POR EL ECRITOR RUBÉN DARÍO FRANCO NARVÁEZ.- DIA INTERNACIONAL DEL CAMARÓGRAFO Y FOTOGRAFO.-

Today, Friday, February 20, 2026, the world pauses for a moment to celebrate International Cameraman and Photographer Day. It is a day to honor those who have the almost mystical mission of capturing the essence of reality, allowing us to see the world through their eyes. They are the guardians of memory; behind every news story or memory we cherish, there is a professional who decided to frame life.

A photograph or a video clip is not just recorded light; it is a testament to truth. Whoever holds the camera carries the ethical responsibility of showing the world as it is, without betraying the viewer’s trust. In an era saturated with filters and digital manipulation, the role of the photojournalist takes on greater importance: a good professional doesn’t just operate a machine; they use their heart to decide which stories deserve to be told, always respecting the dignity of what is being photographed.
Often, the work of these artists happens in the shadows. We see the image, but we forget the photographer. Validating their talent and their courage to be on the scene is the best way to thank them for being the visual historians of our time.
On this anniversary, I gratefully remember my colleagues in the journalistic arena. I recall those who have passed away: Manuel García, Eduardo Mendieta, and the unforgettable Fernando Dejanón Gómez, founder of ACIFOGRAR, that «friendly, chubby guy» who would pose eminent figures, firing flashes even without film.

The list of warriors of the lens is extensive: Jorge Arango, daring and outspoken; Víctor Emilio Pulido, an honest gentleman; José Leudo; And Silvio Álvarez Giraldo, whom I wish a speedy recovery. I haven’t forgotten: «The Twins» in sports, Aníbal López, Ángel Taba, Luis Enrique Álvarez, Orlando Cardona, and Gildardo Henao. Special mention for Ubaldo Galeano, who traded cameras for the luck of the lottery.
I want to highlight the professionalism of Nidia Paola Monsalve and Rochy López Vélez, ladies of photojournalism; and the legacy of Álvaro Camacho and Mario Montoya, whose works are collected in books. Finally, a hug to Roberto Betancourt; and congratulations to Jairo, who, with his little horse—in Pereira’s Plaza de Bolívar—continues to capture the innocence of our city.
To all of them: thank you for not letting time slip through our fingers.

Today, Friday, February 20, 2026, the world pauses for a moment to celebrate International Cameraman and Photographer Day. It is a day to honor those who have the almost mystical mission of capturing the essence of reality, allowing us to see the world through their eyes. They are the guardians of memory; behind every news story or memory we cherish, there is a professional who decided to frame life.

A photograph or a video clip is not just recorded light; it is a testament to truth. Whoever holds the camera carries the ethical responsibility of showing the world as it is, without betraying the viewer’s trust. In an era saturated with filters and digital manipulation, the role of the photojournalist takes on greater importance: a good professional doesn’t just operate a machine; they use their heart to decide which stories deserve to be told, always respecting the dignity of what is being photographed.
Often, the work of these artists happens in the shadows. We see the image, but we forget the photographer. Validating their talent and their courage to be on the scene is the best way to thank them for being the visual historians of our time.
On this anniversary, I gratefully remember my colleagues in the journalistic arena. I recall those who have passed away: Manuel García, Eduardo Mendieta, and the unforgettable Fernando Dejanón Gómez, founder of ACIFOGRAR, that «friendly, chubby guy» who would pose eminent figures, firing flashes even without film.

The list of warriors of the lens is extensive: Jorge Arango, daring and outspoken; Víctor Emilio Pulido, an honest gentleman; José Leudo; And Silvio Álvarez Giraldo, whom I wish a speedy recovery. I haven’t forgotten: «The Twins» in sports, Aníbal López, Ángel Taba, Luis Enrique Álvarez, Orlando Cardona, and Gildardo Henao. Special mention for Ubaldo Galeano, who traded cameras for the luck of the lottery.
I want to highlight the professionalism of Nidia Paola Monsalve and Rochy López Vélez, ladies of photojournalism; and the legacy of Álvaro Camacho and Mario Montoya, whose works are collected in books. Finally, a hug to Roberto Betancourt; and congratulations to Jairo, who, with his little horse—in Pereira’s Plaza de Bolívar—continues to capture the innocence of our city.
To all of them: thank you for not letting time slip through our fingers.

NGLISH VERSIOrto Betancourt; y felicitaciones a Jairo, quien con su caballito -en la Plaza de Bolívar de Pereira-sigue capturando la inocencia de nuestra ciudad.
A todos ellos: gracias por no dejar que el tiempo se nos escape entre los dedos.-