Everyone loves an underdog story, especially when it involves two friends working together to overcome adverse conditions and emerge victorious. Such is the story of Pablo Guerrero Tapia and Alfredo Castro Martínez and their triumph in the 2025 CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship in L'Estartit, Costa Brava, Spain.
After riding the high of their success (1st place in Wide Angle with Model, 3rd place in Wide Angle) we got a chance to interview Pablo Guerrero, one half of the winning duo, to get a glimpse behind the shots of their sweeping victories, the story that got them there, and what makes this competition such a prestigious one to win.
How did you two meet?
Alfredo and I met at my dive center, Buceo Iquique. He works with some friends who frequently dived at our school, and thanks to this connection, Alfredo started diving with us. We did a couple of expeditions around Chile, and over the time we spent together, we built a very nice friendship.
Pablo Guerrero Tapia and his dive buddy and underwater photo co-winner Alfredo Castro Martínez taking a selfie underwater.
Can you tell us a little bit about the CMAS competition?
Well, CMAS is the French acronym for Confederación Mundial de Actividades Subalcuates (World Confederation of Underwater Activities). This confederation organizes competitions that bring together representatives from various underwater activity federations around the world. Several underwater activities participate in CMAS competitions, but in our case, we compete in the Visual category of Underwater Photography.
The competitions have internationally validated regulations, which are updated to improve competition conditions in the future. These regulations specify the variables to consider for each activity. For example, and to put it simply, in our case, they specify the maximum number of photographs, the maximum competition depth, the competition time, safety protocols, prohibited actions, and other things.
3rd Place in Wide Angle in the 2025 CMAS Underwater Photography World Championship. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
How does CMAS differ from a typical underwater photography competition?
From my perspective, I believe the main difference is that it brings together the best representatives from each country, making it more than just a gathering of underwater enthusiasts. It's a competition for those who, through a preliminary national competition process, qualify for CMAS. In this sense, simply registering isn't enough; participants must demonstrate photographic proficiency according to the CMAS competition rules and regulations. This makes it a highly anticipated event worldwide.
Learn more: CMAS Underwater Photography Competition is a live photo contest event which means participants dive at the same location, at the same time, and there is no manipulation or editing outside of the camera allowed.
Eel getting work done at a cleaning station. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
What path led you both to the CMAS circuit?
We are both incredibly passionate about photography... we both share the goal of using photography as a tool for environmental education so that we can, in a way, bring communities closer to the landscapes and species that inhabit our ecosystems.
Now, what led us to the CMAS circuit is a really funny story. I had participated in the circuit before, back in 2016, but I left for various reasons. Last year, Alfredo encouraged me to rejoin so we could work together as a team. I had just returned from a work stint in Mexico and thought it would be a great way to spend time with my friend and do what we're both passionate about: underwater photography.
Unfortunately, we started at a disadvantage in the circuit: we didn't participate in the first event, so we had 0 points to qualify for the world championship. During the second event, our result was terrible, we finished in 4th and 5th place which left us with very few points and a big disadvantage.
But during the remaining four events of the qualifying rounds, we were able to recover with very good results and gradually moved closer to the final podium. This turned out very well for us, as I achieved 1st place in the Chilean circuit and Alfredo finished 3rd, which allowed us to secure the first spot to represent Chile in the World Underwater Photography Championship.
Pablo's award-winning 1st place image in the Chile National Circuit. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
How many shots did it take to get the right one?
To achieve the final result for CMAS 2025, we spent several days diving in L'Estartit. We were lucky enough to find a dive center, Aquatica Medes, with a great staff that catered to our underwater photography needs. This allowed us to explore the Medes Islands and the coast underwater, specifically the dive sites where the competition was to be held.
From the moment we arrived in L'Estartit, we took many unsuccessful photos, but the most important thing was that we were always open to surprises and enjoying the great time we were sharing as a team. Thanks to this, we were able to explore the landscape and learn a bit about the geography and wildlife of the area.
Although on the day of the competition, I remember it perfectly, we were 27 meters (88 feet) away with a strong current against us and it took us 8 shots to get the ambient photograph with the model.
What is your collaborative process like underwater?
Our work is inherently collaborative. We're very critical of our photographs and always try to do better with minimal intervention. In this case, due to the qualifying process for the Chilean championship, I earned the spot for the world championship to be the photographer for our duo. For this purpose, Alfredo was our assistant and model.
Now, photography isn't just about capturing the moment; it requires mutual planning and excellent communication to execute the shoot and achieve results like these.
One of Pablo's award-winning photos from the Chilean national competition circuit. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
How did you get into underwater photography?
The first time I used a camera was with my dad, Carlos Guerrero. It was a 35mm analog underwater camera, the famous Nikonos V. I remember being very small, and the metal base and the flash, plus the camera's weight, made me feel negatively buoyant. It was a lot of fun. I remember being between 5 and 7 years old when I had the chance to take my first picture. It probably all went wrong, but it's a good memory I cherish... Later, as I got older, I ventured into other cameras and video equipment, always guided by the experience of my father, who is a great diver and a great cameraman as well.
