We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel Acevedo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Last fall, I had an exhibition at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). It was a joyful and beautiful project that I dedicated a lot of time to.
This exhibition, “Tribute to Women,” is dedicated to all the women who have played a significant role in my life. I grew up with my single mother, grandmother, and five aunts, and they became a vital part of my life. Being away from them after moving to the USA a couple of years ago made me realize the importance of their presence in my life. I have been seeking that same sense of belonging in this new country.

Women have always been significant in my life, especially in this country. While I have made important female friends and created a new family here, my family back in Mexico remains essential and influential. Early in my career as a photographer, I began taking pictures of all my female friends. A special connection allows me to capture beautiful photographs of women through the lens. Every photo I have taken of them is done with respect and appreciation. This sense of confidence and respect has enabled me to produce great photographs.

Throughout this series of portraits, I aim to capture the essence of my closest friends in the United States, who have provided me with a sense of comfort and belonging that I previously only experienced with my family in Mexico. At the same time, these portraits also pay homage to the influential women in my life, including my mother, grandmother, cousin, and aunties.

The technical process involved taking pictures of the first two parts of the exhibition with a medium-format camera. After the film’s development, each photo was digitally scanned to make digital overlaps and prints. In the last part of the exhibition (the three smallest photos), those images were taken with a 4×5 camera. Then, the film was manually expanded and overlapped over photo paper in the dark room.

The exhibition is divided into three sections – the first part showcases individual print photos, the second part is a collage of photo prints, and the third part features miniature photos.

I was lucky enough to visit my family last December, and I expanded my photo series collection. I added photos of my beloved family members, who I had previously mentioned as being important in my life. After conversing with my grandma, I selected the pattern on the fabric, where she expressed her love for grapes and how much she enjoyed growing fruits in her backyard when she was young. This exhibition reflects my search for home and new references while reflecting on what brought me here. It captures both the past and present.

Daniel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Daniel Acevedo. I am an artist photographer based in Minneapolis. My photography style has variations that can range from fashion to portraits, social events, product photography, and more. I started this journey with my camera a few years back in Mexico and then moved to Minneapolis four years ago. One of the things that has helped me diversify my photography is listening to my audience’s needs. I always recommend being adaptable and easy to work with to gain more experience and benefit from different opportunities.

As part of my dedication to my ongoing learning and education, I have enrolled in a BFA program in Photography and a minor degree in Advertising at MCAD. This decision has marked a significant step forward in my career as a photographer.
I want future clients and followers to know that I always have something new to offer or showcase. By continuously learning, I generate fresh ideas that can be transformed into creative and appealing delivery forms.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The advice I’m about to share is something I wish someone had told me when I was starting as a photographer. It’s important to stop waiting for opportunities and success to come knocking on our door. To achieve our goals, we need to step out of our comfort zone and actively seek out opportunities. Even if we fail sometimes, this effort can help us improve our skills and open up more doors for us. I started seeing improvements in my artwork, and more opportunities came my way after I started reaching out and asking for them.

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

Having the ability to use a device that captures moments in the form of images is a significant thing. Many people can take photos, but understanding the importance and relevance of our images makes a photographer stand out. What I enjoy most is knowing that my images can evoke emotions in those who view them. Any emotion or sensation it generates is positive for me, as it implies that my work is accomplishing its goal.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danielacevedo.mypixieset.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielacevedove/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-acevedo-7203b9159/