Agustin Elejalde Angel | Photographer | Bali - Colombia

Matt Porteous met Colombian Agustin Elejalde Angel whilst travelling through the Maldives this winter, he was working as a surf photographer at the Ayada Resort on the Southern Atolls. Agustin spends his winters in the Maldives and the rest of the year in Indonesia, living on the island of Nusa Lembongan.

What's a typical day like for you?

I try to get in the water every day, depending on swell size and conditions I will shoot at my favourite surf break or go for a surf myself. If surf is not on offer I try to get some people together and hire a boat to go freediving, we have amazing coral reef and also some places where Manta Rays are frequently found. Sunsets are usually spent catching up with friends and walking my dog, Panela, along the beach.

What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?

I grew up far from the ocean, but luckily my dad took me and my sister on some epic trips. Looking for humpback whales in the pacific coast of Colombia, snorkelling in the Caribbean, going to some of the highest mountains in the Colombian Andes and stargazing in places with no city lights... Those and some other experiences made me feel a strong connection with this beautiful world we live in and stayed in the back of my mind to later help me make the life choices that have taken me to where I am now.

What/who currently inspires you?

Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier, Zak Noyle, Ocean Ramsey, Yvon Chouinard, Renan Ozturk, Jimmy Chin, amongst many others that use their art to raise awareness on environmental issues or inspire people and bring nature closer to them through images.

On location in the Maldives with Agustin Elejalde Angel - Photo credit Matt Porteous

What path did you choose after leaving school?

Growing up I always said I wanted to be a marine biologist, but some how ended up studying mechanical engineering, which I later dropped out from to study photography.

What have been the biggest challenges you've had to overcome?

Making the decision of dropping out from a future career in engineering to become a photographer. And currently trying to live in a foreign country and making a living with surf photography, it’s an everyday challenge but I love it.

What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?

I would like for all human beings to understand and feel that we are part of nature and not think of it as something external that you just see when you are on holiday. I would love for all of us to understand how every little thing we do has an impact on the world around us.

What do you value most in life?

Family, being able to see and feel the ocean every day, fresh air...

Agustin at work - Photo - Matt Porteous

Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?

Viaje a Ixtlan (Carlos Castaneda), Mission Blue, Plastic Ocean, One Strange Rock, Shark Water...

Photo - Matt Porteous

What brings you the most joy?

Surfing, freediving, swimming under barreling waves and marine life interactions.

Photo - Matt Porteous

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I hope my work inspires people to have greater respect for the ocean.

Instagram - @agustinelejalde