Earth Tales Session

Underwater + Wildlife Photographer - Matias Alexandro

Welcome to EARTH TALES! A series of interviews and ‘Tales from the Earth’ from inspirational people whom are making a stance in the travel, sports and animal kingdom. We’ll be interviewing poignant people from travel & wildlife photographers, film and documentary makers, explorers, conservationists, biologists and adventurers.

In our 9th EARTH TALES Session - we had the opportunity to interview eye-capturing underwater + wildlife photographer - Matias Alexandro.

Growing up in the mediterranean coast, Matias wasn’t always thrilled about being in the ocean, in fact most of his childhood - Matias was scared of what was beneath the sea. These thrilling but terrifying emotions - motivated him to explore deeper and deeper into the sea beds. Not only did he discover bigger fish, the most colourful coral but made friends with what we would call the deadliest fish of the ocean - the Shark! Only to find that these species are not bad but beautiful creatures. In this mind-opening interview, Matias spreads inspiration and knowledge of these underwater individuals through his facsinating photography. How he views the underwater world and lets us connect to the wonderful world we live in.

Matias has pushed himself to experience some of the most exciting places on the planet and we couldn’t wait to hear more about his travel adventures.

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What enticed you to get into shooting underwater?

When I moved to the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean sea back in 2006, I instantly fell in love with their clear waters and really got into free diving. Years after - scuba diving. I started planning my holidays on how good the visibility is underwater and what wildlife I could encounter.

What parts of Ibiza are most amazing to you and why?

Ibiza is a great island full of diversity, in and out of the water. You have the largest wreck in Europe, incredible underwater caves, an underwater lighthouse and many hidden spots, that I will never reveal.

If I have to choose I would say the north as it's less untouched and quiet even in high season. But discovering all the bays is what made me fall in love with the island.

For those of us who don't know, tell us about free-diving?

Freediving is a one breath-hold dive, without any help of equipment. This technique gives freedom of movement underwater. There are many different disciplines in the sport but it's all about working with your mind and body, take a big breath and go and enjoy the underwater world. To me freediving is my passion.

What is your favorite sea mammal to shoot underwater? And which one have you encountered to be the most elusive and extraordinary?

I went to the north of Norway in the winter a couple of years ago. Freezing cold temperatures, crazy weather, 3 hours of light a day in a little town in the middle of the northern fjords.

The day after arriving I got in a boat and jumped in the cold water with a dry suit. As I looked down I could see these big white patches and the dorsal fin of a bull orca almost as big as me! I froze with adrenaline. I was so happily shocked that I didn't even take a picture.

Being in the water with killer whales is an extraordinary experience that I will never forget.

What has been your most momentous and friendliest underwater experience with a sea mammal?

This might not be the answer you expect, but swimming in the water with a horse is something really beautiful. They look at you while they swim as if they are talking to you. They really enjoy themselves cooling down in the sea. I also really enjoy watching jellyfish. They might be brainless but I find them fascinating.

Since you have encountered it so often, what is the feeling of underwater life and how does it equal to life on earth?

I find being underwater very relaxing and safe. It's a kind of meditation for me. Even if I spend a lot of time in the water every encounter is different and unique.

One on one contact with marine life is always a humbling experience.

Where is your favorite place to take pictures underwater?

The Bahamas. I love The Bahamas. Every island you go to has such a variety of wildlife. I don't think you can beat their clear waters infested with sharks. Just swim off the shore to the coral and you will find so many beautiful creatures. You might not see the sharks, but they know where you are.

What would be your dream destination to take images?

I dream of island hopping in French Polynesia. Sharks, whales, macro life, rays. Endless wildlife to explore.

For our readers out there, where would you recommend us to snorkil?

The Caribbean is a great area to explore. Best place to start is in the shallows. Healthy coral and clear waters. If in Europe I would say Scotland to see the basking sharks or swimming with grey seals.

Lastly, if you were stuck on a desert island with any animal - what would it be and why?

It would be with my two furry dogs. They are the best companions in the world. Also knowing that I would be stuck on a deserted island surrounded by the sea and its creatures.