De’Andre Avaloz

Throughout photojournalist/educator De’Andre Avaloz’s photography career, he has provided photography for a wide range of clients, ranging from international corporations to the everyday local couple getting married or taking family photos. In addition to his diverse list of clients, he has also documented cultures overseas as well as locally, and continues to use photography as a means to advocate and raise awareness towards social injustices and disparities that impact communities. Having such a wide exposure to music as an adolescent helped him to seek out photography, music, and poetry as a means of expression, rather than turning to violence to release his frustrations. De’Andre’s love for photography was inspired by the horrific images of past wars and was ignited by the devastation of 9/11. Inspired by the countless emotions that are communicated and felt through photography, De’Andre is not just committed to producing images but also dedicated to transmitting emotions. It is his dream to travel the world, capturing the most beautiful and most disturbing of images, in hopes of raising awareness so that we can spread beauty and defeat the mayhem that exists in the world today. De’Andre aims to produce and share thought-provoking, raw, and honest photography that exposes truth and provides voices to the voiceless. As a photographer, educator, poet, and musician, activism has always been something De’Andre has demonstrated in his work. De’Andre continues to gain recognition and support from the community and its prestigious companies as well. Having held numerous photography exhibitions throughout Minnesota and received various awards and grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, McKnight Foundation, and FilmNorth to name a few, De’Andre actively continues to unearth content and capture stories with his uniquely artistic body of work.