Regarding the competitive aspect of underwater photography, I've been fortunate enough to participate in national and international championships, specifically in the freediving category. In Chile, this is known as "photographic hunting," which involves photographing as many different species of fish as possible over a few hours.
In parallel, I've done work for documentaries and photography exhibitions, as well as for scientific journals and educational materials. Throughout my personal journey, I've always focused on highlighting the value of marine ecosystems and the beautiful tool photography serves to share what others can't see.
4th place in the Grouper theme. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
What tips or tricks did you use to get these award-winning photos?
I think it's more about mindset and excellent planning than a trick, which Alfredo and I developed. While it's important to know underwater photography techniques, I firmly believe that enjoying the dive, doing it calmly, and in a good frame of mind is also key.
Furthermore, it's very important to know your equipment, to let the camera be your eyes, and to have good photographic gear that you can rely on in any situation. In our case, we use Ikelite, so we're very happy with the results.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration in underwater photography?
For me, personally, my greatest inspirations in underwater photography have been my father, Carlos Guerrero Medel, who instilled in me a love and deep respect for the sea, and also my older brother, also named Carlos Guerrero. They have taught and guided me since I was a little kid, inspiring a profound love for nature.
How do you balance the technical aspects of photography in unpredictable underwater conditions?
I think that's the most exciting thing about the sea, especially in the South Pacific, where conditions are so changeable. We have to be prepared to navigate them, have good lighting skills, and know what to photograph. For example, when visibility is poor and you're using a wide-angle lens, you look for elements that stand out as the main subject. Now, for the conditions we have in Chile, it's very important to be a good diver first and then a good photographer.
One of the shots from the training days underwater in L'Estartit. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
Which of your winning photos was your favorite?
The photo I liked best, because of the situation in which it was taken and the context of the image, was "Wide Angle with Model."
Alfredo and I had a mental map of where we wanted to go to find the gorgonians, but we weren't entirely sure, since we hadn't been able to dive there many times. We had this last opportunity to do our Wide Angle shot after three very intense dives. We encountered a very strong current in the afternoon, but despite everything, we managed to reach the spot, and there we were, communicating in silence and through the exchange of glances.
Personally, I felt the photograph was a perfect moment, the result of all the previous competitions and the culminating moment for what we had been preparing for with such eagerness.
1st place award-winning image in the CMAS Underwater Photography Championship and also Pablo's favorite of the series. © Pablo Guerrero Tapia
What advice would you give aspiring underwater photographers who want to participate in photo competitions?
It's crucial to believe in their own creative process above all else, and it's also important to persevere in order to recreate in photographs what we often only see in our imagination. Whether photographing a fish, an anemone, a nudibranch, or a landscape, the important thing is to enjoy the process. A photograph by itself doesn't say anything, but if it has context, a moment of delight, it makes itself known, even if it's just an impression.
I also recommend that they seek advice on acquiring good equipment for their photographic purposes and, above all, that they be good divers who respect the environment.
What does the future hold for you? Are there any upcoming expeditions or competitions that excite you?
With Alfredo, the closest thing we have planned is a photography exhibition at the Collahuasi Art Gallery (one of our sports' sponsors). We'll be showcasing our journey in underwater photography, including our participation in the national and CMAS World Championships. We're also training for the next national circuit and the 2026 CMAS competition.
In addition, we're planning a series of underwater photography workshops and meetups. We're incredibly excited to continue representing Chile and our partners on the world underwater photography circuit.
This interview was translated to English and edited for length and clarity.
Pablo and Alfredo's Gear
- Nikon D7200 inside 200DL Underwater Housing
- Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye Lens
- Nikkor 60mm Lens
- Dual DS165 TTL Underwater Strobes # 40165
Additional Viewing
Fighting for the Best Picture: Live Underwater Photography Competitions
Photo Contest Tips From a 100x Winner
Safety Advice for Underwater Photographers
Tips on Entering a Photo Contest
Entering a Photo Contest with a Winner's Mindset
Pablo Guerrero Tapia is an underwater photographer, diving instructor, and Philosophy Graduate from Chile. Through the Aula Azul project he has developed a distinguished career in underwater photography focused on the conservation of marine life along the Chilean coast. In 2025 he was crowned the champion of Chilean National Circuit which earned him a spot in the CMAS World Championship and 1st and 3rd place wins in wide angle categories. Follow Pablo on Instagram @pezdepie. His CMAS World Champion partner, Alfredo Castro Martínez, began diving five years ago and has since dedicated his time to exploring and photographing the marine ecosystems of northern Chile. He combines technique and artistic sensibility to portray the beauty and fragility of the ocean. In 2025 he placed 3rd in the Chilean National Circuit and was selected to represent Chile at the CMAS World Championship with Pablo. Follow Alfredo on Instagram @alfredocastrom_fotos. 
