My journey began before I did — in Cuba, where my grandparents and mother were born. During the Cuban Revolution, they migrated to Colombia. I owe my attention to detail to my grandfather, but it was my mother who gave me my first camera. And everything was different after that.

During my last semester while studying Advertising in Colombia, I discovered the power of an image and how brands can develop a connection to their consumers through this incredible tool. After the first week of photography classes and before starting an exciting career in the advertising field, I decided to adopt my grandfather’s Olympus camera and focus on becoming a professional photographer.

Just days after finishing all my credits, I decided to move to the US to start my journey as a photographer.

As far as my advertising career, I’ve never held a full time job as a creative at an ad agency. But I consider myself unbelievably lucky to work with some of the best agencies and creatives around the world translating briefs into images that help brands connect with their audiences through unique, inspirational, and motivational narratives.

Whether the shoot takes place in a studio, a remote Location, or what the subject matter is — at this point of my career, I feel well rounded enough to apply my own vision and style to any brand. Making the creative strategy the blue print or starting point of the process, I believe strongly that the work can only be elevated through creative collaboration together.

I consider myself a New Yorker at heart. This city made me who I am. I met my incredible wife Kathy there. My son Cristiano was born in Brooklyn. So much of my heart remains there. Due to my work, I get to travel there often — so the concept of home is much bigger than exactly where us three reside currently.

As of today, I still have yet to pick up my diploma from the Advertising School in Colombia.