Greg Lecoeur explores the planet and is committed to the preservation of the Nature, using photography to expose the beauty of the marine world and raise awareness of the fragility of ecosystems. Recognized for his artistic qualities, his unparalleled patience and his sensitivity, he captures the emotion of the moment by creating touching images. His work has received numerous international awards (National History Museum, GDT, Sony Awards, Montier en Der, Siena, etc.). In 2016 he was named Nature Photographer of the Year by National Geographic and in 2020 Underwater Photographer of the Year by UPY London.
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Greg Lecoeur – “Diving with sea turtles is always a special moment. They can be several hundred years old. Some species have been around since the era of dinosaurs! This longevity forces, even more, respect. However, out of the seven species of marine turtles in the world, all are now threatened, and their danger of extinction is mostly caused by human activities: pollution, poaching or accidental catches of fishing boats… Crossing the path of this reptile, here in the early morning light, is a privilege, even more so when they allow themselves to be approached: some, less shy than others, do not indeed seem disturbed in the least by our presence. “
How did you hear about the Reservoir watchmaking house?
Greg Lecoeur – “Before devoting myself entirely to underwater photography, I worked for several years in metric systems, with measuring instruments. Reservoir has always been a benchmark in watchmaking for me, and when I had the chance to meet the men and women who founded this house, I fell in love immediately: our stories have a lot in common. , but more than anything that of passion as a driving force. ”
Location: South Africa
Greg Lecoeur – “Making this kind of images represents a particularly exciting challenge. Indeed, it takes a lot of time in the open sea and a lot of patience to spot schools of sardines, surrounded by predators. Bird activity thus indicates the direction and signs of predation.
Having the chance to attend a “Sardine Run” is therefore a fabulous moment: all the marine predators hunt in unison and team up for a great feast. The most spectacular are the seabirds, in particular the Cape Gannets. They pierce the surface of the water at an incredible speed, to find themselves in the middle of an abundance of life: school of sardines, dolphins, sharks, whales … “
How do you feel about having a limited series of watches in your image?
(GL) – “I am very happy and very proud. It’s an absolutely magnificent series, but what makes it an exceptional product for me is Reservoir’s commitment to the environment. It is essential for me to collaborate with brands committed to the preservation of Nature. Every gesture counts. ”
Location: Mediterranean Sea
Greg Lecoeur – “Originally from Nice, I spent a lot of time, from an early age, exploring Mediterranean waters, especially offshore. They reserve a rich and poorly understood biodiversity.
One of the most moving encounters I have had there is the one with pilot whales.
These smart animals are also extremely social and develop extraordinarily strong bonds. To be far from the coast, under the surface of the water, in front of this united group which came to investigate me delicately, was a truly timeless moment. “
What motivates you to go on underwater expeditions?
(GL) – “I deeply enjoy being underwater, studying and documenting marine species. Each place is different and has some fascinating features. Exploring the different regions, looking for images that you do not expect, photographing little or poorly known species, is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. ”
Location : Red Sea
Greg Lecoeur – “Sharks are animals absolutely essential to the health of the oceans. At the top of the food chain, they thus regulate the lower links. They are unfortunately victims of their reputation.
Yet they are elegant animals, moving with grace. Their swim – both leisurely and powerful – is hypnotic. At the height of evolution, they have seasoned extremely developed senses to become super predators.
Here, the oceanic white tip shark, well known as the longimanus, is accompanied by pilot fish: it is an ideal shelter for them, warding off their predators. It is a pelagic shark living offshore, and able to detect prey from several kilometers away. Very inquisitive, he does not hesitate to approach divers. He is one of my favorite photographic subjects to this day. “
What message do you want to convey through your photographic work?
(GL) – “Photography is for me a means of expressing my commitment. Today, for many, nature is an abstract, distant concept. Yet it is there, all around us. The environmental issues are now known to all, but we may not sufficiently measure the work necessary to protect and preserve our natural heritage. We are completely dependent on the health of the world’s various ecosystems and biodiversity. This is what I try to do through my images: touch, sensitize, move, in order to give the desire to protect. ”
Location: Antarctica
Greg Lecoeur – “This exploration of the polar waters of the Antarctic Peninsula was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had. Here, in this distant and uninhabited territory, diving is a real challenge. The hostile climate above the surface, and the freezing temperature of the water are not ideal conditions for a diver. But yet, under the ice, life abounds.
Initially set off to document the sea leopard, one of the encounters that struck me the most was the unexpected one with a group of crabeater seals. Despite their name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs, but only krill. Here, one of them was moving happily along the icebergs. A very strong moment in this absolutely magical setting. “
Biography Greg Lecoeur
Originally from Nice on the Côte d’Azur, Greg spends most of his time, from childhood, near the streams of the hinterland where his gaze is always turned towards the sea. The Mediterranean is his playground where he satisfies his thirst for knowledge in marine biology boosted by the adventures of Commander Cousteau and Luc Besson’s Le Grand Bleu. As a young adult, he made his first experiences in apnea, scuba diving and photographs. Despite the passion, Greg completed his business studies to follow his father’s career path and became an entrepreneur. But he secretly dreams of exploring the world and its oceans. It becomes obvious one day, he chooses to listen to his heart and takes a 180-degree turn in his life. He sets sail with his only baggage: his scuba diving instructor’s license, his backpack and his camera-equipped for underwater shots.
The great adventure begins in the Galapagos where he develops his photographic style and endlessly observes animal behaviour. The experience becomes a revelation. Destinations are linked all around the world, nomadic life turns into a second skin, punctuated by exceptional underwater encounters.
His image portfolio conquers the four corners of the planet and his images are published in prestigious magazines such as National Geographic and Le Figaro.
In 2016, his work was awarded the Grand Prize for Nature Photographer of the Year awarded by National Geographic with a photo taken in South Africa during the Sardine Run.
Beyond the many photographic awards won each year, including the one in 2020 for best underwater photographer of the year with an image of crabeater seals taken during the expedition to Antarctica, he is living his childhood dream. With his unique style, Greg captures through images, the emotions of the living world to tell the story of the oceans. These are testimonies to the beauty of our world, but also to its fragility and the urgency to preserve it.
To follow his work: site www.greglecoeur.com / Instagram and Facebook: @greglecoeur
Greg Lecoeur has selected the Hydrosphere Bronze diving watch model, and chosen a blue sunray dial to best reflect the seabed. He also selected a series of photos gathered in an exploration notebook and delivered with the model’s waterproof case. A promoter of coral protection, part of the sale will be donated to the replanting of a coral through the Coral Gardeners association.