I’m Ower Contreras, a photographer and videographer based in the Algarve, working with people and projects around the world.

I’m originally from Colombia, from the other side of the world. I grew up surrounded by jungle, beaches and wildlife near Tayrona National Park, a place that shaped how I see, feel and photograph the world. Nature wasn’t just around me; it was my first teacher and my greatest muse.

My journey into photography began at a local foundation called Costeño Social, where I worked nonstop for two years to buy my first camera. One year later, I started studying film, but limited access to equipment in Colombia pushed me to learn in different ways. I worked on film sets in the lighting department and taught myself everything else through observation, practice and countless hours on YouTube, starting with a phone that cost less than €100.

Everything changed when I began to travel. I sold my photographs as postcards, yes, many of them, and used that money to fly to Asia. From there, my path took me through Africa and Europe, shaping not only my work, but my way of living.

Today, I’m based in the Algarve, Portugal. I work with adventure, surf, lifestyle, family, and nature photography, always looking for honest moments and quiet stories, the kind that feel real, grounded and alive.

Scroll down to explore my work.