« I am not a regular at championships or competitions. ” explains the native of the Old Port of Bastia, ” but 3 years ago I had the opportunity to participate in the French Championships in Marseille and the desire to organize it in Corsica and participate came to me “It was in Marseille that Tony, an underwater photographer and professional diver, met Martine Ruoppolo, a competitor with her husband and a member of the Photo and Video Commission at the FFESSM, the French Federation for Underwater Studies and Sports.During these championships in Marseille we got on well and when Tony wanted to organize the championships in Bastia we came to scout out the area with the commission and we were enthusiastic about the beauty of the seabed. ».
These French championships brought together 21 teams of photographers and 6 video pairs from all over France and overseas. Organized by the Marine Diving Center diving club of Marine Viacara, Tony’s daughter, they had as a partner the Marine Natural Park of Cap Corse and Agriate. From June 26 to 29, the participants for the photo carried out 4 dives, on 4 different sites (protected sites of Minelli, Petit Pain de Sucre, the aquarium and the wreck of La Louise, a liner stranded in 1860 in the port of Bastia), spread over two days to bring back the most beautiful shots corresponding to the themes: macro, fish, atmosphere, mobile fauna atmosphere and this year’s theme, posidonia, emblematic seagrass of the Mediterranean Sea, very present on our island.
French champions in all the photos
The videographers had a free theme. In the running for the title of French photo champion, Tony was partnered by Martine Ruoppolo.The role of the duo is above all a role of security, of protection ” emphasizes Martine. ” While the photographer is working, concentrating on his shots, his partner is monitoring the scene and also posing as a model. There is a real bond between them»
At the end of their two dives, the photographers submitted six images to the jury reflecting the five imposed themes. Tony Viacara and Martine Ruoppolo won the title of French Champions for all the photos, taken at a maximum depth of 30 m.For this competition, while the other competitors used a flash, I had opted for the headlight, which made Martine’s job even more difficult. Beyond being an exceptional person, she guided me in my choice, which allowed us to have another look at the competition.” Tony says.
« Above all, I remember a beautiful human adventure with different, enriching encounters with extraordinary people. I would also like to thank and congratulate my daughter for the organization and all those who helped her.” says Tony, beaming. As for Martine, who fell in love with Bastia, she decided to come and live there with her husband. ” There are fewer fish than in Marseille, but the seagrass is beautiful. ».
