How did your interest in wildlife arise?
I was born in the Argentinean Patagonia, surrounded by nature, in a place naturally privileged for whale watching – actually, there are many different kinds of cetaceans here. I felt connected to this place since I was little, but as I came of age, I became aware of what was it that connected me to it.
When I was three years old my family moved to the countryside, far from the sea. My encounters with whales ended up happening at aquariums (oh the irony). There was a time, when I was seven or eight years old, when in spite (or because) of being able to be around the animals I love my heart switched from dreaming of working as a trainer in the aquarium to openly condemn it based on their actions – I actually became a non consumption activist. I reckon that was the moment it struck me that love for animals is not enough if you keep them from their freedom.
How do you describe your journey as a photographer and a person?
My journey as a photographer enhanced and deepened my contact with nature. Even though I always had an interest in the environment, photography made me more aware that we are a part of it. We often look at it as spectators, standing on the side. Photography pushed me to investigate what I’m seeing through my viewfinder, and everything I learn has a link to me. I am a part of this. I always was and I always will be. If I don’t mind it, I’m not minding myself. Not for me, and not for my loved ones. It becomes an inner journey, right? This thought ends up challenging even those who have no interest in the environment, but do have it for their own survival. Questioning what surrounds me about its survival and wondering how to influence and harm as little as possible the environment helps me, in my opinion, to evolve as a person every day. And after all, isn’t this – at least a part of – our life’s purpose?
What is your view on Nature Conservation? How can we, as wildlife photographers, help to protect our Mother Nature?
I’ve always been aware of environmental care, but the conservationist me had a sudden growth when I moved back to the Patagonia. Walking through the steppe and finding that plastic reaches the confines of earth made me take on that responsibility. I think all of us heard the phrase “you can’t love what you don’t know, nor defend what you don’t love”.
I’m 29 years old and throughout my life I’ve went through different stages of conservationism, both personally and as a socio-cultural collective. It’s important to acknowledge and nurture this evolution that comes with the new generations – even though we may have a hard time seeing this change. Younger people have a keener perception about environmental care that their parents did not have, let alone their grandparents.
As a nature photographer, I feel that it is possible to raise a certain sensibility among spectators on what they’re watching that can end up challenging them, helping them develop consciousness on the possibilities and responsibilities that as human beings we all have to preserve Mother Nature… in the end, we are part of it. That’s something we ought to remember.
Can you give our readers the best wildlife photography tips? Do you have any recommendation on settings or gear for wildlife photography?
Underwater photography might be very Wildlife photography is really broad, and every project will require a particular technique: the only thing in common is and will always be utter respect for the environment. The fundamental principle is to never put our quest for the perfect photo over fauna’s welfare.
Animals do transmit discomfort if our presence is being disrupting: empathizing and acting accordingly is what I stand for as a photographer.
Another tip is believing in yourself as an artist, trying to be creative and getting the most of existing conditions when they are not optimal (lighting, climate, equipment, etc.). In the end, there In the end, there are many things one cannot control. Training your adaptation skills can bring many nice surprises.
What plans do you have in the future related to Wildlife Photography?
The lockdown triggered endless questionings about my future in photography, my quests and aspirations. I don’t have many answers yet, but I look forward to finding them.
I think it is part of one’s growth as an artist to question your own works and how satisfied you are with them. I cannot give a concrete answer to that since I’m transitioning, I don’t know yet… but I know I’m getting there, I have faith in myself, so the conclusion is imminent.
Tell us something about the gears you use.
I have a Cannon 6d Mark II camera. I use my Tamron 28-300, F/3.5-6.3 lens – a robust, all-around lens. It has the common aberrations to its focal, but it is perfect for sea photography since it allows you to follow an animal that comes near and away in a split second without the need to swap lenses or carrying two cameras – which is another advantage being in a tight, crowded space such as a boat.
I also like to use a polarizing filter since I can play with reflections, transparencies, the curve of the water on the surface and the animals.
The lockdown and its introspective revolution encouraged me to go for a double-sized focal: it’s on its way so once I’ve tested it, I will tell you all about it.
I’ll have to make up some kind of structure in order to stabilize it on the boat – bear in mind that a boat is a surface that lies on top of water, so you have to account for the constantly moving base while using a long focal. It’s not going to be easy, but I will have fun!
