Check Out Bernardo Flores’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bernardo Flores.

Hi Bernardo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began more than 23 years ago, when all I wanted was to work, grow, and stop depending on my parents. My first real opportunity came at a newspaper, where I had to choose between writing articles or taking photos. Without hesitation, I chose the camera. I didn’t know it back then, but that simple decision would shape the rest of my life.

As time went by, I discovered that my true passion wasn’t just capturing images — it was understanding light, emotions, and the stories hidden behind every gaze. I became a social photographer, working with friends who were singers, actors, and artists that needed authentic images for their covers, magazines, or albums.

Little by little, people began to recognize my style — bold, colorful, intimate, and real. My photos weren’t just portraits; they were silent conversations between the artist’s soul and my lens. And that’s what opened the doors to everything that came after.

Record labels and media outlets started reaching out, and soon I was fortunate to work with international artists such as Ricky Martin, Maná, Juanes, Marisela, J Balvin, and many more — as well as with iconic brands like Adidas, Under Armour, Disney, Nike, and Kenneth Cole.

This path has taken me all over the world — literally — and I never imagined that my camera, my eye, and my heart would give me so many emotional gifts. Photography even introduced me to the love of my life, Saralicia, and since then, everything has had a deeper meaning.

Today, I live in Los Angeles — proudly Mexican — grateful to be in a city where talent, passion, and persistence truly open doors. I’ve learned that dreams come true when you work with heart, and that every photo I take is a piece of the story that clients decide to share with the world.

And among all those achievements, there’s one memory I’ll never forget:

“You’re the best photographer in the world!” my oldest son once told me while watching me take photos of his mom.
She looked beautiful, he was smiling, and at that moment, I realized there’s no bigger award than seeing your work through the eyes of the people you love most.

Today, my photos might appear on a record cover, in a magazine, on a billboard in Sunset Boulevard, or even on a screen in Times Square — but the real success, for me, is to keep creating, dreaming, and being grateful for every moment photography has given me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Talking about the difficulties and challenges of this career really depends on how much importance you give to what you do — and above all, how deeply you want to stand out, make a difference, and leave a legacy.

As artists, we live with the constant challenge of believing in something that the world doesn’t always understand. We’re a minority — people who see life differently, convinced that our art can create emotion in others. But that emotion isn’t always received or appreciated the way we imagine.

One of my biggest challenges was emigrating. Even after years of experience and a strong career in another country, starting from zero in a new place felt like turning back to page one of my story.
You can have great work, but if nobody knows you, it’s almost the same as not having it at all. That’s when you learn to knock on doors, set your ego aside, and reconnect with that spark that made you begin, that pure love for your craft that once made you work for passion, not a paycheck.

An artist’s life is also filled with uncertainty. Every piece of work, every photo, is a risk — it can move hearts or be completely overlooked.
Living with that eternal doubt — that blend of fear and hope — is what keeps you awake, humble, and real.

Being an immigrant adds another layer of challenge. Doing everything legally, following every rule, adapting to a new language and culture — and still finding a way for your art to speak universally — takes patience, faith, and resilience.

But above all, I believe the biggest challenge lives in your mind. That inner voice that can either push you forward or hold you back.
Learning to trust yourself, to believe your work truly matters — that’s the real battle.
And when you finally silence the noise and listen to your purpose again, everything starts to make sense.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I’m a portrait photographer who works with celebrities — from internationally recognized artists to rising talents who are just beginning their artistic journey. My work focuses on creating powerful, authentic, and emotional portraits that reflect each person’s personality, confidence, and true essence.

I also specialize in professional headshots and creative portraits for actors, musicians, bands, theater groups, performers, executives, architects, lawyers, and professionals from all kinds of industries who need strong and genuine images for their personal branding, presentations, or portfolios. Every session has its own energy because each individual or team has a unique story to tell.

I consider myself not just a photographer, but a creative director — someone who builds atmospheres, designs emotions, and turns ideas into images. Whether I’m directing a still scene or working with movement, my goal is always to capture the real energy of the moment — that spark that connects with the viewer.

Beyond the technical aspect, what truly drives me is helping people feel confident in front of the camera. During every session, I aim to motivate, inspire, and guide them to bring out their inner artist, model, or simply the most authentic version of themselves.

My work has also taken me around the world, where I give conferences and workshops on photography techniques and creative motivation for those who dream of becoming photographers and artists. Sharing my experience and inspiring others to find their own visual voice has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

In addition, I’m proud to be sponsored by several leading photography brands and product companies that support my artistic vision and trust in the creative process behind my work.

To me, photography isn’t just about taking pictures — it’s about transformation. It’s about watching someone rediscover their confidence, their light, and their essence, and turning that fleeting moment into something timeless.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I’ve always believed that a great photograph isn’t just about the camera or the light — it’s about the human connection you build with the person in front of you. Over the years, I’ve learned that to create truly extraordinary images, you first have to understand people — their emotions, their fears, their energy, and their essence.

In many ways, before being a photographer, I often have to become a little bit of everything. Sometimes I’m a psychologist, trying to understand what the person feels and helping them trust me. Other times I’m a friend, breaking barriers and making them feel comfortable. And almost always, I’m a director — creating a story in the moment, guiding every gesture, every look, and every movement so that everything flows naturally.

During every session, I make sure that everyone receives the same level of respect and attention — whether it’s a world-famous artist or someone stepping in front of the camera for the very first time. Every person has something unique to express, and my job is to discover it and bring it to life through light, color, and emotion.

I’ve also developed a strong ability to adapt and improvise. The truth is, not every shoot happens in a perfect studio with ideal conditions. Sometimes, you have to work with what’s available — a plain wall, poor lighting, or limited space — and still find a way to create something beautiful.

People often tell me, “It’s unbelievable that you managed to create something so incredible out of such an ugly wall and terrible light.” And that always reminds me that the real magic isn’t in the place — it’s in how you see it, how you feel it, and how you make others feel it too.

For me, photography is a silent conversation between two souls. When that connection happens, it doesn’t matter the background, the light, or the weather — the result will always be authentic, powerful, and timeless.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bernardoflores.com
• Instagram: @bernyfloresoficial
• Facebook: bernardo flores photographer
• Twitter: @soybernyflores