Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Barquin.
Hi Carlos, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I spent over a decade working in television news, most notably as Chief Photographer and Producer for Telemundo Network’s morning show. That role placed me at the center of some of the most significant moments of our time. I field-produced and filmed presidential interviews, covered major hurricanes, and documented world-changing events such as the September 11 attacks, often under intense pressure and tight deadlines.
My career took me around the world covering three Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, the Torino Winter Games in 2006, and the London Games in 2012. These were environments where speed, precision, and storytelling had to coexist at the highest level. After stepping away from television, I came out of television retirement in 2021 to work the Tokyo Olympics. The pandemic had slowed my business enough to allow me to leave Miami for a month, making the assignment both unexpected and full-circle.
Some of the most meaningful work of my career was deeply historic. I covered the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome and the selection of Pope Benedict, assignments that demanded not only technical excellence but cultural awareness, discipline, and restraint. I also covered major world news events and worked with musical artists and public figures, learning how to adapt storytelling across very different environments.
Eventually, I made the deliberate decision to fully dedicate myself to building my own businesses. Today, that experience lives on through two distinct but connected brands. Through Barquin Creative Group, I help organizations and businesses shape their content by applying the storytelling principles of journalism. Through Barquin Photography, I focus on creative service, leading a team that photographs thousands of athletes, dancers, and students each year.
Across every chapter of my career, the philosophy has remained the same: respect the story, prepare relentlessly, and deliver when it matters. That mindset continues to guide how I build, create, and serve today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. While working as an employee in television, there was a built-in sense of stability and structure. Roles were clearly defined, teams were established, and there was a predictable framework to operate within. Stepping into entrepreneurship removes all of that. Suddenly, there is no safety net, no guaranteed next assignment, and no one else to absorb the consequences of a bad decision.
That shift was one of the biggest adjustments for me. The creative challenges were familiar, but the responsibility was fundamentally different. As an entrepreneur, you’re responsible not only for the work, but for the people, the systems, the finances, and the long-term vision. Learning how to replace institutional structure with self-created discipline and process was a steep, but necessary, learning curve.
Over time, those challenges became strengths. Building structure where none existed forced clarity, focus, and better decision-making. It transformed the way I work and ultimately led to a more intentional, resilient business.
As you know, we’re big fans of Barquin Creative Group DBA: Barquin Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Across both Barquin Photography and Barquin Creative Group, the core focus is the same: people and how they experience the process.
With Barquin Photography, the primary goal is to create an exceptional experience for the young people we photograph. Technical skill matters, but it’s only part of the equation. There are many talented photographers, but what truly elevates the final image is how the subject feels in front of the camera. That’s especially important with children and teenagers today. When they feel comfortable, encouraged, and respected, it shows in the photograph. Confidence changes posture, expression, and authenticity, and that’s something you can’t fake in post-production.
Barquin Creative Group applies that same philosophy to organizations and businesses. We help clients shape their content by focusing on clarity, trust, and message, not just visuals. Drawing from a background in journalism, we approach every project with intention, asking what story needs to be told and who it’s for. When people feel understood and represented accurately, the content becomes more effective.
What sets us apart is that we don’t separate experience from outcome. Whether we’re photographing a student or producing content for an organization, the process matters just as much as the final deliverable. That’s what we’re most proud of from a brand perspective, building work that people trust because they felt good being part of it.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One thing that surprises people is how methodical I am behind the scenes. Because my work is visual and creative, there’s an assumption that everything is driven by instinct or spontaneity. In reality, structure and preparation are what make the creativity possible.
Most of what people see as “effortless” is the result of systems, checklists, and planning built over years, first in television news and later in business. I’m very intentional about process, from how a shoot is structured to how a team is prepared, because that’s what allows people to relax and perform at their best in front of the camera.
That discipline isn’t always visible, but it’s the foundation of everything we do. It’s also what allows me to stay creative without sacrificing consistency, which is something I care deeply about in both my work and my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barquincreativegroup.com
- Instagram: @barquinphotography
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-barquin-13631a2b/
- Other: https://www.barquinphotography.com
