We recently had the chance to connect with Mauricio Candela and have shared our conversation below.
Mauricio, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
What has surprised me the most is that while some clients really understand the creative process, many still underestimate what it takes to make great imagery. A lot of people think a beautiful photo comes from having a good camera, but they forget about everything behind it the talent, wardrobe, location, art direction, and the countless small details that bring it all together.
It’s also surprising how often people in high positions don’t realize that photography and directing are crafts that require time, preparation, and experience. To make something visually powerful, you really have to care about every single detail.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mauricio Candela, and I consider myself a visual artist. Throughout my career, I’ve explored different areas within the creative world. I began as a Creative Director at advertising agencies in my home country, Colombia (Medellín). After moving to the U.S. in 1999, I continued my career as a Creative/Art Director at several major agencies, working with brands such as Time Magazine, Mercedes-Benz Latin America, American Airlines, Ford, Chase, among many others.
After years in the advertising world, I felt the need to move to the other side of the camera — photography, a field I’ve always been deeply passionate about. While still working in agencies, I started developing my skills in photography and retouching, building a body of work that eventually allowed me to launch a solid portfolio and embrace life as a freelance photographer.
Today, I’m a commercial photographer and director specializing in lifestyle, portrait, and sports imagery. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned brands and celebrities, including Sprite, Coca-Cola, Burger King, Under Armour, Wyndham Hotels, Nokia, Skechers, Brightline, Ford, and Amazon, among others.
I now see myself as a complete artist, directing, photographing, and creating content, all while drawing from my background as a Creative Director to bring strategic and artistic input to every brand I collaborate with.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I think there are moments that simply make you feel good, moments when you realize that all the hard work has been worth it. Lately, for example, I’ve been invited to shoot advertising campaigns in places like China, Australia, and Europe opportunities I never imagined I would have. It’s proof that hard work always pays off.
I’m not sure if “powerful” is the right word; I would say it’s more about feeling proud and deeply grateful. When people see potential in you and trust you with their vision, it reinforces your own belief in your story. And that’s very important in a profession like freelancing, where there are always ups and downs.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, many times I’ve felt like giving up. There have been moments when I’ve doubted my abilities, when I’ve thought maybe I’m no longer good at what I do, so yes, definitely, it’s happened. As I mentioned before, the freelance world is full of highs and lows, and during those quiet periods, anxiety starts creeping in. I tend to take it personally, thinking maybe it’s time to step away or make a change.
It’s a very mental process learning to manage your emotions, to believe, and to keep believing. I’ve had moments where I’ve said, “That’s it, I’m done.” I’ve even considered finding another job. But something deep inside me along with the support of my wife, the people around me, and even my therapist has always helped me push through those difficult moments.
What’s good is that I’ve come to realize it’s mostly a mental battle. We create catastrophic scenarios in our heads, but the truth is, everything can be overcome.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I always try to be authentic and to be the same person at work as I am at home but if I really think about it, I’d say not completely. It’s hard to be exactly the same in your private life as you are when you’re working with clients and money is involved.
I’ve always tried to embrace my flaws and weaknesses, to be transparent with the people around me, and to stay true to who I am. But in my personal life, there are aspects that I believe should stay private, your relationship, financial or family issues, things that don’t need to be shared unless someone is truly close to you.
For example, on my social media, I don’t post about personal matters. I mostly share work-related content and try to keep my private life separate. I guess I’m a bit old-school, I don’t feel comfortable taking selfies or sharing my life through platforms. So to answer your question: yes, the public version of me is real, but it’s not necessarily the same as my private self.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I think I’d slow down with work and focus on doing only the projects that truly bring me joy without worrying so much about the financial side.
Actually, my life changed a bit over two years ago when I had a heart attack. I was lucky to come out of it well, but that experience completely shifted my perspective. Being so close to not having more time with my family and friends made me realize how important it is to do what you love, to have a hobby, to spend time with people who care about you and to laugh, laugh a lot.
I would stop doing anything that pulls me away from those things. I’d try to reduce stress and live a much calmer life, to spend those ten years the way they should be lived. But honestly, that’s how we should live regardless of how much time we think we have because no one has the future guaranteed, and we can be gone at any moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mauriciocandela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauriciocandela/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricio-candela/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MauricioCandelaPhotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mauriciocandela
- Other: https://www.behance.net/mauriciocandela
https://vimeo.com/user4468404
Image Credits
Burger King Campaign
Sprite Campaign
GoGo Squeeze Campaign
Brightline Campaign
Inca Kola Campaign
