Today we’d like to introduce you to Oswar Nieves.
Oswar, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in photography in a very personal way. More than 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and during some of my toughest moments, I found photography as a form of therapy and stress relief. What began as a way to cope slowly grew into a passion and eventually into my profession.
When I moved to Jacksonville, I dedicated myself fully to photography, specializing in maternity, newborn, and children’s portraits. My clients call me “the baby whisperer” because of the patience and care I bring when working with little ones, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to create unique works of art that capture families’ most meaningful moments.
My wife, Magalys, plays a huge role in this journey—she’s in charge of editing and customer care, and even our son helps during sessions by making kids smile. Photography has truly become a family business, built on love, patience, and connection.
Today, Oswar Photography is recognized as one of the top photography studios in Florida. I’ve had the honor of being awarded Best Photographer in Jacksonville and Best Photographer in Florida, becoming the first Latino to hold both titles. For me, that recognition is not just about photography—it’s about resilience, faith, and proving that challenges can be transformed into something meaningful and beautiful.
Every session I take is more than just photos—it’s about giving families an authentic, heartfelt experience and memories they will treasure for a lifetime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. My journey has been full of challenges—both personal and professional—but every obstacle shaped who I am today and the heart behind Oswar Photography.
The world of maternity and newborn photography is beautifully dominated by talented women photographers. Being able to step into that space as a man has been both a challenge and a privilege. It’s an honor to witness firsthand the love, resilience, and strength of motherhood and to translate that into art for families.
As a Puerto Rican, English is my second language, and moving to a new city meant starting over—overcoming cultural and language barriers while trying to establish myself in a highly competitive market. On top of that, living with Crohn’s disease for more than 20 years has tested me in many ways, but it also taught me resilience and patience—qualities I carry into every session with families and little ones.
Perhaps the most personal struggle has been infertility. As a newborn photographer, I was constantly surrounded by the miracle of new life, capturing families’ first moments with their babies, while privately longing for a child of my own. At times, it was difficult to balance the joy I created for others with the pain I carried inside. But my clients gave me hope. Their love and trust inspired my wife and me to pursue IVF, and today we are blessed with our own modern miracle—our son.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth. But every challenge—whether health, language, or personal battles—gave me empathy, perspective, and purpose. They allow me to connect deeply with families and create not just photos, but timeless works of art that celebrate life, love, and the beauty of family.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Oswar Photography?
Oswar Photography is more than just a photography studio—it’s a family-driven experience dedicated to capturing life’s most precious moments. We specialize in maternity, newborn, children, and family photography here in Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida.
What we’re known for, and what clients often tell me, is the experience. Families don’t just come to me for photos—they come for the care, patience, and artistry behind every session. Many call me “the baby whisperer” because of the way I work with newborns, creating a calm and safe environment where parents can relax and enjoy watching their little ones being photographed.
What sets us apart is that we treat every session as a work of art. From the consultation to styling, the photoshoot itself, and the delivery of heirloom-quality prints and albums, everything is personalized. My wife, Magalys, plays a vital role as the editor and client care lead, and even our son helps make children smile during sessions. We are a true family business, and that warmth is reflected in the experience we provide.
I am also very aware that professional photography is a luxury. But in our studio, our philosophy is “Mi Casa es Tu Casa.” We don’t just provide a luxury service—we welcome families as if they were our own. Many of our clients end up becoming friends, because most of us are first-time parents, and I’ve learned there’s nothing more valuable than support, advice, and encouragement from someone who has been through the same stage of life. Much more than a luxury studio, we are a family studio.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being recognized as Best Photographer in Jacksonville and Best Photographer in Florida. Not only was it a great honor to receive those titles, but being the first Latino photographer to do so made it even more meaningful. It represents not just my work, but also the resilience, culture, and heart that I bring to everything I do.
At the end of the day, what I want readers to know is simple: Oswar Photography isn’t just about images—it’s about capturing the emotions, connections, and stories that make each family unique. We create heirloom-quality art that families can treasure for generations, while giving them a heartfelt experience they will always remember.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me or my brand is that, even though it’s called Oswar Photography and I’m the photographer, I’m not the boss—my wife is. She’s the one who manages the clients, makes sure everything flows smoothly, and even helps me edit newborn sessions. We always say this is truly a family business: I’m behind the camera, she’s the heart that keeps everything organized, and even our son sometimes helps by making kids smile during sessions.
Another surprising fact is that photography wasn’t my original plan—it was my therapy. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease more than 20 years ago, and picking up a camera became a way to cope with the stress and challenges of living with a chronic illness. What started as healing for me slowly transformed into my life’s calling and career.
And perhaps the most personal thing is this: as a newborn photographer, I spent years capturing the miracle of new life for other families while struggling with infertility myself. It wasn’t always easy to balance that. But those moments gave me empathy and perspective. My clients’ strength and stories inspired my wife and me to pursue IVF, and today we are blessed with our own “modern miracle”—our son.
So behind the name Oswar Photography is not just me—it’s our whole family. And behind the lens is a story of resilience, teamwork, and gratitude. For us, photography isn’t just about creating beautiful art—it’s about honoring life, celebrating family, and sharing hope with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oswar.photography/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oswar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oswarphotography/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/oswarphotography
- Other: WhatsApp https://wa.me/+19046574569
