About Us
In 1990, Maria Esquivel-Lang started Photohispana Studio & School in the heart of Washington, D.C USA. By 2005 and to foster a hands-on experience for her students, Maria began introducing amateur models and photographers into her classes. 33 years later, the group now has hundreds of local members, including photographers, cosmetologists, stylists, models, and others alike.
Now, known as Photohispana Group, it has become a multicultural community of more than 600 photography artists nationwide—bringing together members of all levels to network and collaborate on the art they love.
Meet Our Core Team
Founder & CEO
Maria Esquivel-Lang
A Costa Rican-born photographer with a longstanding career of 50+ years in journalism and photography. Now retired, Maria has had her work featured in numerous esteemed outlets, some of which include the New York Times, Forbes, Newsweek, Miami Herald, USA Today New York Times, La Nacion, The Tico Times, La Republica (Costa Rica), and Playboy Magazine. She worked for 10 years at the Center for Science in the Public Interest in Washington DC and many years as a press correspondent for the Associated Press during the 80s, where she covered the wars in Nicaragua and El Salvador. She has photographed some of the world's most notable figures, including Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, U.S. and Costa Rican presidents, Noble Peace prize winners, and more. Maria continues to share her passion for photography through Photohispana.
Fashion Designer
Stella Bonds
A native of Bogota, Colombia and well-known designer in the DC area, with an educational background in design from programs in the US and Europe. Outside of design, Stella is known for collaborating with the Hispanic community in the DMV area through fashion events and bilingual community outreach. She has been a partner of the First Miss Señora Latina USA, Speaker at El Poder de Ser Mujer’s Conference, and Director/Anchor Segment SoloModa in Univision and Telemundo TV with Mayi El Show.
Chief Photographer
Pete Estrada
Producer, Director, and Emmy award winner for video production. Mr. Estrada studied at Syracuse University and is originally from Bronx, New York. His business, Estradafoto, provides portrait, lifestyle, fashion and on-location event photography for Central and Space Coast Florida.
Creative-Artistic Director
Jonathon Zuck
An award winning photographer, filmmaker and digital artist, with studios in DC and Brussels, Jonathan's work has appeared in local and national ad campaigns, festivals, exhibitions and in homes and businesses around the world. Jonathan's editorial work, has appeared in multiple publications including the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, On Tap and several websites. Jonathan's hero is Orson Welles because of his creativity and originality across mediums.
Associate Photographer
Phil Beckman
An avid outdoor enthusiast, born and raised in the rural lake country of central Minnesota. Phil's photography journey is shaped by up-close-and-personal exploration and hands-on education. His photography career began with sports photojournalism and later transitioned from film to digital technology. Prior to photography, Phil pursued a career in corporate communications, marketing, advertising and public relations, as well as a degree in graphic design.
Advisor for Copyrights
Mike Meier
Mike holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University and is admitted in New York. He has extensive experience representing clients in copyright registrations and resolving copyright disputes. Mike has been a member of Photohispana since 2013.
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