Juan David Tena

Juan David Tena, born on February 7, 1992, is a Colombian-Spanish humanitarian photographer, photojournalist, and former diplomat, widely recognized for his commitment to documenting Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities along Colombia's Pacific coast. Currently based in Orlando, Florida, United States, Tena continues to shape global narratives through his powerful and evocative visual storytelling.

His work has received international recognition, being featured in prestigious media outlets, including the Nobel Prize, United Nations News, UNESCO, El Mundo Spain, Al Jazeera, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and France24. In Colombia, his photography has graced the front pages of El Espectador, El Tiempo, and Semana Magazine, further solidifying his impact in Latin American journalism.

Professional Journey & Achievements

Tena began his career as a photographer for prominent Colombian newspapers, honing his craft in documentary and political photography. One of the defining moments of his career was serving as the official photographer for the Presidency of Colombia during the administration of Juan Manuel Santos, where he documented historic events, including the Colombian Peace Process and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo.

After transitioning into freelance photography, Tena expanded his reach, becoming a columnist and contributor for influential publications such as the Orlando Sentinel, Al Día Today, and La Prensa, with a primary focus on Central Florida's cultural and social narratives.

Historic Recognition – First Colombian Solo Exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art

In 2025, Juan David Tena made history as the first Colombian artist to have a solo exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art in the United States. His exhibition, "Portraits of FusionFest," celebrated the diversity of cultures through compelling photographic storytelling, reinforcing his reputation as a pioneer in humanitarian and cultural photography.

With a career spanning photojournalism, diplomacy, and humanitarian advocacy, Juan David Tena continues to use his lens as a tool for social impact, cultural preservation, and visual storytelling on a global scale.

Awards

In 2015, Premio Nacional de La Fotografía Colombiana Canon in the "Smell" category
In 2018, "Cien Fotógrafos Colombianos - Volumen 2018 which identified and celebrated the top 100 photographers who have made substantial contributions to the visual narrative of Colombia.
In 2023, 1 Place Grand Prize - Visual Artist of FusionFest - Photo “Stories of my people”.

Exhibitions