SPOTLIGHT: YOUR UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE CONVEYS A SENSE OF LAND AND SEA. HOW HAS MADEIRA SHAPED YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “My photography is deeply influenced and moulded by the beautiful intricacies of nature, the rich tapestry of my life experiences, and the diverse array of people I encounter here on Madeira. The natural world serves as my ultimate muse, captivating me with its ever-changing hues and textures, inspiring me to capture moments of raw beauty and fleeting serenity through my lens. Each personal experience I have lived through adds a unique layer of depth and emotion to my photography, infusing it with a sense of authenticity and storytelling. Moreover, the people I connect with bring a dynamic element to my work, allowing me to explore the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and personalities through the captivating medium of photography.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT MADEIRAN UNDERWATER LANDSCAPES, THE CONDITIONS, AND THE LOCAL MARINE LIFE?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “Madeira’s waters are known for their rapid descent into the depths; within just a few metres of the shore, you’ll find yourself surrounded by several hundred metres of water. Despite the quick plunge, what truly captivates explorers of the underwater world in Madeira is the remarkable visibility and diverse array of marine life that flourishes below the surface. The crystal-clear waters offer a window into a thriving ecosystem, where vibrant corals, exotic fish species, and other fascinating creatures coexist in a dazzling display of biodiversity. Every dive in Madeira is a visual feast, with the clarity of the waters allowing you to appreciate the richness and beauty of the ocean like never before.”

SPOTLIGHT: YOU’VE BEEN SHOOTING UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHS AROUND MADEIRA FOR A WHILE. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CONSERVATION CONCERNS IN THE AREA? HOW HAS THE OCEAN ENVIRONMENT CHANGED?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “My primary environmental concern revolves around the pollution affecting underwater ecosystems, particularly from both plastics and sediment. While we may not have the visible plastic waste problem that is prevalent in other regions of the world, the presence of microscopic plastic particles poses a hidden threat to marine life. Additionally, the accumulation of sediment and debris that flows from the land into the seabed has reached alarming levels. These pollutants not only disturb the delicate balance of the underwater environment but also have long-lasting effects on the marine ecosystem as a whole.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HELP THE ISLAND’S UNDERWATER WORLD? WHAT NEEDS CHANGING?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “It is evident that there is a growing need for individuals to move beyond mere words and begin taking concrete actions towards creating meaningful change. Unfortunately, this shift towards tangible progress is currently lacking in various aspects across the board.”

SPOTLIGHT: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I try to keep my shots as natural as possible. When it comes to capturing captivating wildlife photography, the key is to immerse yourself in the natural habitat of the animals. By observing their behaviours and interactions in their own environment, you can truly capture the essence of their personalities. So, grab your camera, head out into the wilderness, and let the magic of nature inspire your lens.”

SPOTLIGHT: HOW HARD WAS IT TO DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “As I mentioned before, diving is a natural activity that may not seem difficult at first glance, but it certainly poses a challenge. The limitations of our human bodies prevent us from staying underwater indefinitely, leading to situations where we must resurface even when we wish we could stay below. In these instances, we often have to forego capturing the perfect shot in favour of prioritising safety above all else.”

SPOTLIGHT: YOU ALSO WORK AS A DIVING INSTRUCTOR. HAS THE DEMAND FOR DIVING AROUND MADEIRA INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “Over the past four years, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, yes. Madeira has emerged as a secure and welcoming destination for diving enthusiasts. The island’s reputation as a haven for underwater exploration has attracted a growing number of people seeking to either embark on their diving journey or to experience the unique underwater beauty that Madeira offers. Despite the challenges posed by the global health crisis, Madeira has maintained its status as a safe haven for diving and continues to draw visitors from all over the world.”

SPOTLIGHT: BEFORE A SHOOT, DO YOU HAVE A PHOTO IN MIND OR DO YOU TEND TO IMPROVISE?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “In reality, it is a mix of improvising and being prepared. In the underwater world, being prepared is key, but so is embracing the unexpected. You never truly know what you might encounter down there – it’s a wild, unpredictable environment. Sure, there are moments where you can anticipate certain things and plan accordingly, like deciding whether to focus on capturing macro shots or vibrant fish swimming by. Nevertheless, a significant chunk of the work, about 70% of it, actually comes down to thinking on your feet and adapting quickly to whatever comes your way in order to nail that perfect photo or video. It’s all about being flexible, staying alert, and making the most out of every situation to get that killer shot.”

SPOTLIGHT: HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN WORKING IN THE WATER?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I am filled with an overwhelming sense of euphoria. It’s like I belong to the vast expanse of the ocean and the enchanting realm of the underwater world. The feeling of connection I experience is profound, as if I am a natural extension of these magnificent and mysterious environments. The tranquility and beauty that envelop me transport me to a state of pure bliss, where all worries and stress seem to vanish into the depths of the sea. It’s a sensation unlike any other, a sense of oneness with the pulsating tides and the vibrant marine life that dance around me. In these moments, I am truly at peace, embraced by the soothing embrace of the ocean and its mesmerising underwater wonders.”

