Featured Photographer - Christian Cardona

I’m Christian Cardona, a destination wedding and school photographer from Bogotá, Colombia. Father, Dad, graphic designer, business administrator and book editor. For more than 20 years, I’ve been dedicated to creating publications and photography for schools in my country. Recently, 10 years ago, I started as a wedding and portrait photographer. My approach to families and their celebrations enable unique images for my clients.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY?

Since school I’ve been with a camera, but I started in school because I worked in a website design firm that worked a lot with schools and weddings. Seniors I work with started to get married and call me.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

Simple, creative and elegant portraits respecting the moments of the wedding. I try to make each picture a beautiful image.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN IMAGE?

Sharpness, solid and vivid colors. Good composition and great moments.

WHAT INSPIRES OR MOTIVATES YOU?

My kids and wife. Everything I do is for and because of them.

WHAT CHALLENGES YOU?

That my clients always feel fulfilled with my service and the images I deliver. I always ask myself, “how can I show this story and in the process surprised them?”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT OF A WEDDING?

Portraits, getting ready and (not at the wedding - the prewedding). These are the moments when you can “play more” and be more creative.

OF ALL YOUR IMAGES, DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ONE?

Hard to say just one, but what I try, and also as a personal challenge, in all my weddings is to have one photo that is for me. The image fills all of what I expect from a photo - good light, good composition and a great moment. If I achieve at least one with that perfect “combo,” then I have my “favorite” per wedding.

ANYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHRISTIAN?
• Love Star Wars Legos, have a big collection with my kids. MagMod and Geekoto Ambassador.
• Have a personal project with The Organization of American States and the victims of the guerrilla conflict that happen in my country. The project is the Comprehensive Action against Antipersonnel Mines (AICMA) program and it supports a broad range of activities including:
- Support to humanitarian demining activities, such as advisory assistance, surveying, marking, and clearance of mines.
- Preventive education for persons living in affected areas and Victim assistance, including physical and psychological rehabilitation, and socioeconomic reintegration of mine-cleared zones.
• With my photos, we are trying to show the size and importance of this program and get the attention of countries that can give economic support to these activities. Sadly, I can´t publish many of these images because of the rights of the victims, but I’m super excited about this and the impact that my work can have on the lives of thousands of families.

TELL US ABOUT DVLOP

I find very interesting solutions with the presets and Lightroom brushes that help me work faster and avoid time I usually expend in Photoshop. Here is where I am finding DVLOP a great partner.