Kike Calvo - One Should Approach Photography by Creating Stories, Instead of Going for Great Single Images (Photographer & National Geographic Certified Educator From the USA)

I never took any photography courses, but recently while visiting my old room in my mother’s house in Spain, I found that my shelves were packed with photography and art books I did not even recall. My father was a serious amateur, always taking tons of family photos in the film era. 

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

Kike Calvo is an award-winning photographer, journalist, and author focused on culture and the environment. He is also the recipient of a Safina Center Fellowship

in 2020 and 2021. 

Kike has been on assignment in dozens of countries, working on stories as varied as belugas in the Arctic to traditional Hmong costumes in Laos. Kike's images have been published in National Geographic, The New York Times, Time, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair, among others. His images are represented by AP Images, Redux Pictures, and the National Geographic Image Collection. 

Kike is pioneering the use of small unmanned aerial systems to produce aerial photography as art, and as a tool for research and conservation. In 2019, his early work with drones was profiled as “genius” in the 2019 National Geographic Almanac. He is also known for his iconic photographic project, World of Dances,  on the intersection of dance, nature, and architecture. He has authored many books, including Drones for Conservation; Staten Island: A Visual Journey to the Lighthouse at the End of the World; and Habitats, with forewords by David Doubilet and Jean-Michel Cousteau.

In 2018, Kike launched “The Adventures of Pili” project, with the mission to create books and other educational materials that will increase children’s awareness of global environmental issues and foster multi-lingual literacy. Partnering with local NGOs, and adding the support of companies and readers, to date, 5,000 free bilingual books have been given to kids living in remote communities around the world. 

Kike has been part of scientific river expeditions in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. Over the years, he has joined numerous National Geographic Expeditions—from Spain and Patagonia to Costa Rica and the Amazon. He also enjoys teaching photography workshops and has been a guest lecturer at leading institutions like the School of Visual Arts and Yale University.

2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?

Passion. I can’t really explain what photography is. Some would say that it is a profession, other than a hobby. For me, it was and is the motor and the shaft of my life. It’s the thread that has accompanied me to be the person I am today. Perhaps I should say that photography has been my school.

I never took any photography courses, but recently while visiting my old room in my mother’s house in Spain, I found that my shelves were packed with photography and art books I did not even recall. My father was a serious amateur, always taking tons of family photos in the film era. 

So I believe I observed and learned to love the craft without realizing it.  Later, when I was earning a mass media degree in the United States, I started working for everyone I could think of, doing a variety of visual work. In many ways, this transformed me. Later, I also added an academic aspect to my visual training at the Charles Darwin Station in the Galápagos where spent several months documenting the Islands.

3. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?

This is a question that seems easy to answer, but that can be addressed in many different ways. I would suggest people explore my new YouTube channel where I share tips and lessons learned along the way. Most of the videos now have multilingual subtitles. But I would say that there are two things that are key, in my opinion. 

The First one is to stop and look around. We all dream of going to remote locations, but I discovered that the more personal and powerful photo stories can be found close to you. Look closely and you will be surprised. The Second is to approach photography by creating stories. Instead of going for great single images, try to work on in-depth stories. 

4. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?

When I started I believe that you needed artistry and talent, but soon I realized there are many great artists out there. And to be successful you need to understand that photography, even if it's your passion, it has to be approached as a business. 

5. What are various opportunities available for aspiring photographers?

It is a double-blade sword. Internet and Social Media have opened a world of opportunities, but at the same time, you are competing with visual creators from around the world. That is why I believe, today more than ever, photographers have to approach the craft in a multidisciplinary way. 

6. Which is your favorite book and why?

The Adventures of Pili in New York. It is a bilingual children’s book that marked the beginning of a project of love called The Adventures of Pili instead of explaining why it is my favorite book, I would let your reader's curiosity find out by themselves. I have many books at home. Our household is full of books. And even I listen to many books on Audible all the time, I still have a special love for holding an actual book. 

Kike Calvo - Photographer & National Geographic Certified Educator

Author: @theadventuresofpili | Founder: @colombiaphotoexpeditions | Youtube Channel

Interviewed By: Nishad Kinhikar