SPOTLIGHT: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE DIVE SITE AROUND MADEIRA?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I don’t have a specific diving spot that I prefer, simply because I find joy in exploring the underwater world no matter where I am.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT’S THE BEST UNDERWATER MOMENT YOU HAVE HAD AROUND MADEIRA?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I have experienced numerous unforgettable moments that are difficult to categorise or rank in terms of their significance. Among these moments, the ones that stand out the most to me are those involving fish and their intriguing behaviour. There is something truly captivating about observing the interactions between different fish species and witnessing, first-hand, the unique ways in which they engage with their environment. One particular behaviour that never fails to fascinate me is when fish exhibit protective instincts, especially when guarding their eggs. In Madeira, we are fortunate to have a grouper species that display almost dog-like characteristics. These friendly groupers have a remarkable ability to form connections with humans, approaching us with a trust and familiarity that is reminiscent of a beloved pet. It is a special privilege to be able to interact with these fish, offering them gentle caresses and companionship as they swim alongside us, almost as if they were our companions in the underwater world.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “Good lighting is crucial when it comes to underwater photography and videography. Without adequate light, your images and videos can lack vibrancy and depth. To ensure I capture the best possible colours, I make sure to have a variety of lighting options at my disposal. For videos, I rely on several lights, while for photos, I use a range of flashes. Currently, my photography setup includes equipment from Nikon, such as the D800 and Z7II cameras, which allow me to capture high-quality images both on land and underwater. When shooting videos, I pair these cameras with an Atomos V recorder to enhance the video quality. To protect my gear and enable underwater shooting, I use Nauticam housings, which provide a secure and watertight environment for my equipment. In addition to my professional cameras, I also utilise my mobile phone for capturing video footage underwater. To do this, I use the Divevolk housing, which allows me to take advantage of the phone’s camera capabilities while exploring beneath the surface. This combination of equipment enables me to be versatile in my underwater photography and videography pursuits, ensuring that I can capture stunning visuals regardless of the setting or conditions.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR WORK?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I want people to be passionate about the underwater world and want to give them a fascination for the hidden wonders of nature that lie beneath the water’s surface. The endless possibilities for exploration and the chance to connect with the marine environment on a deeper level make the underwater world a source of endless fascination and wonder.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT HAS YOUR WORK TAUGHT YOU ABOUT THE OCEAN?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “That every day is different and that you can always spot something exciting and something new.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS AND TRICKS FOR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY? WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE ADVICE FOR PEOPLE TRYING TO GET BETTER AT IT?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “First and foremost, it is essential to be a skilled and competent diver to ensure that safety is never put at risk. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning is equally crucial. Always maintain a thirst for knowledge and seek out opportunities to learn from individuals who are already excelling in their diving pursuits. By observing, asking questions, and absorbing their expertise, you can enhance your own abilities and aspire to achieve similar levels of success in the world of diving.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT’S YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I’m not very active on social media at the moment, but I’m slowly starting to get the hang of it. I’ve realised that it’s actually a great platform for showcasing my work, especially when it comes to highlighting the stunning beauty of the underwater world. I believe that in the future, mobile phones will play a crucial role in capturing the day-to-day essence of our Blue Planet through photos and videos. It’s an exciting prospect that holds immense potential for spreading awareness and appreciation for our marine ecosystems.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “I am currently involved in organising the III Madeira Underwater Open, Photo, and Video Championship, an esteemed international competition set to be held on the stunning Porto Santo Island from the 11th to the 16th of May. This eagerly anticipated event will attract talented photographers and videographers from all around the globe, eager to showcase their skills in capturing the breathtaking underwater world. Participants can look forward to a week filled with thrilling competitions, networking opportunities, and the chance to explore the island’s rich marine biodiversity. It’s a fantastic opportunity for enthusiasts and professionals alike to come together, celebrate their passion for underwater photography and videography, and create lasting memories in this idyllic island setting.”

SPOTLIGHT: WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR AGENDA? ANY BIG PLANS FOR 2024 AND BEYOND?

PEDRO VASCONCELOS: “In 2024, my schedule is packed with exciting underwater events. Not only am I looking forward to participating in the III Madeira Underwater Open, but I also have the honour of serving as the president of the jury for the Mares Underwater competition in Croatia. Additionally, I will be travelling to Albania for the World Championship of Underwater Photo and Video as the national selector for Portugal. Juggling these responsibilities promises to be a thrilling adventure filled with incredible diving experiences and the opportunity to connect with fellow underwater enthusiasts from around the world.”

Pedro Vasconcelos’s aim is to capture the beauty of nature and the diverse marine life that exists around Madeira with his camera. In his role as diving instructor, his ultimate goal is to get as many people as possible to enjoy the underwater world. Born on Madeira, Pedro Vasconcelos has been passionate about the ocean from a very young age. After becoming a scuba diving instructor, he founded the Focus Natura scuba diving centre on the island to get more people to explore Madeira’s local dive sites and the island’s diverse marine life. He serves as the president of the jury for the Mares Underwater competition in Croatia, and participates in the Madeira Underwater Open.