Carlos Gavela | Photographer | Videographer | Freediver |South America | Galápagos Islands
Born in Quito, now living in the Galápagos Islands, Carlos grew up surrounded by nature, and the ocean. He quickly learned how mysterious nature can be, and to respect the environment that surrounds him.
In 2016, his production company Archipiélago Films was born, to create communication services from a clear vision of the environment.
Carlos has recently found a love for freediving, taking his camera underwater makes him feel more connected with the unique silence that exists under the ocean. He hopes to leave a better place for his son to grow up and believes living near the sea is the best opportunity to learn from the ocean and see the reality within it.
When did you first start your storytelling journey?
After I officially moved to the Galápagos Islands, in San Cristóbal, the capital. I began to relate more to the sea and take photos and videos of the sea as a practice for my professional life.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
Having had the opportunity to grow up with Gaápagos tortoises around me, taught me how mysterious nature can be, and to respect the environment that surrounds me.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I dedicated myself to studying multimedia design, photography, and video, and I also studied theatre and then bioconstruction.
I think they have been complements for my life and my professional career. I have not stopped learning since then, which I feel is a necessity.
Who/what currently inspires you?
My basic inspiration now is apnea, freedive. I like to practice freediving, and when doing photography and video I feel more connected with the unique silence that exists under the ocean.
What current stories/campaigns are you working on?
I am working in a short step on a documentary that is being created in conjunction with my production company called Galápagos, the latest evolution. It deals with how plastic reaches our islands and how the different actors of the place do projects in this regard to deal with this problem. We have been working on this for a few years, looking for sponsorships and funds.
I have recently made a short film called Waves of Change: Cetacea Galapagos Project, where I followed researchers trying to understand what cetaceans are doing in the Galápagos Islands.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
How we consume. We are predators of absolutely everything, and we have been poorly educated to discard things. So, for everything does not last a long time, I would like to see the possibility to change it for something new.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
To at least leave my son a better place, where he can be free from the city and the madding crowd, and in connection with nature.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
Living near the sea is the best opportunity to learn from the ocean and see the reality within it.
WEBSITE: http://archipielagofilms.com/
INSTAGRAM: @carlos.gavela
