Daniel Mendoza

Daniel Mendoza is a photographer based in Austin, Texas. Mendoza is pursuing a bachelor's degree in photography at St. Edward’s University. Mendoza specializes in fashion photography, focusing on conceptual, narrative, and editorial work. His style reflects a polished, detailed, and curated look for his clients. Much of Mendoza’s work is significant through his expertise in bookbinding, directing skills, and simplistic design. Currently, Mendoza has been offered gigs by models represented by Wallflower Management. He has exhibited and won second place for Juried Exhibition: Rise Up, and had his work published in Blaze Magazine.

Artist's Statement

Much of my work uses fashion photography as a foundation to further push narratives, emotions, and concepts that connect with my past. I love to emphasize my directing skills, focusing on the model’s expressions and carefully curating what appears in front of my camera. Simplistic poses, thoughtful expressions, and critical selection define my photographic style. Before every shot, I take time to analyze why I’m photographing and what message I aim to portray. Formally, my work is polished, naturalistic, and minimal.

I structure my projects to follow year-long series. allowing me to create a solid and cohesive body of work aligned with the themes I wish to evoke. Many series draw from my personal experiences, reflecting on past challenges and reinterpreting them through photography.

My debut series ‘Petals of Armor’ focused on my experience being stuck between my parent's custody battle, personal struggles with religion, and recurring themes of restraintment and isolation. My second series ‘Untitled Series’ Journeys through the undefined spaces of "in-between" relationships, emphasizing the non-linear path to closure. Because these series are personal, I want my audience to experience the same feelings as I did—to connect with my journey through the images.

Binding my books allows me to piece together my photographs to create a narrative. Utilizing my use in writing paired with my photographic images sheds light on why I create these series and what message I’m trying to convey. Using my craft in book-binding creates a personal touch between each page flipped, allowing my audience to experience my work on a deeper level. Concluding with a book creates a statement in time, allowing me to explore different facets of my artistry, while also forming a special bond with my audience.