Iván Macías is a prominent Mexican documentary photographer and a 2021 World Press Photo laureate. Originally trained as a Mechatronics Engineer, he has built a visual career that merges technical precision with a profound humanistic sensibility. His work focuses on documentary photography as a powerful tool for social commentary and awareness.
As a member of the autistic community, Iván leverages his platform to actively promote neurodivergence awareness and the rights of people with disabilities. He integrates his own perspective within the autism spectrum as a vital axis to construct an intimate, honest, and empathetic visual narrative. This commitment is embodied in high-impact projects such as the exhibition «Looking Inward: Autism and Photography,» presented at prestigious venues including the Museum of the Photographic Archive (MAF) and the National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN).
His career has been recognized with over 25 international awards, notably multiple accolades from the Tokyo International Foto Awards (TIFA) and the International Photography Awards (IPA). In 2021, Forbes Magazine named him one of «The 100 Most Creative Mexicans.» He is also the author of the book Huellas de la Pandemia (2021), a visual tribute to frontline healthcare workers.
Iván currently serves as an official ambassador for Sony and Honor. Alongside his photographic practice, he is an active speaker and educator, sharing his expertise at leading Mexican institutions such as UNAM, the Franz Mayer Museum, and the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes). His mission is to demonstrate that visual art is a fundamental bridge for the understanding and inclusion of neurodivergent minds.
Awards & Recognition
2025 | NTD International Photography Competition
Third Place, Nature & Landscape.
2025 | México en una Imagen
Finalist, Official Selection.
2025 | International Photography Awards
Honorable Mention, Editorial category.
Honorable Mention, People category.
Honorable Mention, Events-Traditions category.
2025 | Retratando la Complejidad, UNAM
Winner.
2025 | Tokyo International Foto Awards
Honorable Mention, Editorial category.
2025 | Budapest Foto Awards
Bronze Medal, People-Culture category.
Honorable Mention, People-Culture category.
2024 | World Photography Organization
Shortlist Winner.
2024 | Tokyo International Foto Awards
Silver Medal, Portrait category.
Honorable Mention, Editorial category.
2023 | Tokyo International Foto Awards
First Place, Editorial category.
2023 | One Eyeland Awards
Gold Medal, Editorial category.
2023 | One Eyeland Mobile Awards
Silver Medal, Street and Landscape categories.
2022 | Festival Internacional De Fotografía en León
Finalist, Official Selection, Urban category.
2022 | Honorary Doctorate
Awarded by the Claustro Doctoral Honoris Causa A.C.
2022 | México en una Imagen
Third Place, Professional category.
2022 | One Eyeland Street Photographers
Gold Medal, General category.
Bronze Medal, Geometries category.
2022 | One Eyeland Wildlife Photographers
Silver Medal, Animal Portrait category.
Bronze Medal, Birds category.
2021 | Forbes
Named one of the «100 Most Creative Mexicans.»
2021 | World Press Photo
Second Prize, Portraits category.
2020 | México en una Imagen
First Place, Professional category.
2020 | International Photography Awards
Third Place, Deeper Perspective category.
Two Honorable Mentions.
2019 | TARES
Third Place, Architecture Photography.
2019 | International Photography Awards
Second Place, Night Photography category.
Lastest Solo Exhibitions
2025 | Museum of the Photographic Archive
«Looking Inward: Autism and Photography»
2025 | Mexico City Metro System
«Fire and Faith in Tultepec»
22025 | National Institute of Genomic Medicine
«Autism»
2024 | Museum of the Photographic Archive
«Autism»
2025 | Foro Valparaíso
«Autism»
2023 | Casa Refugio Citaltépetl
«Evolutions»