The beauty of nature is so grand to the extent that experiences at natural areas may not only be rewarding and memorable, but also may be a path to create art. One way to artistically honor Mother Earth is nature photography. That is why for a long time we have wished to have a special talk with a renown photographer whose name speaks for itself for those who reside in Puerto Rico and are photography connoisseurs or highly appreciate quality photography: Carlos Esteva. Considering Carlos Esteva’s spectacular natural scenery and wildlife photographs, our quest was to find out his preferences, feelings and behavior regarding his immersion in the natural world. Mission accomplished!

We are glad to share our discoveries below after interviewing this excellent artist with over 40 years of professional photography experience.

The Interview—Carlos Esteva’s Immersion in Nature and Photography:

1) What usually catches your attention about nature?

“I like the silence and at the same time sounds nature extends. The silence because at a natural area I don’t get distracted listening to vehicles, radio, television, or people. Nature sounds are what mostly catches my attention: the wind blowing through bamboo trees, the river flowing over rocks, strong waves crashing on boulders, the Gray Kingbird (“pitirre”) singing, the Puerto Rican Woodpecker (“carpintero de Puerto Rico”) piercing tree trunk to build its nest or a frog’s jingling. All these hypnotize me.” (translation ours)

2) How do you find peace while exploring natural areas?

“While I am hiking, I focus on nature’s gifts. The concentration is so much that it brings me peace.” (translation ours)

3) What do you like to do regularly when you are at the outdoors?

“I like to wear my boots for hiking and taking pictures as well as for analyzing the environment. I first explore the habitat. If I plan to take pictures, I usually observe and explore nature’s offer and then I think about the photo shooting. I usually take pictures after having explored the area during two days. Sometimes I can take pictures on the same day.

Ordinarily I wait until the sun is setting or rising in order to photograph. These are two moments in which nature better allows taking quality pictures. That is why I love camping and have a tent. I can wake up early to see the place where the shooting might take place. I also have a kayak.” (translation ours)

4) What kinds of natural areas in Puerto Rico impress you the most or want to highlight and why?

“El Yunque because of its distinctive vegetation as it is a rainforest on mountainous area. There are different trails and areas worth visiting. For example, La Mina Trail. While hiking the path, I first see the environment from a micro perspective. I notice leaves, to what are branches attached to, type of bark … Some bark is peeled and has orange and brown colors contrasting. As I keep walking, I see scenery from a macro perspective. I look at the wide picture of the environment. For instance, I see the whole La Mina Waterfall. I stare at how water falls on a natural pool, the water’s power as it descends, how water hits rocks, flows and disperses. I see how the natural pool is formed.

Juan Diego Trail at El Yunque forest is an impressive spot. It is an easy-to-walk trail. As you hike, you can see diverse waterfalls, rocks and fauna.

The north coast between Arecibo and Barceloneta, especially when there is swell. I like seeing ocean’s strength as waves crash on boulders, especially on the coastal zone near La Cueva del Indio. I see how undertow shapes sand, it is like an abstract painting showing thin lines on sand. I notice water current resembling a river and how the “river” flows towards a “natural pool” which is actually the ocean. Then I spot seashells and footprints on sand, and suddenly I see nature as a whole, rock formations, waves breaking, froth… That way I see the whole ecosystem.

Cañón Blanco in Utuado. It is precious. Caonillas River ‘s blue water and its contrast with white huge rocks is spectacular. You sense a lot of peace. The water's melodious sounds resemble classical music.

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse’s scenery is impressive, especially early in the morning. Rock formations and their distinctive reddish colors, relaxing sea … Nature at this area distinguishes from the northern region as it is drier.” (translation ours)

Now we understand the behind the scenes of Carlos Esteva’s awesome nature photography production. Paying attention to nature from micro and macro perspectives while exploring each area, and noticing how natural resources or living organisms interact or connect with each other, are key for Carlos Esteva capturing nature’s vividness and energy. As he said, that is the strategy behind quality photos of nature. Carlos Esteva’s photographs speak for themselves—take a look at this article’s photo gallery and find out by yourself.