Juan David Tena

Juan David Tena, born on February 7, 1992, is a Colombian-Spanish humanitarian photographer, photojournalist, visual storyteller, and former diplomat whose work has focused on documenting identity, migration, peacebuilding, and cultural memory across Colombia and the United States.

Originally from Colombia and currently based in Orlando, Florida, Tena has built a career at the intersection of photography, diplomacy, journalism, and social impact. His visual work has centered on Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities along Colombia’s Pacific coast, as well as broader narratives of human dignity, cultural resilience, and historical transformation.

His photography and documentary work have received international visibility through platforms and media outlets including the Nobel Prize, United Nations News, UNESCO, El Mundo Spain, Al Jazeera, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and France 24. In Colombia, his images have appeared in major national publications such as El Espectador, El Tiempo, and Semana Magazine, contributing to some of the country’s most important visual records of recent history.

Professional Journey and Achievements

Tena began his career as a photographer for leading Colombian newspapers, developing a strong foundation in documentary, political, and humanitarian photography. A defining chapter of his career came when he served as an official photographer for the Presidency of Colombia during the administration of President Juan Manuel Santos. In this role, he documented historic milestones related to the Colombian Peace Process, including the transition of former guerrilla members to demobilization zones, high-level diplomatic visits, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo.

Following his diplomatic and institutional work, Tena expanded his practice as a freelance photographer, columnist, and cultural contributor in Central Florida. His work has appeared in publications such as the Orlando Sentinel, Al Día Today, and La Prensa, with a focus on migration, multicultural identity, and the human stories shaping the region.

Historic Recognition

In 2025, Juan David Tena made history as the first Colombian artist to present a solo exhibition at the Orlando Museum of Art. His exhibition, Portraits of FusionFest, celebrated cultural diversity through a powerful series of photographic portraits, offering a visual reflection on identity, belonging, migration, and the shared dignity of human experience.

In 2026, his work continued its institutional presence through Juan David Tena: Portraits of FusionFest, presented at Orlando City Hall, Mayor’s Office, City of Orlando, further affirming the civic and cultural relevance of his photographic practice.

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

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