Name: Camille Robiou du Pont @camillerdp
Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
I’m originally from Nantes, France. I moved in South Asia in 2012 and Im based in Siargao Island, Philippines, since 9 years.
Can you share your connection to the ocean and how it fuels your passion for photography?
I spend all my childhood summers on islands, and being surrounded by water has always been a form of safety for me.
The ocean gives me a precious and infinite inspiration, especially when it is related to women. The way water sheds light on their body, giving confidence and freedom, a space with no separation between nature and the female form, where their bodies become a continuity of the surrounding universe.
What inspires you most and drives your commitment to protecting Mother Nature?
I go through ‘phases’ of inspiration, each time drawn to different elements of Mother Earth—water, flowers, clouds, roots, and more. Nature constantly surprises me, revealing new layers of beauty and meaning. It’s an infinite source of wonder, and all we have to do is acknowledge it. This deep connection fuels my commitment to protecting it, as I believe that the more we appreciate nature, the more we are driven to preserve it.
Which Abysse piece is your favorite, and what makes it special to you?
My favorite piece is the Coco Rib Surfsuit. I find it ideal for my work, as I’m always in the water. It’s very flexible and I love to feel warm after a long session in the ocean.
In your opinion, what qualities define an "Abysse girl"?
“An Abysse girl is endlessly curious, always eager to learn, and embraces adventure with an open heart. She pushes herself to explore, discover, and grow in ways she never imagined. A dear friend once told me, ‘This is why it’s important to keep traveling, to keep doing what you love—because you never know how far you’ll go or what amazing things might happen.’ That sense of possibility and fearless pursuit of passion is what truly defines her.
When did your journey into photography begin, and what drew you to capture life in Siargao?
My journey in photography began around the age of 14, when I was a teenager. I was obsessed with film cameras and spent all my money collecting broken ones from vintage markets. Although I earned a master’s degree in graphic design, I soon realized that my true passion was photography—I had no choice but to embrace it fully.
Siargao gives me a profound sense of freedom and has allowed me to explore myself in so many ways. Through my work, I strive to capture how this island inspires women to reconnect with nature, embracing its raw beauty and the sense of empowerment it brings.
What is your mission as a photographer? What story do you aim to tell through your work?
My mission as an artist and photographer is to make people feel —to create images that resonate with a part of themselves they may have overlooked or forgotten. I want my work to take them on an inner journey, sparking emotions, memories, and a sense of self-discovery, like traveling through their own mind.
What does a typical day in your life on the island look like?
On shoot days, I’m usually up by 4:30 AM to catch the best light. I often take a boat to a quieter island with clear water, spending the day shooting and coming back after sunset. On non-shoot days, I like to start my morning with Muay Thai or a surf session, then spend the afternoon editing or working on new ideas for future projects.
How do you approach your photography? Any rituals or inspirations that guide your work?
Being alone and listening music before a shoot is the best to make me relax and empower.
How does sustainability influence your lifestyle and creative choices?
Living for a decade on a small island in the middle of the Pacific, far from big shops and brands, has shaped my mindset to distance myself from consumer culture. Nature is my biggest source of inspiration, and I try to honor it as much as possible in my photography—capturing its beauty in a way that reminds us to respect and protect it.
What has been the biggest challenge in your journey as an artist, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges has been navigating my emotions—they can be intense, but they also fuel my creativity. It’s an ongoing process of finding balance, learning from them, and using that energy to grow both personally and artistically.
Do you have any exciting projects, expeditions, or art exhibitions planned for this year?
I have 3 new exhibitions coming, in Manila and New York :)
I will be back in Europe for summer, Im excited to visit my family.
What has been your most unforgettable underwater experience?
Impossible to respond to this I have too many beautiful experiences I can’t choose ! Im so grateful for the ocean
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A mix of Siargao, Tokyo and France. Nature, work and family :)
