Underwater Explorer | A Photographer's Journey with Carp

We sit down once again with Marcel Panne, the talented underwater photographer and videographer, for a catch-up chat. As a freediver, Marcel’s breathtaking images of carp and other aquatic species continue to mesmerise and inspire, offering a captivating glimpse into the underwater world that will leave you in awe. His work highlights the beauty and complexity of life beneath the surface, building on the insights he shared with us during our first interview back in 2021.

Hi Marcel, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
“Hey, CARPology. It’s hard to believe it’s only been three years since our last interview. Back then, the pandemic dominated our lives. Today, it’s the war in Ukraine and Palestine, climate change, and AI that are poised to change everything. During the Covid period, I learned a lot and slowed down my pace of life. I even flew to Egypt again for the first time in years! It was fantastic to dive into the blue waters and see barracudas and sea turtles. I had the honour and pleasure of attending the 95th Oscars, creating unique light painting videos with all the winners. Technologically, a lot has changed in the past few years. The equipment I use for photography has significantly improved, and the post-processing tools are now beyond what I could have ever imagined. In other words, a lot has happened, but you and I are still the same, continuing to do what we love.”

Wow, you have been busy! You’ve captured even more incredible images, but where have you been diving?“Besides Egypt, I’ve mostly been here in Cologne, where I live. The abundance of new pictures and species I’ve encountered is due to my growth and experience. I’ve become much calmer in the water and have learned how to behave without startling the fish. I can now hold my breath for up to three minutes if needed, and my understanding of the underwater world has greatly improved. I know what I can find at different times of the year, which is incredibly beneficial. Experience is invaluable, and it’s something you can’t buy.”

Can you share any exciting encounters you’ve had while photographing carp?
“There are so many that I’m seriously considering a book project! I spend a lot of time with them, being in the water all but three months of the year, focusing on three lakes in my town. This has enormous advantages. I not only know the area but also all the animals in it. Three years ago, I reported that carp travel in large groups, but I am only now beginning to understand exactly what they do, how differently they behave throughout the year, and where they prefer to be and when. It was only last year that I managed to observe grass carp up close, which was always impossible for me as they are extremely shy. Now, I drift motionless on the surface, and they come by themselves. They don’t like it when you are among them, which is something I didn’t know before.

“It is also very important to let things settle when you enter their area. I used to start taking photos as soon as I saw them, which usually resulted in them all swimming away and me having to search again. Now that I know where they are, I spend a lot of time gaining their trust. They need to understand that there is no danger from me and get used to me as an intruder. They are very curious, and there is always a leader who decides for the group whether the situation is safe or if it’s better to leave.

“It’s a game that requires a lot of patience, but as you can see, it’s worth it.”

Have you ever observed any differences in the behaviour of common and mirror carp? And what about size—do the larger ones act differently than the smaller fish?
“I haven’t noticed any significant behavioural differences between common and mirror carp. The only carp that truly behave differently are grass carp. They are extremely sensitive and incredibly shy—one wrong move, and they vanish. However, they do have their favourite spots, and some even join groups primarily composed of common and mirror carp. In the animal world, the larger ones typically call the shots. They have the most experience and often lead the group. If you earn their trust, you gain the trust of the entire group, but only as long as you continue to behave consistently. For instance, they dislike sudden movements or flashes of light.”

When you’re in their environment, have you noticed if their behaviour changes depending on the weather conditions?
“Absolutely, the weather and season significantly impact their daily lives. In spring, they like to lay in shallow water and sunbathe. In summer, when the water is warm, they usually hide in bushes or among sunken trees. In winter, they all retreat to the depths of the lake, although I haven’t yet been fortunate enough to locate their exact spot. When it rains, they often stay near the surface, likely searching for insects. They definitely prefer warmth and need a safe place to hide. They also circle the lake in search of food but seem to have a home base. At least, these are my observations—I’d be interested to know what you think.”

What about thermoclines—do these affect the fish much?
“I find most carp close to the bank in the shallow water above the thermocline. There’s less food, oxygen, and plant life below the thermocline, and it’s much colder. Down there, I usually see big perch, eels, pike, or bream. I generally stay above the thermocline; it’s better for photos in terms of light, and I’m not a diver who can spend an hour at a depth of 10 metres. Although I’m really curious about what can be found down there, I usually don’t see much.”

Do you have any tips or knowledge you could pass on to our readers about how fish live and move through weed and lily beds, which could aid their angling? Are there clear routes that the fish follow?
“Regarding fishing in weedbeds and water lily beds, I can’t offer much specific advice. However, carp tend to prefer the middle of these areas rather than the edges, as they seek protection. They often stay among the plants, either eating or resting, much like cows in a field. They lay in the water lilies or lie on the bottom. A good tip for your readers would be to observe the water closely with a snorkel and mask. By watching the carp themselves, they can gain valuable insights and potentially save on expensive high-tech equipment. Every lake has its own unique ecosystem to be discovered. Have fun, and please be considerate to us snorkelers—we share the same passion, just from different perspectives.”