My primary jobs are as a photographer, film director, writer and live event storyteller, but it’s my parallel career as an athlete that's provided the bedrock inspiration for the soulful-authenticity that characterizes my work. 

When commissioned by sport brands, corporates and airlines, I work with key people in their organizations to custom build an expedition style team for the project. I’ve worked with some of my sports hero’s like Rodger Federer and Kelly Slater, whilst achieving my own athletic goals. I've paddled into waves at Jaws on Maui (the worlds most dangerous wave) and competed in a big wave event held at Africa’s biggest wave. In 2019 I was recognized for my part in two separate high surf rescues that saved lives. I’ve worked with brands that include Adidas / Asics / Breitling / Jack Wills / Levi’s / Puma / The North Face / Decathlon / Berghaus and Finisterre. 

A deep reverence for original design informs my traditional family values, which translates directly into my commercial lifestyle projects. I've shot campaigns for brands that include Vodafone / Nissan / Mercedes / Sony / Samsung / HSBC and Red bull. 

Even after 14 years as director, documentary maker, music-video-shooter and producer, I still have much to learn in the fluid seascape of storytelling. We recently finished a doci for National Geographic about great white sharks and have directed commercials and short films for brands such as Emirates / Finisterre / Adidas / “Leading hotels of the world” and Signia.

Shooting for Emirates since 2007 has opened the (cabin) door to many other airlines and airplane manufacturers that include Qatar airways / Etihad / Airbus / Boeing / Embraer / Royal Jordanian / South African Airways / Oman air and Saudia. I consider myself an expert in this field. 

My life goal is to shoot photographs, make mini-movies, tell in-person stories and write words that transcend new ideologies and trends, through adherence to original design. I want to ride waves for the rest of my life, raise daughters who personify truth and integrity and keep my promise to love my wife till death us do part.

bio photo credit:  Ricardo Simal