Biography

José O. Santiago Rivera was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Growing up on the move due to his father's military service, José was exposed to different communities, cultures, and ways of life from an early age. These experiences shaped his curiosity about people, and the stories that surround him.

 

His journey into photography began during his teenage years, when he saved enough to purchase his first digital camera. What began as a personal interest developed into a passion for storytelling.

 

In 2023, José earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Arts with a major in Photography from the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón in San Juan. During his studies, two of his photographic projects were selected for university-curated exhibitions.

 

In 2026, José independently conceptualized, curated, and produced Jíbaro at Heart, a photographic essay exploring Puerto Rican identity, culture, and the connection between people and place. 

 

Today, José approaches photography as both a creative and communicative medium, creating images that balance strong visual composition with meaning.