Born to German parents and raised along the stunning Algarve coast of Portugal, Vasco developed a deep connection to the ocean from a young age, spending countless summers snorkeling and exploring its depths. This early passion set the stage for his lifelong love of the marine world.
After completing his training in culinary arts and hotel management in Germany, Vasco moved to Venezuela, where he earned his first PADI certification in 1993 under the guidance of the legendary Pepe Mastropaolo. This certification marked the beginning of a journey that would intertwine his professional and personal life with his passion for diving.
As Vasco’s career took him around the globe, his opportunities to dive varied with each location. However, over the past two decades, he has made it a priority to work in places that allow him to dive regularly during his free time. His family and colleagues agree that he is at his best—whether as a boss, husband, or father—when he has a healthy dose of nitrogen in his bloodstream.
In 2005, Vasco moved to the Galápagos Islands and purchased his first video camera, driven by a desire to share the incredible beauty of the Enchanted Islands with friends and family around the world. A decade later, he upgraded to a modern hybrid camera and began experimenting with still photography. What started as an exploration quickly grew into a full-fledged passion.
After years in Ecuador, Peru and Aruba, Vasco calls Miami his home since early 2023, and enjoys the variety of dives available within a car’s drive. Be this the wrecks off the Keys, the fantastic Blue Heron Bridge or the unique black water dives out in the Gulf Stream current.
Today, Vasco is a passionate underwater photographer, shooting with a full-frame Sony A7RV after years of honing his skills with various compact cameras. He is particularly drawn to the challenges of macro and super-macro photography, relishing the intricate details and creative lighting techniques required, often employing snooted strobes to capture his subjects in stunning detail.
To relieve the obligation of his regular dive buddies, which often include both his son and daughter having to “float about” while he tries to take a specific photo, he has secured the services of the always faithful – and never complaining – dive buddy, “Dick the Diver”. Dick, a Lego figure, has not only proven much more patient, but also a great companion to offer scale and a model to practice with when conditions are not great.