KRISTO: A LIFE BETWEEN ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND GLOBAL MARKETING
By Jorgelina Escalante
From Buenos Aires to New York, Cristian “Kristo” Altamirano has built a multifaceted career spanning photography, production, digital marketing, and photojournalism. With over 18 years of experience in the creative industry, his work has been featured in prestigious magazines, and he has collaborated with globally recognized brands. His story is that of an artist and entrepreneur who has learned to adapt and transcend borders, bringing his vision to different corners of the world.
AN INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Born in Buenos Aires, Kristo started his career in photography, specializing in fashion, documentary, and advertising. His talent led him to work with iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Patagonia, Toyota, Burger King, and Schweppes, as well as covering major fashion weeks in Milan, Paris, London, Berlin, Barcelona, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
His images have been published in renowned print media such as Para Ti, HOLA Argentina, and DMAG, and he has collaborated with top modeling agencies and production companies, including Look 1, Pink, LoManagement, and Grupo Mass. Additionally, his experience in event production positioned him within the lifestyle and hospitality scene, playing key roles in iconic Buenos Aires bars like Franks Bar and Isabel Bar.
ART AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT
In 2018, Kristo published Buenos Aires in the Flesh, a book that blends art, fashion, architecture, and Argentine history. The work was recognized by the Buenos Aires City Legislature as a culturally significant document and was later presented at the Argentine Consulate in New York in 2022. Currently, the artist is expanding this series with New York in the Flesh, exploring cultural parallels between the two cities.
His passion for documentary photography also led him to develop The Hospital Series, with its first chapter, Hospital y Hogar Guillermo Rawson, narrating the history of one of Argentina’s most important hospitals. This project stemmed from his animal rescue efforts during the pandemic and his initiative Rawsoncitos, through which he helped over 300 animals by organizing spay/neuter campaigns and rescues.
EXPANSION IN THE U.S.: MARKETING, BUSINESS, AND MEDIA
In 2021, Kristo moved to New York with his wife and continued his growth as a photojournalist for G7 Magazine, Argentina’s most influential marketing and advertising publication. Through this platform, he has covered major global events such as New York Pride and Art Basel Miami, as well as interviewing figures like Hernán Cattáneo, Yungblud, and Eugenio Cuttica.
In 2022, Kristo founded Holdstep LLC, his own 360° digital marketing agency focused on connecting Argentine talent with clients in the U.S. Through this company, he has worked with Sony Pictures, Paramount, Columbia Pictures, Victoria Beckham Beauty, Stella Artois, Babasónicos, Los Cafres, Dread Mar-I, and La Joaqui, solidifying his presence in the U.S. market.
THE PET WORLD: PASSION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
With an innovative vision in the pet care industry, Kristo founded AnimalHomeSolutions Inc., a holding company dedicated to premium pet care and veterinary services in New York, operating under the brand PKPetSitters, with expansion plans through franchising.
Additionally, he has worked with the exclusive brand LeDoggieCool, handling its marketing and photography to position it as the most sophisticated dog care service in Williamsburg. Under his alias lightkristo, he has produced photography series for iconic events such as Photos with Santa, Dog Yearbook, Valentine’s Day, and Dog Fashion Week, strengthening his profile as a specialized pet photographer.
His commitment to the community has led him to collaborate with shelters like Pupstarz Rescue, donating his photography skills to increase pet adoptions and enhance the visibility of animals in need of homes.
BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY: A FUTURE WITHOUT LIMITS
Constantly evolving, Kristo continues to explore new ways to merge art, marketing, and business. His story is that of a creative who has made a mark in Argentina and Latin America, successfully expanding his vision into the U.S. market. With a disruptive approach and an innate ability to innovate, his legacy continues to grow, redefining the boundaries between creativity and global entrepreneurship.
