Over the past two decades, David has photographed assignments in more than forty countries, from the frozen expanses of the Arctic to the sun-drenched islands of the South Pacific. Along the way, he has captured wildlife, remote communities, and fleeting moments of human connection, navigating extreme environments with creativity and precision.

During his tenure with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, David helped shape the brand’s photographic identity. His work has appeared on multiple National Geographic Expeditions covers and in numerous publications worldwide, earning recognition for revealing both the grandeur of nature and the intimacy of human experience.

As an award-winning Art Director, David shapes visual narratives from concept through execution. He works closely with photographers, editors, and production teams to guide on-location storytelling and ensure imagery aligns with editorial goals, brand voice, and audience impact.

Today, David partners with travel companies to elevate their visual storytelling, capturing destinations with authenticity, emotion, and editorial-level craft. His work helps brands stand out in a crowded marketplace, connect deeply with their audiences, and inspire travelers to choose experiences that feel meaningful, immersive, and unforgettable.

 

Major Editorial Photo Essays & Articles

 

Cover Imagery & Brand Campaigns

  • National Geographic & Lindblad Expeditions Catalog Covers: His photography has been selected for multiple prominent publication covers, including the National Geographic Expeditions regional catalogs.

  • The Amazon Basin Cover Feature: A sunrise shot framing the Delfin II expedition vessel through layers of jungle canopy, published as a signature cover for National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions.

  • Galápagos Cover Feature: His wildlife and conservation-focused photography from Santa Cruz and Española Island has been featured as primary cover art and across official National Geographic social campaigns.

 

Regional & Activity Focus Areas

  • Central & South America: Extensive documentary work covering Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio National Park, Curú Wildlife Refuge), Panama (Coiba, Emberá Villages), and the Panama Canal. These campaigns feature a mix of Zodiac landings, guest interactions, adventure sports (kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding), and wildlife portraiture.

  • Europe & The Mediterranean: Visual portfolios capturing regional cultural details and landscapes throughout Croatia (Zadar and the Adriatic Sea) and Venice, Italy.

CONTACT

NEW YORK CITY based,
shooting worldwide

(718) 406-1587

davevargas@mac.com