Get to know our new In House Photographer, Alvaro Herrero, in this quick Q and A. Having recently teamed up with ProTec, Alvaro has been constantly diving, shooting and editing since day one and theres no sign of him stopping! We are very happy Alvaro is here shooting for us and we cannot wait to see more of his amazing images!
PT: What made you want to come to Mexico?
AH: I have wanted to come here since I had my first training as a cave diver in 2008. It is a dream come true. It has far exceeded my expectations. Not only the caves, but everything that surrounds it too. It’s a magic place.
PT: What’s been your favourite cave so far?
AH: Cenote Xulo is my favourite for several reasons. The cave is amazing, with many beautiful formations and great photo opportunities. I was part of filming a documentary here for Spanish television with my good friend Jaime and captured some images in the process. I have gained a special affection for this cave and get excited every time I go there!
PT: Where you where living before Mexico?
AH: I have lived in quite a few places before coming here; The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Polynesia, and of course Spain. Before arriving in Mexico I was working as a technical diving photographer in the Gili Islands.
PT: What made you pursue a underwater photographer carrer?
AH: My great-uncle was a commercial diver and underwater videographer. When I was 5 years old my grandfather gave me my first pair of fins, a mask and a snorkel, and since then I have wanted to share what I can see underwater with others. I have managed to pursue my passion in life and turn it into a career – I’m feel so lucky!
PT: Which of your photos are you most proud to date?
AH: I have been awarded in several photography competitions, including the GDT European Wildlife photographer of the Year and Underwater photographer of the Year. Being recognised for my work is something I am very proud of, so it is very difficult to choose just one photograph. But perhaps, the “Silent World” is the photo that I am most proud of, since it is a photo taken at 105m depth, and it represents all the effort and dedication that it has taken me to get here.
PT: Have you got a favourite cave for shooting?
AH: All the caves here have something unique and special about them so it’s difficult to choose just one. But I would say so far my best experiences shooting here has been in Nohoch.
PT: How would you describe your style of shooting?
AH: As a photographer, I always try to capture in my photographs what I feel in the moment and the emotions my surroundings give me. Despite being something very difficult to achieve, it is the emotion, the feeling that I try to convey. For me this is the most important thing.
Of course, the technical aspect of photography is also extremely important. A photo that’s correctly exposed, clean and in focus is essential for me. Without these three points, the photograph does not come to life.
PT: What can people expect from one of your photoshoots?
AH: I have chosen this profession because it is my passion in life and I like to transmit that in my work, without neglecting the technical side of photography of course.
A briefing to know our objectives, discuss the technical and logistical aspects of the photoshoot is key. It is essential to explain how we are going to work in the cave, what lighting techniques we are going to use, how we are going to organise and ourselves and communicate within the team.
Then we prepare all the equipment and go to the cave!
Once back at ProTec we will review the images together, select the best ones and then I will begin the editing process, before sending the images to you via email.
For me, it is not only the photographs, it is the EXPERIENCE while obtaining those photographs that is important, since later that can be seen in the images.
PT: What camera do you shoot with?
AH: For cave photography, I use my Nikon D500 and a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle lens. I have a couple of strobes and a lot of powerful lights to illuminate the cave.
PT: What are your short and long term goals here in Mexico?
AH: My goal is to take pictures that have never been taken before, to photograph those places very few people ever go and to share it with the world!
PT: How can people book the photoshoot?
AH: You can book directly with ProTec, send me an email, or you can find me most days at the shop either editing or getting ready to go diving.
Instagram @mekanphotogrphy
