Yeni Dacosta fell in love with photography when her daughter Siri was born. Like many young mothers, she began snapping photos of her daughter at play. The 50-year-old, who is originally from Honduras, moved to Asheville after a brief time in Texas in 2014. She came to A-B Tech this spring to grow her photography skills with a Spanish language Community Reporter class through JM Pro Community Media, a nonprofit that partners with A-B Tech to offer journalism classes to the Latinx community. Dacosta, along with several other students, learned radio, video, and photography in the class, including how to interview and document people’s stories. The Community Reporter's photography work is currently being displayed in Hemlock, in the furthest section of the first-floor hallway. It will be on exhibit through September 1.
Pictured above: Yeni Dacosta
Dacosta focused on three people for her photojournalism project, two personal connections and one she’d never met. She chose to photograph her eleven-year-old daughter Siri in the swimming pool because she said is happiest in the water. “She competes with Asheville Jewish Community Center (AJCC ), and that is her passion,” she said.
Yarizel, a young friend of her daughter’s, posed for another photo wearing an elegant dress from her native Mexico. In interviewing her, Dacosta learned that dancing and singing Mexican songs helps Yarizel feel connected to her roots.
Though she admits her favorite photography subjects are children, Dacosta challenged herself to go outside her comfort zone while documenting stories for class. For her last subject, Dacosta interviewed an Efren, an interesting-looking vendor at a farmer’s market in Brevard. After chatting with him, she learned he’d built his farming business after immigrating from Mexico. “(I was inspired) with how he’s made his way doing something he enjoys,” she said.
Dacosta, who works as an administrative assistant in Asheville, said she enjoyed taking the reporter class because it led her to like-minded students who share her passion for photography.
“It not only taught me new skills, but it helped me find a community,” she said, adding. “(When looking at my photos) I hope that people see the hard work, discipline, and passion (the subjects) demonstrate in pursuit of their dreams.”
To learn more, visit JM PRO Community Media.
Photo above taken by Yeni Dacosta