From the front lines of migration to the ocean, Colombian photographers are receiving international recognition for their work and powerful visual storytelling, and this success inspires students daily.

Colombian photographers have been making global impacts, winning some of photography’s top awards. From Pulitzer Prizes to coverage of environmental issues, their photographs are changing how Colombia is viewed by the world, and it’s also changing how students think and feel about photography.

“Photographers like Fernando Llano and Iván Valencia are redefining how stories are told,” Camila Zuluaga, journalism student, said. “They capture raw, unfiltered movements that often speak louder than any headline.”

Lanny and Valencia were part of a team that won the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography. Their work was of migrants from Haiti, Venezuela, and Colombia making their journey. The Pulitzer judges called it an “unprecedented chronicle of mass migration.”

“Emotion is crucial in photojournalism because it creates empathy,” Zuluaga said. “When an audience connects emotionally with a photo, they’re more likely to engage with the story.”

That kind of emotional storytelling is not something that just professionals do. Student photographer Emilio Fajardo mentions he thinks about this emotional connection when he picks up his camera.

“I really want the photos to be good quality so that people are amazed,” Fajardo said. “I want people to imagine themselves being in the scene.”

Fajardo started taking photos as a ninth grader when he joined the press team at COSMUN. It was a curious endeavor, but now photography has become a part of how he views the world.

”I started in COSMUN, and I’ve been practicing since then,” Fajardo said. “It’s a hobby, but it’s something I keep coming back to.”

And professional recognition doesn’t only happen in journalism. Environmental photographer Edward Herreno has won international recognition for his underwater photography that raises awareness about ocean conservation.

”Before reading about Herreno, I never saw photography as activism,” Zuluaga said. “Now I realize it can actually influence public opinion and policy.”

Global competitions like the 35 AWARDS are also showing Colombian talent. Photographers like Catalina Avila and Andrius La Rotta Esquivel were awarded among over 117,000 sqsphotographers from 173 countries.

”In a country with such rich culture and social diversity, photographers help document and share stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. That’s why it’s amazing that these photographers get great recognition,” Zuluaga said.

Photography teacher Andrew Shainker says that role models matter for students.

“When you see Colombians winning international awards, it makes students believe they can do it too,” Shainker said. “It shows their stories matter, and they’re worth telling.”

He also incentivizes his students to be innovative and not worry too much about being perfect.

”I’m less concerned about students being technically the best,” Shainker said. “What matters is that you’re taking pictures, trying new things, and putting yourself out there.”

Shainker also emphasized how photography is a huge part of journalism and not just a side piece to the article.

“The photo is the first thing people see,” Shainker said. “It’s the window for your article.”

He’s still concerned about where photography is headed with the increasing power of AI.

”Are we going to stop taking real photos because we can just generate something on a computer?” Shainker said. “We might lose the craft of being present.”

Art teacher Gloria Velez also thinks that photography needs to be taken more into account, both by schools and society.

“Photography is a great way to express emotions and feelings, not just to create a memory,” Velez said. “We need more photographers, designers, reporters, not just magazine-style photos.”

She believes that trying out different mediums, such as photography, enables students to find out how they like to communicate.

“When students try different mediums, they figure out what works best for their ideas,” Velez said. ”It’s very important for growth.”

To student Sara Rojas, photography isn’t about just taking pictures, it’s how students tell the world what they perceive.

“You can see how a student views the world and their day-to-day life,” Rojas said.

She believes it’s a way to document real student life, not stages, but authentic student life.

”He always captures the best moments, especially from students’ lives,” Rojas said about Fajardo’s work.

We can see the influence these award-winning photographers have on students, such as Fajardo, already imagining what his dream photography project would look like.

“I think a very special place to photograph would be Iceland or Norway,” Fajardo said. “That would be amazing.”

Between worldwide recognition, emotional storytelling, and students finding their voice through art, it’s clear that Colombian photography, both professional and student, is in a great position. And if the next generation keeps learning from masters, they might just be the next names on the global circuit. Photographers aren’t only important because of their photographic work, but also because of the impact they create on generations.