Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Sandoval.
Hi Juan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From the bustling streets of Colombia to the vibrant shores of Myrtle Beach, my journey as a journalist and photographer has been shaped by a deep passion for storytelling and visual expression.
I earned my degree in Social Communication and Journalism from Universidad Sergio Arboleda and Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, where I also studied photography and completed several specialized courses in journalism, television, radio, and photojournalism. These formative years laid the groundwork for what would become a dynamic and purposeful career.
Upon graduation, I joined some of Colombia’s most recognized media outlets, including Canal Capital, City TV, and Red Más Noticias. In these roles, I had the opportunity to cover stories of national significance — from the country’s peace negotiations with armed groups to the powerful waves of social protests that swept through Colombian cities. As both a reporter and a photographer, I was often at the heart of these events, documenting history as it unfolded in real time. My images captured the intensity, emotion, and humanity behind the headlines.
In parallel to my journalistic work, I also served as a photographer for the Colombian National Army, where I completed a year-long specialized program in military photojournalism. This unique experience gave me a deeper understanding of discipline, strategy, and the power of imagery in environments of high responsibility and structure.
Due to security concerns related to my work in journalism, I made the difficult decision to move to the United States, seeking not only safety but also a fresh opportunity to continue pursuing my passion in a new context. I settled in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I began working as a photographer. Thanks to my background and experience, I quickly found opportunities to apply my skills — first with a local photography company, and later by founding my own business focused on capturing memorable moments for tourists and locals along the beach.
My company, established in Myrtle Beach, has not only grown steadily over time, generating significant income, but also plays a meaningful role in promoting local tourism and supporting small businesses through visual marketing. We’ve collaborated with several well-known restaurants in the area, providing professional photography and branding content that enhances their visibility and connects them with their audience. The blend of art, media, and entrepreneurship has allowed me to continue telling stories — now through images — and to contribute to the local culture and economy in a new and rewarding way.
Today, I continue to grow both as a creative and as a business owner, proud of my roots and excited about what lies ahead. Whether covering political movements in Colombia or photographing families on vacation in South Carolina, my mission remains the same: to tell powerful stories through honest, human, and impactful visuals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like in any growth process, I’ve faced several challenges. One of the biggest was the language barrier. Fortunately, interacting with clients and people on a daily basis has really helped me improve my English. Every obstacle has helped me strengthen my focus, learn new skills, and appreciate every achievement even more. I can honestly say that those difficult moments were key to both my personal and professional development. Also, since my business is closely related to sales, this entire journey has helped me become a more well-rounded person—not just in journalism and photography, but also in areas like sales and marketing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business combines two unique branches of photography: capturing spontaneous moments in restaurants and creating meaningful portraits at the beach. In restaurants, we approach each table with a warm smile and offer guests a free instant photo—something fun and unexpected that adds value to their dining experience. Later, we give them the option to purchase beautifully edited versions. It’s not just about selling a picture, it’s about creating a moment that becomes part of their night out.
At the beach, we focus on storytelling through natural, relaxed photo sessions. Whether it’s a family on vacation, a couple celebrating their love, or someone simply wanting to capture the beauty of the ocean, we create emotional, high-quality images that people truly treasure.
What sets us apart is how we combine authenticity, human connection, and artistic quality. We’re not a big corporate photography service—we’re personal, local, and we truly care about each client’s experience. We specialize in making people feel comfortable, seen, and celebrated in every photo we take.
I’m most proud of the emotional impact our work has. Many of our clients say the photos become some of their favorite memories—whether it’s a joyful dinner or a serene sunset by the ocean.
Our brand is about more than photography—it’s about making people feel something, and giving them something beautiful to remember.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, we see the photography industry—especially in tourism and lifestyle—continuing to grow, evolve, and become even more experience-focused. In our case, we see our business developing right here in Myrtle Beach, a city that continues to grow and attract visitors year-round. Our goal is to expand into other large, tourism-driven cities where we can bring our unique photography services to more people.
We believe there’s a growing demand for authentic, emotional, and personalized photography experiences—whether it’s at the beach, in restaurants, or in other settings where people are creating memories. We want to be part of that by not only capturing those special moments but also by supporting local tourism and contributing to the economy.
By expanding, we aim to promote the beauty of each city we work in while offering travelers a lasting memory of their experience. It’s about growing our brand, yes—but also about helping communities thrive through creative services that connect people with the places they visit
Pricing:
- Mini session (30 minutes, 20 edited photos): $150
- Standard session (45 minutes, 40+ edited photos): $250
- Group or family packages available upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://macondoagency.wixsite.com/macondo-agency-llc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macondo_agency/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573904981451
