DUV - THE WOMAN BEHIND THE CAMERA
Hi, I’m Duv Cardenas, a Northern California photographer specializing in sports, equine, and canine action across Amador, El Dorado, and Sacramento counties.
As a former athlete with degrees in Kinesiology, I know how moments unfold — and how quickly they pass. Competition strips things down. What’s left is effort, skill, and personality in motion.
How I See Action
I photograph those moments up close, with clarity and intent. My education taught me how the body moves, and experience taught me how to recognize the moments that truly matter.
I anticipate action, adjust instinctively, and focus on what tells the story — faces, effort, intensity, and connection. During the action, the walls come down. The posing disappears. What’s left is real.
My Photography Philosophy
Action moments are fleeting. They happen once, in real time, and then they're gone. I photograph so that parents, athletes, riders, and handlers can:
• Stay fully present, knowing the moment is being captured clearly
• See the details impossible to catch in real time
• Recognize skill, dedication, heart, and growth
• Share moments that clearly show effort, skill, and achievement
• Return to these images years later and remember what mattered
My photos are not just social media snapshots. They are clear, high-quality images designed to show skill and personality — strong enough to live on screens, and made to hold up as large prints without losing detail or impact.
Timelines fade and platforms change. The images that matter are the ones you can return to and remember the moment as it actually was.
What Guides My Work
• I’ve been there — I know what it’s like to train hard, push limits, and go all in
• My Sports Science background helps me anticipate action and capture it cleanly
• I bring high-quality, intentional coverage to programs and athletes that are often overlooked
• I carry the same performance mindset into canine and equine sports
• I value professionalism, clear communication, and work people are proud to share
If you want action photography that shows skill, emotion, and personality, I’d love to work with you. Contact me to talk about coverage, events, or sessions.
