Biography of the author - Jean-Baptiste MERILLOT

BIOGRAPHY

Born in 1978 in Besançon, I got interested in photography as a child, probably because my father had been taking photos since the age of 14. I was so small when he taught me the basics of black and white photography and printing that I had to get up on tip-toe in order to see over the edge of the basin; there I would watch, fascinated, as images emerged in the developing solution.

Years passed and my studies in microtechnique left me very little time for photography. Only in the late 1990s was I able to return to photography, combining my two loves, images and nature. Wildlife photography became a genuine passion for me and was a decisive element that set new developments in motion over the next few years.

Photo: Séverine Mérillot

FIRST STEPS IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD

In the early 2000s, my work attracted the attention of a number of companies in the Jura in sectors as diverse as industry, new technology and the environment. I also signed with several nationwide agencies, doing mostly nature and wildlife photography.

These players involved in the regional economy and know-how had no trouble convincing me to work for them. Strongly attached to my native region and determined to promote it in all its facets and with all the means at my disposal, I decided in early 2004 to go into professional photography.

PHOTOGRAPHY AS COMMITMENT

Although I now work with a large number of agencies in France and abroad, shooting photo reports for major companies and responding to invitations to tender, I still care deeply about local tradesmen, craftsmen and small businesses and contribute to their communication through my photos.

My ties with the Jura and my growing desire to acquaint the general public with the region (notably through the publication of my latest book, Jura, Land of Daring) have led me to work hard to promote it further afield, primarily in cultural and industrial circles. There are small companies tucked away in the Jura that are gold nuggets for the local economy - companies in high-tech fields such as micromechanics, the automotive industry and aeronautics - and the know-how they possess is sometimes unique.

PHOTOGRAPHY AS PASSION

In parallel to work that is true to my convictions and loyalties, I continue to take photos for pleasure. Over the years my passion for animal and landscape photography has branched out to include areas as different as photos of storms and pack shot photography.
All these areas arouse my enthusiasm, but none is as exciting as the world of motor sport.

Once again I have the good fortune of being able to combine my love of photography with my love of mechanical monsters. At regular intervals I can be found behind the safety barriers at small regional auto races, national championships and international competitions.

In a world where globalisation seems inevitable and visual communication in a global economy is of increasing importance, my well-trained eye and constant fine-tuning of techniques, the diversity of the subject matter I handle and my ability to adapt are what set me in a field apart.