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Rubén Salgado Escudero, born in Madrid, Spain, and educated in the United States, transitioned from a successful career in character animation to pursue photography. His captivating works, showcased in renowned cities worldwide, reveal untold stories from diverse communities. With over twenty international awards, including Sony World Photography Awards, Rubén’s talent shines through projects like Solar Portraits, featured in National Geographic’s exhibitions. A seasoned lecturer and National Geographic Explorer since 2018, Rubén continues to inspire audiences globally with his passion for photography and compelling storytelling.
In India’s eastern state of Odisha, villagers trap fish using baskets and solar lanterns allowing them to safely work longer hours increasing their economic potential.
Rubén’s photography quickly gained global recognition, and his works have been exhibited in prestigious cities such as New York, London, and Tokyo and at the renowned Les Rencontres d’Arles photo festival in France. With a keen eye for detail and cultural sensitivity, he beautifully captures moments that shed light on the untold stories of various communities worldwide.
Rubén’s exceptional talent has earned him over twenty international awards, including the prestigious Sony World Photography Award for two consecutive years and the POY Latam (Picture of the Year) award, also twice. His impactful project, Solar Portraits, has been added to National Geographic’s official travelling exhibitions catalogue, showcasing his ability to narrate powerful stories through his photography.
Oozie’ Too Lei poses for a portrait on his 11-year-old elephant Ba Lei Shu at a logging camp in Bago Division, Myanmar where some households have solar panels.
As an experienced lecturer, Rubén continues to inspire others through his TedX Talk in Beijing and speaking engagements worldwide. He collaborates with National Geographic Learning and various institutions, including the Museo Soumaya in México City and the Sony Gallery in New York City, to share his insights and experiences as a National Geographic Explorer since 2018. Rubén’s dedication to photography and storytelling has left an indelible mark on visual arts and photojournalism.
Solo Exhibitions:
2022 European Union Commission: Brussels, Belgium
2022 Casa Seat: Barcelona, Spain
2022 Funke Gallery: Ghent, Belgium
2022 Museon: The Hague, Netherlands
2021 BFWP Charity Gallery: Zurich, Switzerland
2021 St. Bartholomäus : Großlöbichau, Germany
2019 Royal Geographic Society: Cumbria, UK Earth Photo
2018 Casa de la Cultura Arrecife : Lanzarote, Spain
2018 Instituto Cervantes : Tokyo, Japan
2017 Instituto Cervantes : Belgrade, Serbia
2017 Brassage Photographique : Brussels, Belgium
2016 Sony Gallery: Tokyo, Japan
2016 Tanto Tempo Gallery: Kobe, Japan
2016 Sony Gallery: Nagoya, Japan
