David Aguilar

Photographer & Instructor at Capture the Atlas

Hi, I’m David Aguilar! My passion for photography sparked when I began solo traveling at 18. With a deep love for adventure, nature, and discovering new places, I explored Europe—visiting Iceland, the French Alps, Serbia, and more—while participating in environmental volunteer projects. During those travels, I realized I needed a way to express the powerful emotions I felt, and that’s when photography became my creative outlet.

Starting with adventure photography, my journey took a turn when I won the Vamos/Latam III contest in 2017, which led to a solo three-month exploration of South America’s stunning landscapes. This transformative experience shifted my focus to landscape photography, where I developed my signature style: vibrant colors, thoughtful compositions, and a touch of drama.

I taught myself most of what I know through countless hours of practice, diving into techniques for composition, color, and the magic of light. Over time, I mastered long exposure and seascape photography, and my post-processing skills in Photoshop became crucial in bringing out the essence of each place I capture.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my photography journey is leading tours and workshops. I love guiding fellow photographers through technical challenges and helping them shape their artistic vision. My main focus is to make sure my students understand how to handle their equipment while encouraging them to explore their creativity in the field.

I offer guidance on everything from composition and camera settings to techniques tailored to the landscape conditions we’re shooting in. I also believe in striking a balance between technical skills and artistic expression, so I always encourage them to combine experimentation and thoughtful analysis.

When I’m not leading tours or editing my signature moody landscapes, you’ll likely find me exploring the great outdoors. I’m a PADI Open Water Diver, and I love hiking, camping, surfing, and snowboarding—anything that keeps me connected to nature!

I can’t wait to create unforgettable memories and stunning photographs together on our next adventure!

Awards & publications

Vamos/Latam III Edition Winner by LATAM Airlines, 2017
Drone Video of the Year at Airvuz, 2018
Interview in Capture Landscapes, September 2022
Top 100 in ILPOTY (International Landscape Photographer of the Year), 2021
Top 100 in ILPOTY, 2022
Interview in Asian Photography Magazine, March 2021
Interview in Nomadict, August 2022

My gear

The right gear is essential for capturing the stunning landscapes and dynamic scenes I envision. Here’s a breakdown of the equipment I rely on to bring my photography to life:

Cameras: Sony a7RIII
Lenses and Filters: Laowa 15mm f2, Sony 24-105mm f4, Sony 20mm f1.8, Laowa 9mm f5.6, Sigma 100-400 f5-6.3, and Nisi filters
Drones: DJI Mavi 3 Classic

Photo tours I'm leading

Lofoten Photo Tour

Atacama & Uyuni Photo Tour

Patagonia Photo Tour

Summer Iceland Photo Tour

Madeira Photo Tour

Iceland Photo Tour

Swiss & French Alps Photo Tour

My happy students

Helping photographers reach their potential is what drives me. Check out what they’ve shared about our time together:

I had a fantastic week in February 2024 with David Aguilar and Prince Berkoh of Capture the Atlas in the Lofoten Islands. They took us to their scouted spots for sunrise, sunset, and Northern Lights shots, while also giving group lessons on photo editing workflows in Lightroom and Photoshop. Both David and Prince were experienced, patient, and great at helping us think through our setups and edits. Capture the Atlas provided helpful preparatory and follow-up videos on editing and using add-on modules. We had one evening with strong Northern Lights and made the most of both good and bad weather with outdoor shoots and classroom work. The settings they scouted—fishing villages, beaches, and mountains—were stunning, and our cabins were comfortable with living rooms and kitchens for downtime. I’ll definitely join another tour with them and continue learning from their expertise. Thanks, David, Prince, and Dan Zafra!

Steve Abernethy

2024 Lofoten Islands Photo Tour

In April 2024, I joined the Atacama (Chile) and Uyuni (Bolivia) tour, an incredible mix of landscape, astro, and wildlife photography. The logistics were complex but flawless. We kept busy with both day and night shoots, and the locations felt “otherworldly” in the best way—like the coral island with 12-foot cacti in the middle of a massive salt flat. As always, Dan and David were outstanding guides, and the group of ten like-minded photographers made the experience even better. In 2022, I attended the Dolomites tour, which was equally amazing. Despite having a set itinerary, Dan and David adapted to changing weather conditions, making each session special. We shot landscapes, sunrises, sunsets, and the Milky Way, and had helpful classes on composition and techniques. Italy's food and accommodations were fantastic too. I highly recommend Capture the Atlas for anyone looking to improve their photography in stunning locations.

Al Walker

2024 Atacama Photo Tour

I discovered Capture the Atlas a few years ago while searching for Milky Way photography tips. After following their stunning travels and photos for months, I decided to join their Patagonia tour—and I'm so glad I did! The experience was incredible, from the instruction by talented photographers Dan Zafra and David Aguilar to the breathtaking scenery and delicious food. The group was fantastic, and the sandwiches in Argentina and Chile were huge! If you're looking to improve your photography while traveling to amazing places, I highly recommend Capture the Atlas tours. I've already signed up for their Iceland and Lofoten tours and can’t wait! A great bonus of the trip was access to Dan’s Benro Polaris Masterclass. I’ve had a Benro Polaris for over a year but found it tricky to use. After struggling with limited online resources, Dan’s course was a game-changer. His two years of experience with the device provided valuable insights, and I’m now excited to give it another shot.

Jackie Lanpher

2024 Patagonia Photo Tour

David Aguilar and Francesco Dall'Olmo were our guides. David was the lead guide on the trip with help from co-guide Francesco. The trip was incredibly organized. Weather is a huge variable in Iceland and David had a plan B for everything. Whether be road construction, bad weather, or a hotel that would not check us in when we arrived. We went to an alternate shoot location or did seminars in the lobby, he was always ready with solution to keep us shooting or learning. Both guides were a great help solving photographic problems like composition, finding a setting, suggesting a lens, looking the right lighting, very educational and helpful. I am 74 years old and did not move as fast as the group. While David lead, Francesco lagged behind to help me deal with a rough path or a slippery incline. Both guides did their best to make the trip enjoyable for everyone. David was a master at picking restaurants, our evening meals were a local adventure and fantastic. If you go, try the Icelandic Food.

Brian Narveson

2024 Iceland Photo Tour

In September 2022, I joined the Iceland tour for landscape and Aurora Borealis photography—an unforgettable trip! David and Jose worked tirelessly to get us in the right spots, adjusting for weather. Seeing my first Northern Lights image was thrilling and exceeded all expectations. Southern Iceland’s beauty left me with over 2,000 photos and an international group of teammates made the trip even better. This was my second Capture the Atlas tour, and I've already signed up for a third. Update from 2023: The Dolomites trip was another fantastic experience. The scenery was stunning, with hikes that tested my 73-year-old legs, and the accommodations were the best of my four Capture the Atlas tours. David and Francesco were excellent guides, and the group was supportive and fun. Highly recommend!

Roger Dean