Frida Lara | Photographer | Shark Researcher
Originally from Veracruz, México, Frida showed a special interest in diving and traveling at a young age. During her degree in Marine Biology, she worked on various projects in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Her research into the sharks of Revillagigedo is expanding scientific knowledge into the behaviour and life cycles of these often misunderstood and critically important animals. Alongside her crucial research, she uses the power of photography to change how the governments and people see the ocean and our natural resources.
Frida currently works at Pelagios Kakunjá (a Mexican NGO) as a data analyst, focusing on telemetry analyses, network analyses, and BRUVS, in support of projects carried out by the organisation with different species.
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
I have many. Probably the most impressive was seeing a dolphin giving birth during a dive at the Boiler. My study area. We were surrounded by other dolphins and mantas. And the mum just stayed with us the whole time, allowing us to be a witness to that special moment.
What/who currently inspires you?
Sylvia Earle and people that truly believe that we still have the opportunity to do something for our planet. I work hard every day to make it real.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I have always been working on conservation, participating in many different projects in the Seychelles, Galapagos, Cocos and Socorro Islands. Having the opportunity to work in such pristine places allowed me to take photos of our work.
What have been the biggest challenges you've had to overcome?
I have been able to face hard conditions, like bad weather, big storms in isolated islands. I have a deep respect for the ocean, and when the conditions are not good, We always rather be safe and wait to be able to work. During my fieldwork, I had moray eel bites, shark kicks during the tagging procedures, but I have been lucky to spend hours and hours with sharks and never had any serious problem with them.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
Change how the governments and powerful people see the oceans and our natural resources. Give alternatives to local communities that want to stop fishing and start working on ecotourism or other productive activities that represent less impact on the oceans.
What do you value most in life?
Friendship, my family and the surprises that the ocean gives us every time in the field.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
El viejo y el mar, Isla de la Pasión, Our planet, Blue planet and Jaque Coustaeu.
What brings you the most joy?
Sharing special experiences with my dad, friends or my boyfriend in the ocean. Be able to remember the feeling that moment produce me, the excitement and happiness, also how small we are and how nature designed such crazy phenomenons and species, like sharks.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
Be kind, care about the ocean, share your passions with others.
Instagram - @fridalaral
