Ken Cedeno
Ken Cedeno is a Washington, D.C.-based independent photojournalist with experience covering politics, travel, and other global assignments, including Honduras, Brazil, and Ukraine. Ken’s work has been honored by national photography organizations, including the National Press Photographers Association, Northern Short Course, and the White House News Photographers Association’s “Eyes of History Contest.”
After moving to D.C. from Chicago, he started his career working with Agency France Presse after learning of an opening for a lab-tech position. After AFP, Ken began to freelance for other wires, such as Reuters, Associated Press, United Press International, and more, covering the White House and occasionally traveling with the U.S. President.
Outside of covering politics, Ken is passionate about giving back by volunteering with the medical group Central American Medical Outreach, CAMO in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras, documenting the intricate work of neurologists, ophthalmologists, urologists, plastic surgeons, dentists, and more, helping thousands of local people with much-needed medical assistance. This work provides a better understanding for the general public to continue to donate to CAMO. To date, Ken has 21 trips with CAMO.
Ken’s other medical group coverage involved traversing the Amazon River to remote villages, helping locals who could not trek to the city.
These images are just a few of thousands of images collected in the span of 10 years volunteering with the medical group Central American Medical Outreach, CAMO in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras. The position entails documenting the intricate work of neurologists, ophthalmologists, urologists, plastic surgeons, dentists, and more, helping thousands of local people with much-needed medical assistance. This work provides a better understanding for the general public to continue to donate to CAMO.
Ophthalmologists are vital in helping those with minimal eyesight with quick and inexpensive surgeries. In one story about a patient only related to me from an ophthalmologist I worked with, years after a father’s son was born, the father developed cataracts and was not able to see his son for 40 years. Finally, he could see his son in sharp focus by reaching out to doctors who performed this simple and quick surgery. The emotions I feel for these patients and many others with different circumstances are overwhelming and provide me with a straightforward decision to return year after year.
Numerous American volunteers have traveled to Honduras for over twenty years, dedicating themselves to helping those in need. On my first trip with CAMO to Santa Rosa de Copan, the very minute I saw the patients’ eyes light up with heartfelt thanks and tears, I was all in 100%. I told Kathy Tscheigg I would happily return whenever they needed me to help.
It has now been ten years and about twenty trips, give or take, that I have given my time and met many wonderful people. This beautiful town of SRC has become my second home, and many dear and close friends have become my second family. While I usually stay in Hotel Elvir with the entire team, one family offered a free room in the home for several years. They fed me every day and took excellent care of me when I was sick.
The most emotional time is midway through the week, when we stand and share our highs and lows. It’s very tearful when we hear these stories our colleagues experienced about their patients whose lives were changed in a positive way or whenever we were unable to help. These are moments all of us remember.
Northern Short Course-
2nd Place – Portrait 2019
1st Place – Spot News 2016
2nd Place – Feature 2016
Honorable Mention – Feature 2016
White House News Photographers Association-
2nd Place – Feature 2020
2nd Place – Feature 2019
2nd Place – Portrait 2012
Award of Excellence – Picture News Story category 2013
Award of Excellence – International News category 2012
Silver Telly Award – HGTV’s White House Christmas 2015
Fotoweek DC’s – FotoBama Exhibit – Picturing The President Exhibit 2012
