Ower Contreras

Explore my work

Lifestyle photography & film Algarve

I create films that capture the feeling of being there, the energy of the moment and the connection with the environment. My approach is simple: moving like a fly on the wall, blending in and becoming part of the scenery.

From surf sessions and remote retreats to everyday adventure, I focus on the real story behind what first catches my eye. I’m drawn to natural light and cinematic rhythm, always aiming to create visual content that feels alive, authentic and deeply connected to place.

Plan your photoshoot

Package L

€430

Ideal for lifestyle or brand shoots

  • Session at 2 locations (for example, a yoga studio and the beach)
  • Up to 2.5 hours
  • Choose 50 edited photos from a selection of images
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Mathilda Coaching Retreat

Mathilda is one of Sweden’s leading voices in inner transformation, guiding women back to their most authentic and expansive selves. Through a blend of psychology, spirituality, nervous system regulation, inner child healing, and intuitive guidance, she helps people release old patterns, reconnect with themselves, and create lasting change from within.

Over the years, Mathilda has built one of Sweden’s largest communities for personal and spiritual growth, coaching hundreds of women through programs, events, and her podcast. Her work is rooted in the belief that true transformation happens when mind, body, and soul are brought into alignment, creating the foundation for a freer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

A retreat film by Ower Contreras for Mathilda’s coaching retreat. Women in white talk on a sunny terrace, share breakfast, walk the garden paths in bathrobes and sit in a wood-fired sauna, before the day ends with a sunset over the sea and a candlelit dinner.

Ripple Surf & Therapy Retreat

Ripple creates retreats where surf and therapy come together as part of everyday life by the ocean. Slow mornings, shared waves, honest conversations and space to reconnect with yourself.

For Ripple, I work as a social media manager, photographer and video editor. I’m in charge of capturing the atmosphere, the people and the special moments, as well as planning and creating content that feels natural, human and true to the experience.

A retreat film by Ower Contreras for Ripple Surf & Therapy Retreat. It follows the group through yoga, loading surfboards onto the vans, a surf lesson on the beach, lunch by the pool and workshop sessions, and ends with hugs on the terrace at sunset.

Short film about the Algarve’s women surf community

One of my favourite projects from last year was capturing the essence of a group of women who move together with the ocean, challenging the idea that surfing belongs to only one narrative.

This film celebrates freedom, connection and women dancing with the waves on their own terms.

A Board Babes x Sea Shepherd short documentary by Ower Contreras about the Algarve’s women surf community, sponsored by Quiksilver Lagos and Jah Shaka Surf Shop. Women change into wetsuits at the car park, carry their boards down a cliff path, warm up and hug in a circle, then paddle out together.

Arrifana Surf School and Camp

Arrifana Surf School was born from a deep love for the ocean and a life shaped by waves. Over time it became a place where people from all over the world share their first rides, stories and unforgettable days in the Algarve.

With a strong connection to the sea, the focus has always been the same: good energy, genuine teaching and the pure joy of surfing together.

A surf camp film by Ower Contreras for Arrifana Surf School and Camp. It shows an evening at the camp: guests gather on the wooden deck, peppers and meat cook on the barbecue, and conversations carry on into the night under warm lamps.

Art & Surf Retreat

A different kind of retreat, shaped by happiness, creativity, and free expression. Days filled with color and movement, from the women and the food to the surroundings and the shared energy. The video carries that playful, creative spirit and the joy of just being there.

A retreat film by Ower Contreras for the Art & Surf Retreat. The women skateboard past graffiti walls, do yoga under palm trees, pick herbs in a greenhouse, make collages from magazines and paint at a sunset picnic on a clifftop above the sea.

Brand content for surf camps, retreats and guesthouses

If you run a surf camp, a surf school, a retreat venue, a guesthouse or a small hotel, I can create photos and films for your website, your social media and your booking pages. Depending on what you need, that can be:

  • Photo series of your place and the people in it
  • Short films that capture the feeling of being there
  • Posts and reels for your social media
  • Photos and film together for one project

I’m a photographer and filmmaker based in Aljezur, on the Algarve’s west coast, and I travel across Portugal and Europe for brand work. The films above show how I work, from Arrifana Surf School and Camp to the Ripple, Mathilda and Art & Surf retreats.

Tell me about the story, campaign or experience you want people to feel.

Filmmaking & retreats For filmmaking or retreat projects, please contact me for a custom quote.

Plan your photoshoot

Tell me about the story, campaign or experience you want people to feel.

Plan your photoshoot

Frequently asked questions

I work as a photographer and filmmaker across Europe, based in the Algarve, Portugal. My main areas are:

  • Family photoshoots and pregnancy/maternity photography
  • Surf photography in the Algarve and other coastal locations
  • Nature documentary filmmaking across Europe
  • Documentary-style photography for retreats