Underwater photographer Alvaro Herrero Lopez Beltran has just won the third overall place in 2023's Ocean Photographer of the Year competition. In this interview, he speaks to Oceanographic about the moment he took the heartbreaking shot of a dying, entangled whale.
Oceanographic: When did you first connect with the ocean?
Alvaro Herrero Lopez Beltra: My first connection with the ocean was when I was five years old. My grandfather bought me a pair of fins, mask and snorkel and he brought me to the ocean. I was a bit nervous but it was an amazing experience. I still remember today how it felt being underwater with him. I then did my open water course when I was 20 and my old boss gave me his old underwater camera – a 3 megapixel Canon with a plastic housing. That’s how I began taking underwater photos.
Oceanographic: How would you describe your photographic style?
Alvaro Herrero Lopez Beltra: I don’t really know how to describe my style but I’m pretty clear about what I want to show. And what I want to show is nature in its purest state. I want to show the variety and the beauty of the underwater world, the variety of wildlife, the variety of colours, forms and behaviours. Everything is so magical underwater and that’s what I want to show with my photography.
Oceanographic: Why did you decide to enter the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2023?
Alvaro Herrero Lopez Beltra: That’s quiet a weird one [laughs]. My friend sort of forced me to enter it… so I did.
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