How an argument led to a lifelong adventure

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Cristina Mittermeier and Paul Nicklen had spent years travelling to some of the world's wildest places, driven by the same mission: using photography to inspire people to protect the natural world. When they finally met, there was an immediate connection. But a heated exchange over conservation soon followed, and their budding relationship nearly unravelled before it had begun. They tell Outlook’s Clayton Conn how childhoods shaped by a Mexican volcano and the sea ice of the Canadian Arctic led them to the same calling. As they documented life above and below the waves, from close encounters with sperm whales to fragile marine ecosystems, mutual admiration grew into friendship, love and a creative partnership. Cristina and Paul reflect on becoming each other’s fiercest critics and closest collaborators, and how a shared sense of purpose has shaped both their relationship and work. Reporter: Clayton Conn Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Maryam Maruf Sound archive: Some of the sperm whale recording is courtesy of Manolo Alvarez. Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 (Photo: A recent photograph of Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier. They are standing next to each other on a boat, both wearing black wetsuits, buoyancy vests and dive masks resting on their foreheads. Cristina is laughing and looking at Paul who is in mid conversation. The sea stretches out behind them under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Water droplets on their equipment suggest they have recently returned from a dive. Credit: SeaLegacy)