Danna Cabrera

Artist Statement

Photography is more than just taking pictures to me. It is a way to tell stories without using words. I’m not a great talker and everyone around me knows it's a fact, but with photography I feel like I’m able to tell everyday stories with a simple click. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been infatuated with photography, though I never showed it. I was obsessed with the sky, specifically the nighttime when the stars would glow and the moon would “follow” me around. I really got into photography when my aunt Mireya took pictures of her everyday adventures in Peru. I never understood how she could make something so bland look so artistic. I have to admit I was jealous. But my story really started when she let me borrow her camera in Machu Picchu. With a simple hold of a camera I was already in love.

I am mostly inspired by movies and their cinematic scenes. In films, the lighting and timing always seem perfect, and every shot feels important. I try to bring that same feeling into my own photography. I pay attention to light, angles, and the mood of the moment which can change the whole photo. When I take photos, I like to focus on everyday moments and the small adventures in my life. I believe that any moment can become a meaningful picture if you pay attention to it. Even simple activities, like spending time with friends, laughing together, or taking a walk outside, can turn into special memories. A photo has the power to capture feelings, not just images. It can freeze a moment in time that might otherwise be forgotten. To me, photography is not just about taking random pictures. It is about telling a story and saving memories. By focusing on everyday life, I can turn ordinary moments into something meaningful and memorable. 

— Danna Cabrera, Hill Regional Career High School ’28

< Back to exhibition page

Continue to the next artist >