Adolfo Díaz Freire, better known on social media and the waves as ADFOTO (Toñete), never misses a good session, both in and out of the water. He is always there, behind the lens, trying to immortalize the best moments of the sea and its wolves in action, #lobosdemardivision. Though his gaze isn't nourished by the water alone; we can also find him on dry land, for example, at O Marisquiño.
Here we let you get to know a little more about this great guy, both in and out of the water.
Where are you from?
My mother is from Bouzas, my father from Vichita, and I was raised in Coya, so I can say I am a purebred from Vigo.
When did you start with photography and why?
Well, this question is a bit complicated to answer since many things happened that led me to abandon the surfboard, but I would summarize it as the result of being a mediocre surfer who stopped having fun in the water, and because there is a strong photography tradition in my family. I decided to try getting on the other side of the lens and photographing my friends surfing; that happened about 7-8 years ago. Then I started shooting acquaintances, and now, if there is a good session, I try not to miss it.
Is it a hobby or do you do it professionally?
Personally, I believe being a photographer is an attitude, and although it is my hobby, when I take out the camera, go into the water with the housing, or start editing, I try to enjoy my hobby as professionally as possible. Taking many photos is easy; taking a good photo is very complicated, and I am still waiting to take one.
What do you like to photograph the most?
I like to photograph any board sport: surf, bodyboard, skate, although if I have to choose, I'll take the first two, basically because there are many more factors to take into account. You need to be very focused, and even then, you often need a bit of luck to get something decent, and that becomes a challenge, which is something I like.
Favorite wave?
If you give me a choice, I'll go with F3. I think it is a very high-quality slab, it's close to home, and the locals have always treated me very well and helped me when I needed it. (A shout-out to ALL of you from here).
A surfer?
If I have to choose a surfer, I'll stick with my buddy Oscar Prieto. I think I have more photos of him than of everyone else combined. I think he is a great surfer and he loves this sport, and that shows and helps when taking photos. Besides, it's a laugh to go with him in search of that great session we generally never find.
A photographer?
There are many photographers I follow, and I think I follow all the Galicians who take surf photos, but if I have to choose one, I'll stick with Angel Fotosplino; very good people, and his photos are an example to follow. Away from the beach, my sister has taught me everything I know.
A Nickname?
Since I was little, my family and friends called me Toñete; many still do, but I usually sign my photos with ADFoto, which are my initials.
