Born in Havana, Cuba, Raúl Otero moved to the United States in the 60’s. He became a U.S. citizen, and served as a Combat Photographer for U.S. NATO forces in Europe during the Viet Nam war. Raúl studied photography at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and for several years, assisted master photographers on photo shoots in Hollywood, New York, Europe, Africa and Japan including Greg Gorman, Matthew Rolston, Mike Reinhardt, Rocky Gunn, John Stember and Phillip Dixon.
In his Los Angeles studio, Raúl developed his craft in catalog, fashion, headshot, product and album cover photography. In the 90’s, he turned his technical mastery into artistry as a freelance editorial and advertising photographer in Miami, and throughout Central and South America. In addition to producing print and billboard advertising photography for Coca Cola International, Xerox, Volkswagen, Nissan, NICA and TACA airlines, Ponds and St. Jacks, Raúl also photographed the President of El Salvador and his family. In 2001, he documented the devastation and suffering wrought by the earthquake in El Salvador, and his work was featured in the Los Angeles Times.
Raúl Otero’s photography career spans the fashion, film, advertising and music industries. From celebrities, rock legends and supermodels to artists, actors and everyday people, he captures the true essence and character of the individual.