Cristina Mittermeier: Using Photography to Protect the Ocean

Mexican-born photographer and conservationist Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her career to documenting the life beneath the waves and translating those images into urgent conservation messages. Trained as a marine biologist, Mittermeier discovered early on that scientific data alone often fails to move the public. She turned to photography as a way to bridge that gap, using visual storytelling to reconnect people with the ocean and inspire action to protect it.

From Marine Biology to Visual Storytelling

Mittermeier’s path to photography was unexpected. What began as a personal interest grew into a profession after an accidental award—her now ex-husband entered one of her photos into a competition and it won. That recognition convinced her to follow a new course: combining scientific understanding with a photographer’s eye to communicate the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.

Her background as a marine biologist informs every image she makes. She approaches subjects with respect and scientific sensitivity, yet frames them in ways that speak to broader audiences. Her photographs do more than document species and habitats; they aim to evoke empathy, provoke curiosity, and make complex conservation issues accessible to people who might otherwise overlook them.

“Alone Together”: A Moment of Connection

One of Mittermeier’s most moving photos, titled “Alone Together,” was taken during a visit to Moorea in French Polynesia. The image captures an intimate encounter between Titouan Bernicot and a playful pink whiptail stingray in the warm, shallow waters around Bernicot’s home island. Bernicot, who grew up on a pearl farm in the Pacific, appears at ease in the water—comfortable in a space shared with another species.

The photograph highlights a simple but powerful idea: humans are part of marine ecosystems, not separate from them. By bringing viewers face to face with a single, serene moment, “Alone Together” encourages a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s inhabitants and a clearer sense of why they deserve protection.

Partnerships and Purpose

Mittermeier now travels the globe with her life partner, Canadian wildlife photographer, videographer and marine biologist Paul Nicklen. Together they focus on spending more time on and below the ocean surface, documenting both its wonders and the threats it faces. In 2019 they commissioned a 62-foot ketch-rigged catamaran, which they named SeaLegacy 1 after the nonprofit organization they cofounded. SeaLegacy produces high-impact visual campaigns aimed at galvanizing public support for ocean conservation.

Beyond expedition work, Mittermeier leverages print sales and partnerships to fund conservation efforts. Prints of “Alone Together” and other images are made available through mitty.art and through the nonprofit Vital Impacts to raise money for four environmental organizations, including SeaLegacy. These sales are one of several ways she transforms photographic work into tangible support for protection and restoration projects around the world.

The Power of Images in Conservation

Mittermeier often emphasizes that images can make complex environmental issues relatable. A well-composed photograph can bypass technical jargon and speak directly to emotion, motivating people who might not read scientific reports to care and act. Photography, in her experience, helps rekindle an intrinsic connection people share with the sea and makes the urgency of conservation more visible.

With decades of experience at the intersection of science and art, Mittermeier continues to use her camera as a tool for change—capturing moments that reveal both the beauty of marine life and the fragility of the ecosystems that sustain it. Her work is a reminder that storytelling, grounded in scientific knowledge, remains one of the most effective ways to build public support for protecting the ocean.

This article was originally published in the March 2022 issue.