More Than Awards—A Passion for Telling Your Story
For the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of documenting life's most meaningful moments—from weddings and quinceañeras to portraits, community celebrations, businesses, and cultural traditions. Every session is an opportunity to create more than a photograph. It's a chance to tell a story and preserve a moment that can be passed down for generations.
In 2026, AJV Original was awarded #1 Photography Studio in the Quad Cities by the QC Times, a recognition made even more meaningful because it came from the community I've spent more than a decade photographing and serving.
AJV Original was also recognized as #2 in Videography by Locals Love Us in 2026, highlighting the continued growth of my work beyond photography and into visual storytelling through video.
Those honors join several national and regional recognitions I've been fortunate to receive throughout my career.
In 2023, I received First Place in the Wings of Mexico National Photography Contest, presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. The recognition celebrated my photography and included a trip for two to Mexico.
My work has also been recognized nationally by Latino Outdoors during the Latino Conservation Week Photo Contest, including:
- 1st Place – Latinx Experience | 2021
- 1st Place – Latino Identity | 2022
- 2nd Place – Todos Outdoors | 2022
Closer to home, my photography has helped showcase the people, culture, and beauty of the Quad Cities. One of my photographs was selected for the cover of the 2024 Quad Cities Destination Guide, reaching more than 80,000 readers, while another was featured in the "QC That's Where" Chicago marketing campaign, helping promote our region to visitors outside the Quad Cities.
I've also had the honor of serving as the official photographer for the East Moline Mexican Independence Day Parade for four consecutive years from 2021–2024, documenting one of our region's most vibrant cultural celebrations and preserving those moments for thousands of families.
In 2024, I was recognized as a Forty Under 40 Honoree, celebrating professionals making an impact in the Quad Cities through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.
But as proud as I am of every award, publication, and recognition, the awards aren't what define AJV Original.
The clients do.
The stories do.
The moments do.
The images do.
Whether I'm photographing your wedding day, quinceañera, growing family, business, senior portraits, or an important community celebration, my goal remains the same: to create authentic, powerful imagery that feels like you and becomes part of your story.
When you choose AJV Original, you're choosing an award-winning photography and videography studio built on more than 12 years of experience, creativity, community, and a genuine passion for storytelling.
Because at the end of the day, it's about more than taking a great photo.
It's about creating something that means something.
Photographic Career and Recognition
