Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adriana Delgado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adriana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Renowned photographer Gordon Parks once said, “The camera could be a weapon.” Although I do not compare my work to that of Mr. Parks, I do believe a camera is a wondrous tool that has the power to capture stories and fleeting moments. It allows us to preserve our memories and express our emotions in meaningful ways. This is especially true for those who are often forgotten. Through my ongoing documentary work, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people who have allowed me to enter their world to capture their stories, and shed light on underrepresented communities.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am driven by my passion for creating imagery that showcases the beauty and diversity around us. I create unique photographs for small businesses and individuals that capture the essence of the community. I don’t have a specific brand, but I take on different roles to keep my businesses running. I love finding new ways to serve my community through my documentary projects, and I’m always looking for an approach to help others.

In my opinion, labels are limiting and as a visual artist, I refuse to be confined to just one or two areas of expertise. As a freelancer, I have many roles to play – I am a creative, light technician, set designer, location scouter, retoucher, accountant, social media guru, photo editor, and curator. But beyond these titles lies my passion and inspiration to create valuable work that means something to me as a photographer and as an individual. From the very beginning of my journey, I knew that the world of fashion photography wasn’t for me. I wanted to capture the unfiltered beauty of reality, and the unrepresented, and to give them a platform and a voice. I’ve always been fascinated by documenting the process – the art of making. Everything has a process, life itself, and I believe that storytelling through documentation is a powerful art that can inspire change and bring people together.

As an immigrant myself, I have a special connection to my long-term documentary project called “Divididos”. The project aims to capture the stories of families visiting the Mexican-US border to meet their loved ones and friends. For some, it is an opportunity to meet their grandparents for the first time. Although I started this project back in 2016, the pandemic caused some disruptions, and the closure of the park due to the construction of the 30-foot wall by the Biden administration made it challenging to continue working on it. However, I am determined to complete this project to make a photo book as planned.

Currently, apart from commercial jobs, I also work with mothers in both Los Angeles and San Diego documenting moments of motherhood as my personal project. This year, I gave birth to my firstborn, and I‘m still learning to embrace the ups and downs that motherhood brings. But by sharing my own experiences and capturing the experiences of other mothers, I have gained the confidence to document the raw, unfiltered moments of motherhood. I am honored to be able to share these moments, and I am confident that they will inspire and support mothers on their journeys.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As image-makers, we often underestimate ourselves by comparing our work to other photographers. Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to do so. While I love social media, it can also be intimidating for those who want to showcase their work. It can be overwhelming to see the amazing works of art and the thousands of followers that others have, and it’s easy to feel like we’re not getting the same response we hoped for. I’ve personally experienced this feeling, and it’s a constant struggle. However, I believe that as long as I’m creating work that is meaningful to me, nothing can stop me. Instead of being negative, I try to find resilience and keep creating because everyone has a unique vision of the world, and I want my work to be noticed. My dad used to tell me, “There will always be someone better or worse than you, but never someone like you.” Remember, your work is not defined by the likes you receive or the number of followers you have.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

As a creative, I find nothing more satisfying than seeing my clients stoked with the work I produce for them. I’m truly grateful for the friendships and colleagues I’ve made through my art over the years. Personally, my craft is not just a means of earning a living, but a passion that fills me with confidence and pride. I’m constantly learning from others, and being able to create and use my vision to collaborate and help others is a source of great joy and fulfillment for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adrianadelgado.photo/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__adelgado__/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrianadelgadophoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-l-delgado/

Image Credits
Adriana Delgado