David Vargas David Vargas

Capturing Costa Rica & Panama Canal

There's something about Costa Rica that feels alive in every direction. The country holds one of the highest densities of plant and animal species on Earth, and you feel that the moment you step into the forest. Photographing wildlife there is fast and instinctive. Howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and white-faced capuchins move through the canopy overhead while scarlet macaws cut across layers of green, and moments appear and disappear before you can think twice. I focused on reacting rather than deliberating, shooting continuously and letting the forest reveal itself on its own terms.

In the Emberá community, everything shifted. The Emberá are a river-based people with deep roots in the rainforest, and they maintain their own language, spiritual traditions, and a connection with nature reflected in everything from their art to their daily lives. The pace slowed, the noise dropped away. I spent more time observing and waiting, looking for quiet human moments. The community's craftsmanship was instantly recognizable, from vibrant woven baskets to body art made with jagua, a natural black dye derived from fruit. It was one of those rare experiences where you leave with more questions than when you arrived, in the best possible way.

The Panama Canal felt like the complete opposite. Stretching roughly 80 kilometers and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the canal uses a system of locks that raise and lower ships 26 meters to navigate the elevation of the Continental Divide. Everything there was scale, structure, and precision. Massive ships threading through tight concrete channels, water rising and falling in controlled stages, every element engineered with clear intent. Each lock chamber measures over 300 meters long and 33 meters wide, and watching a container ship fill that space almost exactly felt genuinely surreal. I shot wide to lean into the geometry and proportion, letting the sheer scale do the talking. After the density of the rainforest and the stillness of the Emberá community, the canal felt almost abstract, like moving through a space that exists purely to function.

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David Vargas David Vargas

Capturing the Food Story

There’s something special about witnessing the full journey of food, from market to table. When I had the chance to photograph a chef’s profile, I asked to follow them to the market to capture the candid, human moments that show where a meal truly begins. From fresh ingredients to the final presentation, each image reflects the care, culture, and creativity behind every dish. These are a few of my favorite moments from assignments in Indonesia and Japan.

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David Vargas David Vargas

AN AFTERNOON IN RAIATEA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Most visitors come to Raiatea because it’s known as the sacred heart of French Polynesia and the gateway to its sister island, Taha’a. However, if you spend time exploring Raiatea itself, you’ll discover so much more beyond its role as a starting point. Wander along the lush coastline, visit ancient marae (sacred temples), or drift down the only navigable river in French Polynesia. An afternoon here offers a glimpse into Polynesia’s deep cultural roots and natural beauty, reminding you why Raiatea is one of the most enchanting islands to experience.

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David Vargas David Vargas

An afternoon in Flores, Guatemala

Most visitors come to Flores because it's the gateway to the Mayan city of Tikal. However, if you spend time in the town itself you'll discover that there is so much more to this charming small island. Spend an afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, meeting the locals, and taking in the breathtaking views of the lake and you'll discover the small island of Flores is a stunning place to visit.

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David Vargas David Vargas

“An Afternoon In”

“An Afternoon In” is a new series that captures the essence of a place during an afternoon walk. I hope it inspires and provides an escape, for a moment, to a special place. San José is the capital and most populous city of Costa Rica. It may not be the most relaxing afternoon stroll with its unremarkable concrete structures and honking traffic, but it's worth digging deeper to discover the city's charms.

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David Vargas David Vargas

Sunrise Series - Bushwick, NY

The sunrise project is a series of photos taken before and during sunrise. I wanted to explore the moods and feelings evoked by the early morning light in different settings. My first few images were taken in Bushwick, NY.  The burst of color created by the graffiti and the morning light capture the perfect mood.

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David Vargas David Vargas

Paint Compositions

Shot with a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 Lense (with extension tubes) on a Nikon D700 Body.

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David Vargas David Vargas

Flower study

A flower study done with a film camera lens mounted on a Nikon D7000 digital camera.

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