location to ensure that the guests will be\u00a0<\/span>safe\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and to\u00a0<\/span>protect\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>the areas where the animals are. The photographers and cameramen accompany them. We take pictures that they will use during meetings at the end of the day. Of course, we also capture\u00a0<\/span>exceptional moments<\/strong>, such as an albatross in its nest or a seal colony. We see the same things as our guests, but our work as photographers requires that we are present in the field sooner.<\/span><\/p>\nWhen you take a photo, what is essential to share?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0When it comes to a professional photographer or film maker, the minimum that\u2019s expected is image\u00a0<\/span>quality<\/strong>. For me, the most beautiful photographs are not the ones that are the most technically perfect. Field photographers are successful when they convey an\u00a0<\/span>emotion<\/strong>, when they capture an animal\u2019s sensitive side, something that amuses or shocks. As for landscapes, you must find a particular essence, offer an artistic eye. You need to know how to watch and convey, share, move.<\/span><\/p>\n
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What do encounters with populations at the end of the world look like when you have a camera in your hands?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0Everywhere in the world, whether\u00a0<\/span>Greenland<\/a> or\u00a0<\/span>Oceania<\/a>, when our cruises are planned, expedition leaders get in touch with traditional leaders or representatives of the peoples visited. They tell them how many people will disembark and they ask what we can do or refrain from doing to\u00a0<\/span>respect\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>their way of life. We are present during these conversations. We ask them what their limits are so that we do not disrupt their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n
As far as I\u2019m concerned, I find it very easy to make contact with people whose language I don\u2019t speak. One thing is certain \u2013 I never make initial contact by placing my lens between me and the other person. You must become\u00a0<\/span>acquainted\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>with the other, become aware of the other, during a conversation. Only afterwards do you take photographs. In such cases, I ask for permission, and I respect their wishes if they say no. A successful portrait can only be beautiful if you have the other person\u2019s consent. Even if they don\u2019t look directly into the camera, you can capture\u00a0<\/span>outbursts of laughter<\/strong>\u00a0and certain attitudes\u2026 There\u2019s a series of photos I entitled \u201cWhen Ponant looks at the world, the world smiles back,\u201d because we have an\u00a0<\/span>interest in<\/strong>, a\u00a0<\/span>respect of<\/strong>, and a desire to share with people. We don\u2019t come to exploit or market them, and they feel that.<\/span><\/p>\n
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What is the most beautiful compliment you can receive regarding a photograph?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0I don\u2019t necessarily feel the need to hear,\u00a0<\/span>\u201cOh, what a beautiful photo!\u201d<\/em>\u00a0I prefer to be told:\u00a0<\/span>\u201cThis photo gave me shivers.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0I like to convey emotions and evoke\u00a0<\/span>memories\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>through a portrait or a landscape.<\/span><\/p>\n
What is the most beautiful memory you have from a trip?<\/h3>\n
Nathalie Michel:<\/strong>\u00a0I have many, but above all, I\u2019ve had\u00a0<\/span>human encounters<\/strong>\u00a0that have shaken me. The important thing is not to have gone around the world\u00a0<\/span>three times<\/strong>, but to be free to go anywhere in the world, to do so and to appreciate how\u00a0<\/span>lucky\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>you are. I can tell myself:\u00a0<\/span>\u201cToday I\u2019m at the foot of the Corcovado in\u00a0<\/span>Brazil<\/a>, yesterday I was on a glacier in\u00a0<\/span>Antarctica<\/a>, and tomorrow I will be in Kamchatka with orcs, on the far eastern coast of Russia.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
Is there a place you haven\u2019t explored yet and that you dream of?<\/h3>\n