The first ever underwater photograph

The first ever underwater photograph taken in the South of France by Louis Boutan in 1899. The portrait it is of Romanian Oceanographer Emil Racovitza.

In 1899, French biologist and photography pioneer Louis Boutan achieved a groundbreaking feat in both science and art: he captured what is widely regarded as the world's first underwater portrait. The subject of this historic photograph was Romanian oceanographer and biologist Emil Racovitza, Boutan's colleague at the Arago Laboratory in Banyuls-sur-Mer, located on the Mediterranean coast of southern France.

The image portrays Racovitza in full diving gear, holding a sign that reads "Photographie Sous-Marine" ("Underwater Photography"). This photograph was not merely a scientific endeavor but also a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of exploration. At the time, underwater photography faced significant challenges due to low light conditions and the limitations of existing photographic equipment.

To overcome these obstacles, Boutan, with assistance from his brother Auguste and technician Joseph David, developed innovative equipment, including a waterproof camera housing and an underwater flash system. The flash apparatus was particularly inventive: it involved an alcohol lamp inside an oxygen-filled barrel, over which magnesium powder was dispersed to create a bright flash necessary for illuminating the underwater scene. This setup allowed for clearer images despite the murky depths and long exposure times required by the photographic plates of the era.

The resulting photograph stands as a remarkable intersection of scientific progress and artistic expression. It not only documented marine life and environments but also paved the way for future advancements in underwater exploration and photography. Boutan's pioneering work laid the foundation for the development of modern underwater imaging techniques, influencing both scientific research and visual storytelling beneath the waves.