Santiago Caldas, photographer and creative director, reflects on his brand and how the Vogue Master’s shaped the connection between his photography and styling

In the fashion industry—where imagery becomes language—building a coherent visual narrative is key to standing out. Santiago Caldas, photographer and creative director, represents a new generation of creatives with a global, multidisciplinary vision. From Colombia to Europe, his path has been defined by aesthetic exploration and a search for identity. His experience in the Vogue Master’s in Fashion Image: Styling and Creative Direction marked a turning point, allowing him to structure his creativity and craft a strong personal proposal within the fashion landscape.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey

I’m a fashion photographer, stylist, audiovisual producer, and creative director. I graduated in Audiovisual Media from the Politécnico Grancolombiano, and internationally I had the honor of working as a creative director at Bangkok’s Thailand Fashion Week 2021. I also participated in Spring/Summer 2021 events and actively collaborated with various fashion editorials in Colombia.

Driven by a desire to expand my artistic horizons, I decided to move to Europe. I spent an initial period in the UK, a key stage that greatly enriched my visual universe. I later moved to Spain to pursue postgraduate studies in creative direction and styling in Madrid—a journey that has allowed me to consolidate a distinctly international approach to my work. I currently live here, balancing my studies with the growth of my creative brand, Caldasmagazine.

Do you have a personal project you would like to highlight from your time on the master’s? Tell us what it involves and how you feel the programme helped you develop it.

Since arriving in Spain, I’ve been fortunate to receive a warm welcome, which has allowed me to grow professionally as a creative director across different parts of Europe. A highlight of this journey has been the creation of my own fashion photography workshops with professional models—experiences where I aim to transport teams to cinematic settings, such as the Sierra de Navacerrada, to create high-impact editorial productions.

The master’s programme was key in bringing a business and strategic structure to these productions, refining my criteria and helping me consolidate and elevate my knowledge.

How did you discover the programme?

While searching for specialised education with strong ties to the editorial and luxury fashion industry, Vogue College naturally emerged as a benchmark in the field.

Why did you decide to study this master’s?

I was looking for a programme that didn’t fragment disciplines, but rather understood fashion as a whole. My goal was to delve into the convergence of styling and photography—understanding how image construction, palette selection, and audiovisual direction intertwine to tell compelling editorial stories.

What was your experience during the course like?

It was an intensely enriching, challenging, and highly dynamic experience. Studying in an environment surrounded by working professionals and peers with strong creative ambitions pushes you to give your best in every project, elevating the level of your portfolio from day one.

Which professor or session would you highlight? Why?

I would undoubtedly highlight Debbie Smith. Her universe immerses you fully into the world of photography in a unique way; she doesn’t just teach technique, but introduces you to fashion culture on another level. Listening to her experiences and learning about her industry trajectory is deeply inspiring.

What did you enjoy the most, or what stands out in your memory?

What I value most is the synergy created in the classroom and during studio sessions. The collaborative environment, the exchange of aesthetic references, and the mutual support to bring fashion editorials to life are lasting memories—along with a network of contacts that I now consider part of my professional growth.

What was your experience with internships like? Where did you complete them?

I completed my internship at Is Coming, a Spanish brand with a strong presence in both the national and European markets. It was a highly enriching experience that allowed me to gain direct insight into how the fashion industry operates in Spain.

I also had the support of Cristina Ordovás, who guided me throughout the process and helped me better understand professional dynamics while strengthening my vision as a creator.

What do you think is the most important thing you learned for your current work?

To understand styling and photography not as isolated elements, but as part of an ecosystem within fashion production. I learned that a visual idea requires precise technical execution, a clear strategy, and a deep understanding of contemporary aesthetic codes.