Interview with Michael Nichols

Two years ago, I met Michael Nichols for an interview, in the rain. Immediately, he introduced himself, getting rid of labels: “Because I photograph animals, people call me a wildlife photographer, an adventure photographer, “the Indiana Jones of photography”; I’m a photojournalist.”

This year, while waiting for the photojournalist in front of his exhibition, where the picture of a giant Sequoia dominates the Eglise de Dominicains, I observed people's reactions, impressed by the size and beauty of the photograph.

The picture is an 18 meters high mosaic composed of 84 images. It is very complicated and technical, but in Michael's perspective, it is not what is important. "What I wanted to show is the magnificence of the tree. I look for an emotional response." Michael depicts the scene: "The forest is very quiet. Usually, in a tropical forest, you can hear the birds... Not in this one. The ground is soft, covered with needles. When you walk in this haven of peace, you can't see anything, just the bottom of the trees. Everyday, I walked around wondering how I can take the picture."

Michael struggled in his brains for a year to find a way to capture a complete and undistorted tree. He made a lot of mistakes. The breakthrough came when he decided to take the camera out of his hands and use technology. After 3 weeks of attempts, with a team of 8, he finally captured the 84 images, allowing him to share the immensity and fragility of this 1500-year-old giant.

Destruction of the environment and endangered species has always been a preoccupation for Michael. "I feel a huge obligation to do the work that I do. I'm kind of on a mission. The Geographic has such a huge audience that I really started to see how much effect the work can have". Michael wants to help to protect the few places left on earth that are truly wild.

California coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on earth, close to 120 meters tall and 2000 years old. Last century, 95% of Sequoias were cut down. "We cut down trees without thinking about it. Only 5% of the trees left. The 95% already cut are growing back and we keep cutting them. It's a disaster. Why don't we let them grow longer? I want to make people care about trees." The sequoias are an integral part of the ecosystem, safeguarding clear waters and providing refuge for countless forest species, as well as the local economy by producing lumber and supporting jobs.

The tree has a name but Michael promised the scientists not to say it. "What I can say is that the translation is "Mother of the Universe". We protect those trees. If they become too popular, there will be tourist buses, and we don't want that." Michael's project is like a secret he can share with the world through his pictures.

Michael is planning to put full size photos of three trees on buildings in San Francisco. "I want success with the public, of course, but with congressmen too. The aim is to heighten public awareness."

Michael is going back to Kenya to photograph orphan elephants. He shared with me the first pictures. The report promises to be a success.

Marion Mozzi