Robert Marc Lehmann

Not many people can truly describe themselves as an "adventurer", but in the case of Canon Ambassador Robert Marc Lehmann, the term feels entirely justified. Over the course of his career, the German photographer and filmmaker has travelled to more than 120 countries across all climate zones, capturing spectacular images in some of the planet's most inhospitable environments.

Whether going toe-to-toe with poachers in the Sumatran rainforest or documenting illegal shark finning in the Gambia, the ardent conservationist isn't afraid to address uncomfortable topics. "I'm passionate about changing people's minds," he says.

At 18 years old, Robert enrolled at the Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, where he fulfilled his dreams of becoming a marine biologist and scientific diver. Before long, he was embarking on research expeditions across the globe and was briefly in charge of Europe's largest aquarium. However, his attitudes towards keeping animals in captivity changed when he was in his mid-20s.

"I initially thought it was the best way to get children and adults interested in marine life," says Robert. "But animals can suffer great harm in captivity, and I realised that there are better ways to show people nature's beauty. This is when my real passion for photography started."

Although Robert had previously dabbled with analogue cameras, he didn't purchase his first digital model, the Canon EOS 7D (now succeeded by the Canon EOS 7D Mark II), until 2010. Despite lacking formal training, he was able to gain valuable photography experience while acting as a guide for professional photographers and film crews.

"I knew where the animals were located and the best spots to get pictures," he says. "Some of the photographers I met were quite secretive, but others, such as underwater specialist Franco Banfi, were open-minded and willing to show me their tips and tricks."

Thanks to Robert's diving expertise, he has been able to shoot in some of the world's most remote underwater locations. These include the perilous Yucatán cave system in Mexico, which he explored in 2012 while making the German documentary, Hidden Worlds 3D: Caves of the Dead, which he both helped film and appeared in.

However, Robert received one of his greatest accolades while working closer to home. In 2015, he was named National Geographic Photographer of the Year for his split-level image of a grey seal frolicking in the North Sea. "It was actually taken off the coast of Germany," he says, "so it's a picture I'm particularly proud of."

Robert may have been awarded numerous photographic prizes, but he's more concerned with the educational potential of his work. This is something he has been able to take to new heights in his upcoming seven-episode TV series, Mission Erde (Mission Earth), on the German channel VOX.

"If someone sees my images and comes away saying: 'Wow, I didn't know about the palm oil problem' or 'I had no idea that sharks were being killed', for example, then I feel like I have achieved something," says Robert. "It's what keeps me going."

What is your approach to working with animals?
"You need to let the animal come towards you, not the other way around. Sadly, I've witnessed a lot of bad behaviour from other photographers and film crews, who don't respect the animal's space and even go as far as to harass it. You see this in the final outcome: the animal won't be facing the camera or it will be running away."

Your efforts to document wildlife crimes can sometimes get you into hostile situations. How do you cope with the pressure?
"The most important thing is to be quick and professional, but it can be really hard. When I'm documenting illegal wildlife trafficking, for instance, I just want to scream and cry. However, you don't have time to give your feelings a free run or you won't get the best images."

How do you deal with light when shooting in underwater caves?
"I'll sometimes be carrying up to 10 different diving torches, lit up like a Christmas tree! I place these in the cave myself or give them to my diving partners to illuminate the scene for me. There will also be lights on the camera itself. When I was filming in the Bahamas a few years ago, I used a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II in a specially designed housing with two video lamps and two strobes."

Whose work do you most admire?
"Sir David Attenborough has been one of the most influential filmmakers on my work. However, in terms of wildlife photography, I think Paul Nicklen is the best in the world. I've also discovered a lot of amazing photographers on social media. Only a few years ago I used to say, 'Nobody needs Instagram!', but I've since found lots of people on there with similar interests to me – conservation photojournalist Paul Hilton, for example."

"Use your camera every single day. Even if you have all the best gear, you're not automatically going to become a better photographer if it's just sitting at home. To use a German expression, 'You need to know the device better than the pocket of your pants.' You'll then be able to react to situations within a millisecond and be ready to capture what I call the '1% image' – because 99% of the time you can end up with nothing."

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