Today we’d like to introduce you to Johan Perilla.
Hi Johan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My professional journey began in Colombia, where for over 15 years I honed my craft in the worlds of advertising, editorial, and hospitality photography. That path led me to work for major brands and travel to various countries, enriching my visual perspective and cementing my understanding of the image as a universal language.
Four years ago, an unexpected turn brought me to the United States. Faced with the challenge of starting over from scratch, I chose to see it not as a loss, but as the canvas for a new creative chapter. Instead of simply adapting, I decided to build and contribute.
With that vision, I founded Perlux Media, a studio where I apply all my prior expertise to deliver high-end commercial photography, specializing in real estate, food, and of course, the hospitality industry I know so well. Perlux represents the confluence of my international background with the dynamism of the American market.
In parallel, a project very close to my heart was born: Palma Studios. Inspired by the desire to capture foundational moments, I focus on creating school portraits that are more than just a picture; they are artistic, authentic memories for families. It is my way of celebrating new beginnings and connecting with the community through emotion and beauty.
Today, my journey is not just about arrival, but about creation. The United States provided the canvas, and with my experience, I have painted two businesses that represent my twin passions: commercial excellence and the magic of human moments
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, it has been a journey of immense learning rather than a smooth road. The three most significant challenges were interconnected: the language barrier, cracking into a new market, and building a network from zero.
Initially, the language barrier was more than just vocabulary; it was about nuance, professional jargon, and the confidence to sell my vision and value. I knew my work could speak for itself, but I needed my words to clearly articulate the quality and experience behind it.
That tied directly into the second challenge: establishing a market presence. Coming with a strong portfolio is one thing, but understanding the specific dynamics, client expectations, and competitive landscape in a new country is another. I had to relearn how to position my expertise—my ’15 years of experience’—in a context where I was a new name.
Which leads to the third point: building a support system. In my career, growth has always been tied to collaboration and knowing the right people—clients, partners, mentors. Starting over meant I had to proactively seek out and connect with those who could guide me on local practices and open doors. It was about finding my community, not just my clients.
Overcoming these struggles wasn’t a separate task; it was the process itself. Every client meeting improved my language and market understanding. Every new connection taught me about the system. The challenges didn’t stall my companies, Perlux Media and Palma Studios; they shaped how I built them—with resilience, keen observation, and a deep commitment to adapting my craft to serve this new environment authentically.”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I lead two distinct yet complementary creative ventures: Perlux Media and Palma Studios. Together, they represent the dual pillars of my professional philosophy: exceptional commercial craftsmanship and meaningful human connection.
What We Do & Specialize In:
Perlux Media is my high-end commercial studio. We specialize in visual storytelling for businesses that demand sophistication and impact. Our core services are Real Estate Photography (showcasing properties with an eye for architecture and market appeal), Food & Beverage Photography (capturing the artistry and allure of culinary creations), and Hospitality Photography (creating immersive visual experiences for hotels and resorts). This is where my 15+ years of international advertising and editorial expertise are directly applied.
Palma Studios is my heartfelt endeavor into portraiture. We specialize in School Photography, but with an artistic approach. We aim to capture the authentic personality and milestone moments of students, creating not just school pictures, but cherished family heirlooms. It’s photography that feels timeless and genuine.
What Sets Us Apart:
Two key elements differentiate us in the market:
An International Lens with Local Relevance: My extensive background working across different countries, especially within the nuanced world of hospitality and advertising, gives me a unique perspective. I bring a global standard of quality and a versatile aesthetic, which I then tailor to resonate with the specific tastes and expectations of the local market here in the U.S.
The Dual Mastery of Scale and Soul: Few studios seamlessly bridge the gap between large-scale commercial projects and intimate portrait work. At Perlux Media, I manage the technical and strategic demands of corporate clients. At Palma Studios, I connect with individuals and families on a personal level. This range allows me to bring a storyteller’s heart to commercial work and a professional’s polish to personal moments.
What I’m Most Proud Of (Brand-Wise):
I am profoundly proud of building brands that are synonymous with trust and artistic integrity. For my commercial clients at Perlux Media, the pride comes from being the visual partner they rely on to elevate their brand and directly impact their business. For the families at Palma Studios, it’s the trust they place in me to capture a fleeting, precious stage of their child’s life with respect and beauty. That dual trust is the ultimate reward and the core of our brand reputation.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Absolutely! The most direct way to work with me is as a client or partner with either of my two businesses:
For commercial projects (hotels, real estate, restaurants, or brands) through Perlux Media.
For artistic school photography or family portraits through Palma Studios.
The best way to get started is: by viewing my online portfolios or contacting me directly to discuss your project.
To collaborate or show support: Referrals to anyone in need of a photographer of my caliber are invaluable. I am also open to creative partnerships with fellow professionals (designers, agencies, hotels) and welcome inquiries about community projects where my work can make a meaningful impact.
At its heart: My door is always open to discuss how we can capture essence together—be it the essence of a brand or a family moment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.perluxmedia.com
- Other: https://www.phpalmastudios.com
