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
1-on-1 photography tutoring sessions
Ready to enhance your landscape photography skills? In my personalized 1-on-1 sessions, I’ll help you capture the essence of nature with vibrant colors, dramatic compositions, and the magic of light. Whether you want to master long exposure techniques, perfect your seascape shots, or learn how to use Photoshop for stunning post-processing, I’ll provide you with the tailored feedback and guidance you need. Let’s explore your creative vision, sharpen your technical skills, and take your photography to new heights!
My happy students
Helping photographers reach their potential is what drives me. Check out what they’ve shared about our time together:
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