Carlos was born and raised in El Paso, TX graduating from Burges High School in 1990. Attended UTEP in the mid 1990's, where he was a member of the UTEP Cheerleading Team for 4 years. As a UTEP Yell Leader, Carlos earned NCAA Collegiate All-American honors in 1996.

Currently, Carlos is a 23 year veteran with the El Paso Fire Department and holds the rank of Fire Suppression Technician (driver) as well as a state certified EMT. Carlos has been photographing the Pebble Hills Marching Band and Winter guard teams since 2017. He continued on with Arsenal Drum and Bugle Corps during their 2019, 2022, and 2023 seasons as well as assisting with the Arsenal "Bomb Squad Bistro" throughout their season.