David Vargas is an award-winning Art Director and Photographer who creates imagery that captures culture, nature, and human connection through a cinematic lens. He discovered his passion for visual storytelling at Parsons School of Design, where he studied Art Direction, Design and Illustration, combining a fine art sensibility with a designer’s eye for composition and narrative.

Over the past two decades, David has led visual campaigns and photographic assignments across more than forty countries, from the frozen expanses of Antarctica to the sun-drenched islands of the South Pacific. He has captured wildlife, remote communities, and moments of human connection, navigating challenging environments with creativity and precision.

During his tenure with National Geographic × Lindblad Expeditions, David helped define the brand’s visual identity. His work has appeared on multiple National Geographic Expedition covers and in over 500 publications worldwide, recognized for its ability to convey both the grandeur of nature and the intimacy of human experience.

As an Art Director, David develops integrated campaigns that unify photography, design, and storytelling across print, digital, and social platforms. A Platinum Adrian Award recipient, he is known for work that balances narrative, aesthetic clarity, and audience engagement, strengthening brand identity through visual storytelling.

Based in Brooklyn, David continues to merge adventure and design through personal projects and Ried Studios, a photography studio specializing in portraiture and product imagery that emphasizes craftsmanship, creativity, and cohesive visual narratives.

David and Mika Vargas at Gardner Bay on Espanola Island, Galapagos. Photo by Rich Reid. .