Rising Stars: Meet Dario Tejada of Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dario Tejada.

Hi Dario, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up surrounded by creativity, but never quite felt like I fit the mold. I took an art class in high school and actually failed it—which ironically pushed me closer to performance and expression through acting. That eventually opened the door to a deeper love for storytelling and visuals.

My husband introduced me to a filming program that sparked my interest in what happens behind the scenes. That shift led me into photography and video, where I found my rhythm working with clients and collaborating with other creatives.

One of my most personal projects is the “Shadow of Self” series, a conceptual body of work that explores identity, duality, and emotional depth. It’s been a powerful way to connect with people and express the parts of ourselves we often hide.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
t hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest turning points was losing my mom—that kind of grief stays with you and reshapes how you move through the world. It made me look at life differently and pushed me to find purpose in my work.

Creatively, I went through a phase of trying different things—experimenting, learning, figuring out what felt right. For a long time, I focused on creating what I thought others wanted, rather than tapping into my own voice. That disconnect became frustrating, but it also taught me what really matters: creating work that feels personal and honest. That shift led to projects like my “Shadow of Self” series, which came from a deeper place of reflection and healing

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
m a visual artist and photographer specializing in portrait and conceptual work. I use my lens to tell emotional stories—often grounded in identity, vulnerability, and transformation. While I’ve worked with a range of clients, what I’m most proud of are the moments where my personal work resonates with someone on a deeper level.

My “Shadow of Self” series, for example, explores the hidden layers of who we are—the parts we suppress or don’t fully understand. It’s raw and reflective, and it’s opened doors to deeper collaborations with musicians, dancers, and other artists who want their own stories visually captured with that same emotional honesty.

What sets me apart is my ability to bring a cinematic yet intimate feel to my work. I don’t just shoot photos—I create a world for someone to step into. That storytelling approach, combined with my collaborative spirit, helps each project feel intentional, layered, and personal

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely—none of this would’ve happened without the people who’ve shown up for me along the way. My husband has been one of my biggest supporters. He introduced me to the world of editing and visual storytelling, and that opened the door to everything I do now. He’s always encouraged me to lean into my creativity and trust my vision, even when I doubted it.

I also have deep gratitude for my mother-in-law and aunt-in-law. After losing my mom, they stepped in with unconditional love and support. They reminded me that family can show up in unexpected forms, and their presence helped me heal and continue creating.

On the professional side, I’ve had clients and collaborators who believed in me before I had the words or confidence to fully define my work. Their trust allowed me to take creative risks and helped shape the artist I’ve become. Every shoot, every collaboration has been a piece of this journey—and I’m grateful for all of it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.vision_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Jabbar Lewis
Elii Ormond
Jahari White
Darius Hickman
Tyler Reed