Meet Hugo Carrillo | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hugo Carrillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hugo, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
By the end of my career, I want to:
Own several photography studios around the world, establishing myself as a globally recognized artist.
Be known not just as a photographer, but as someone who positively impacts society. I want my work to make people feel good about themselves and boost their self-esteem.
Be recognized for my philanthropic efforts, regularly donating both my time and money to various charitable causes.
Achieve financial independence, allowing me to enjoy life with my family without monetary constraints.
Create a lasting legacy that combines my artistic achievements with my contributions to society.
Have the freedom and means to balance my successful career with quality time spent with my family.
Ultimately, I aim to look back on a career that not only showcased my artistic talents but also made a meaningful difference in people’s lives across the globe. I want to have built a multifaceted legacy of creative excellence, positive social impact, and personal fulfillment, all while achieving the financial success to support both my philanthropic efforts and my family life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is the level of care and intention I bring to every shoot. I don’t just show up with a camera—I show up ready to listen, to connect, and to tell a story that’s true to the people in front of my lens. Whether it’s a wedding, a family session, or a milestone moment, I treat each experience with the same level of dedication as if it were my own.

What I’m most proud of is building a business that feels deeply personal. Photography wasn’t an easy path—it came with long nights, moments of doubt, and a steep learning curve. I didn’t go to school for this. I learned by doing, by failing, and by watching hours of videos from photographers who were generous enough to share their knowledge online. I also had to learn how to wear many hats—photographer, editor, marketer, business owner—all while balancing life as a husband and father.

What kept me going was the belief that moments matter. That the little things—a glance, a laugh, a quiet moment between two people—deserve to be remembered. And that someone like me, who didn’t have all the resources starting out, could still build something meaningful by showing up consistently and staying grounded in purpose.

What I want people to know about my story is that it’s real. I didn’t take shortcuts. I built this with heart. And through Hugo Carrillo Photography, my goal is simple: to create timeless images that people can look back on and feel seen, celebrated, and remembered.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d make sure they got the full Atlanta experience—equal parts chill, adventure, and great food. Here’s what our week might look like:
Day 1 – Welcome to ATL
We’d kick things off with a laid-back day—grab brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen or South City Kitchen, then stroll through Piedmont Park to get those skyline views. We’d wrap the evening with dinner at Busy Bee Café for some classic soul food, followed by drinks at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall on the BeltLine.
Day 2 – History & Culture
We’d dive into the city’s roots with a visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, followed by the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. Later, we’d hit Ponce City Market for rooftop games and food. Sunset photos on the BeltLine would be a must—of course, I’d bring my camera.
Day 3 – Day Trip to the Mountains
We’d take a little road trip to Dahlonega or Amicalola Falls—perfect for hiking, scenic views, and a chance to unplug. Maybe stop at a local winery on the way back.
Day 4 – Arts & Hidden Gems
Time to explore Krog Street Tunnel and Little Five Points for murals, thrift shopping, and funky vibes. Lunch at Slutty Vegan (because it’s an experience), and maybe pop into a local gallery or record shop. For dinner: Two Urban Licks—live music, amazing ambiance.
Day 5 – Chill & Catch Up
Midweek calls for a slower pace. Coffee at Spiller Park, then maybe rent bikes and cruise the Eastside Trail. We’d grab tacos at El Tesoro, then hang out at Piedmont Park or maybe Old Fourth Ward Skatepark just to people-watch and soak in the energy.
Day 6 – Night Out
Dinner at Canoe on the river for something special. Then we’d head to Joystick Gamebar or The Painted Pin—a mix of nostalgia and fun for a relaxed but entertaining night.
Day 7 – Family Style Farewell
Sunday means brunch with the family—maybe at Atlanta Breakfast Club—followed by a relaxing walk through the Atlanta Botanical Garden. One last photo session at golden hour before they head home.
Atlanta has so much personality—art, culture, nature, food, and some of the most passionate, creative people I’ve met. It’s one of those cities where there’s always something going on, but you can still find peace and inspiration if you know where to look.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout, the first person that comes to mind is my wife. Her love, patience, and constant encouragement have been the foundation of everything I do. She’s been there through every late night edit, every challenging shoot, and every uncertain step in this journey—always pushing me to keep going and believing in me when I needed it most.

I also owe a huge thank you to the countless photographers on YouTube who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and creativity. As a self-taught photographer, those tutorials, behind-the-scenes videos, and honest stories were instrumental in helping me grow—not just technically, but in building confidence and direction as an artist.

This journey wouldn’t be what it is without both personal and virtual support. I’m incredibly grateful for both.

Website: hugo@hugocarrillophotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hugocarrillophotography?igsh=MW8zNHdrdHh6Zmdzcw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GWwXNeZNZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Hugo Carrillo Photography