About the Element
Water has captivated me for as long as I can remember. As a vital and life-giving element, it holds a unique place in my work. Our planet contains approximately 1.384 million cubic kilometers of water, yet only 36,000 cubic kilometers are fresh and drinkable — a reminder of its rarity and fragility.
History
My journey with water photography began in the early 1970s and soon became a lifelong project, using various cameras including my trusty 6×6 Rollei. Over the years, I’ve traveled to more than 40 countries across three continents, navigating the challenges of customs, travel, and film preservation.
From an early age, I was influenced by the colors and movement of the Impressionists, especially Vincent van Gogh. My life changed when I discovered a fully equipped photographic lab in our basement — a legacy from my father. Watching an image slowly emerge in the developer tray was pure magic, igniting a passion that has never faded.
Defining Moment
A pivotal moment came when I discovered a National Geographic book featuring their best photographs, alongside a guide from their photographers. This gave me the foundation I needed and inspired me to study Ansel Adams’ techniques — lessons that took years to master. My early fascination with water was further fueled by summers spent near waterfalls like “La lágrima” (The Tear), which left a permanent mark on my visual memory.
Technique of Water Photography
My approach is a fusion of Vincent van Gogh’s colors, Ansel Adams’ precision, and my own evolving methods. I work in both color and black-and-white, and experiment with digital effects such as the Sabattier Effect. My favorite subjects include national parks, glaciers, and highlands.
While I still occasionally shoot with my 6×6 film cameras, modern digital systems — now at 60+ megapixels — enable me to produce large-scale prints over 100 cm wide with exceptional detail.
To truly experience my work, I recommend pairing it with rock music and a good glass of wine.
Milestones in My Photography Journey
- Early Curiosity – At age 10, I experimented with a Kodak photo kit and later discovered my father’s full lab in the basement.
- National Geographic Influence – In 1981, their guide inspired me to upgrade to a Nikon F1 and refine my craft.
- Medium Format Transition – Acquiring a Rollei 6006 allowed me to explore large-format printing with Cibachrome.
- Digital Evolution – The arrival of the Sony A7R series with 60+ MP transitioned my work fully into high-resolution digital.
- Modern Printing Techniques – Inkjet printing on fine art paper, combined with Hahnemühle media and precise color management, brought my printing in-house and to museum-quality standards.
My studio in Calera de Tango, Chile, produces fine art inkjet prints, while a studio in New York handles silver-gelatin and color photographic prints for the U.S. market.
