Emiliano Arano's Photography Offers a Unique View on Ocean Waves

Welcome to Hero of the Week, an ongoing series sharing stories from some of the best photographers in the Pexels community.

A commercial photographer by day, Emiliano Arano can be found shooting everything from advertisements for major car brands like Nissan and Volkswagen, as well as product shots for fashion brands.

Emiliano's based in Mar del Plata, Argentina, but his photo work often sends him on scouting missions all across the country — meaning that he's been able to capture quite a few stunning outdoor scenes as well.

On his Pexels profile, Emiliano's often sharing what he says is his biggest photographic passion: documenting the many colors and moods of ocean waves.

We're particularly captivated by these sea shots. Both underwater and above, Emiliano's photos surprise with unique color and texture that's not so easy to achieve in ocean photography. Here, we're chatting with Emiliano about his photo story.

Pexels: How long have you been taking photos, and how did you get started?

Emiliano: It's been twenty years... I started in 2001, when I started a career in professional photography at the Martin A. Malharro Art School. But as a professional, I began working at Errecalde Studio in 2006. My first camera was Pentax ME Super with 50mm.

What camera gear do you use?

In the water, Nikon D610 or D7000 (Sigma 10-20mm / 85mm / 50mm) with a Deep Chille Waterhousing. On the earth, and for commercial work, Canon 7DMII or 6D (Sigma 35mm / 70-200mm); and in the air DJI Mavic Pro.

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot, and why?

I love photography in all its aspects, although my greatest passion is shooting in the sea.

What inspires your photography?

I think it is a difficult question to answer because everything in this world is an inspiring cause.

It is not only the sea, it is the context, it is the light, the shadow. But on the other hand, they are the colors of a frame in a Wes Anderson movie, or the music that I am listening at the time.

The good thing is that in all these years I have watched so much and I have gained enough experience to be able to portray those moments.

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

Mika Borgia, Ray Collins, Phil Thurston, Phil Gallagher, Pablo Jimenez, Francesa Owen, Chris White, Mickey Smith, Todd Glaser, Chris Stroh, Jeff Flindt, Eduardo Errecalde, Rafa Delceggio, Jasin Boland, Roger Deakins, Martin Parr...and many more. These are the ones I remember now.

What is one goal you have for your photography?

I think the main goal is to keep in constantly searching of the best ways to communicate through my photography, regardless of the device I have to capture the images.