A trip to the Pyrenees | Santi Ráfales

A trip to the Pyrenees | Santi Ráfales
A trip to the Pyrenees | Santi Ráfales

It is defined as "obsessed with storytelling".. Santi Ráfales is a filmmaker and director who, through his channel of Youtube -Waygo- and account of Instagram -@santi_rafales- does just that: he tells us and inspires us in equal parts. Travelling, photography, cinema and art are his hobbies and he captures them in his videos and photographs. In the following interview you will get to know him a little better. We also leave you the video of his last trip in the Pyrenees.

Define yourself in a tweet: 

Obsessed with storytelling.

What is your favourite place in the Pyrenees and why?

The Pineta valley. It was my first time in the Pyrenees and I remember how impressed I was by the enormous valley that opened up before my eyes. The colour of the trees in autumn is magical.

Journey to the Pyrenees / Photo: Santi Rafales
Journey to the Pyrenees / Photo: Santi Rafales

What equipment do you 'shoot' with?

When it comes to video recording, I opt for my Canon 70D. Today there are many options for semi-professional video equipment, including some mobile devices that are capable of recording images at 4Kunimaginable a few years ago. Still, I prefer to shoot with a DSLR camera, because of the total control you have over the image. The canon 70D is perfect for video, and I could say it's designed for it. As for lenses, I usually use the Sigma 35mm 1.4In low light conditions (perfect for the mountains) it is able to achieve amazing results.

How did you start making videos? Where did this hobby come from?

You could say that my first approach to the audiovisual world was cinema. I remember being fascinated by what I saw on the screen and the capacity this art form had to move and transmit ideas. At the age of 13 I was already making my first short films and at 19 I began to study film at the ESCAC (Barcelona).

Journey to the Pyrenees / Photo: Santi Rafales
Journey to the Pyrenees / Photo: Santi Rafales

Who inspires you to follow this line of editing? Who are your references?

I guess the digital world and with it some influencers are references for many of us. I don't have a set editing line and I like to try new things all the time. I can even shoot a video with a specific editing idea, and the final result can be totally different. I look for many references for any project, and for that it is necessary to watch a lot of films, listen to music, read, visit exhibitions... For this video I had very clear ideas and I have a lot of ideas. references such as Sam Kolder, Jacksgap o TaylorCutFilms. Youtube channels that share original travel videos and are aimed at a younger audience that consume content in a different way.

What can't you leave at home? What is your 'must-have'?

The one that I think is for all of our generation, the mobile phone. On the smartphone you can carry everything you need: books, films, music. You can do shopping, you can do video and photography, you can communicate with other people. Without a doubt, the mobile phone.

What is adventure for you?

For me adventure is a journey towards learning. And by this I mean all aspects of life in general. Whether it's a peak to climb, a job, studies... Adventure is about taking risks, stepping out of the world you know and being willing (consciously and unconsciously) to learn. It is also important to stop and look around you. In short, a journey of personal growth.

What would you say to someone who wants to discover the outdoors and the Pyrenees?

Don't think twice and do it. There will always be a reason to discover the Pyrenees.