Brick wall facade with vintage lamp fixtures under a deep blue sky.
Photography logo design evolution showing camera icon transformations in blue gradient with orange stars.

Daniel Abebaw

A series of minimalist ink and pencil sketches showing a figure wearing glasses in different poses and expressions.

 

Movement. Emotion. Art — Captured with intention.

 

Golden diffused streetlamp filtering through leaves, creating a dreamy bokeh effect.
Nighttime street scene with teal streetlights and blurred car lights.
Modern interior with blue and white striped walls featuring hanging pendant lights.
Concert venue illuminated with purple and blue stage lighting.
People reading books under colorful neon lighting creating a moody atmospheric scene.
Dark concert hall illuminated by purple and blue stage lights during a performance.
Silhouette against a glowing neon circle with pink and blue gradient lighting.
Silhouette standing in neon-lit corridor with circular portal glowing in pink and blue.
Illuminated tower with glowing orange light trails creating abstract patterns against night sky.
Three figures illuminated in dramatic blue lighting creating a moody portrait.
Niagara Falls cascading down rocky cliffs with lush greenery and turquoise waters below.
Abstract pattern of sparkly snow and wave-like patterns on the snow surface with textured detail.
Wet wooden boardwalk with train on a bridge path stretching into the distance with power lines visible against a blue sky.
Artistic black and white close-up portrait shots showing different facial expressions in dramatic lighting.
Figure in motion captured in purple-tinted lighting against a dark urban background.
Sepia-toned image of a figure standing in front of illuminated architecture at night.
Group sitting indoors in purple lighting wearing casual clothes and headphones.
Portrait series in warm lighting showing poses in a rust-colored polo shirt.
Group of people sitting together outdoors on grass in black and white photography.
Dramatic portrait holding bright blue flowers against dark background in formal coat.
Person in beige sweatsuit posing casually next to yellow school bus.
Dramatic close-up portrait with red background lighting and high contrast shadows.
Artistic motion blur portrait of someone in plaid jacket against natural outdoor background with sprinklers.
Silhouettes of people sitting together on a car against a vibrant orange and yellow sunset sky.
Black and white photo showing smoke trails against a dark sky.
Person sitting casually against a textured wall with natural lighting.
Golden sunlight streaming across a grassy hillside landscape with sprinklers.
Figure in sunglasses and a blue jacket against lush green foliage behind sprinklers.
A person relaxing against a large tree trunk in black and white photography.
Silhouetted figure standing in a doorway/portal with dramatic pink lighting.
Eerie blue-tinted staircase with mysterious figures in the shadows.
Silhouette posing against neon blue and purple circular light patterns.
Colorful neon lights create abstract patterns and reflections in a dark environment.
Silhouetted figure against an orange sunset with trees in the background.
People walking in silhouette on a dimly lit street at night with street lamps glowing.
Dramatic lighting setup in a dark studio with circular light patterns.
Close-up texture of sparkly snow surface with natural ripple-like patterns.
Street lights illuminate a deep blue twilight sky along an empty parking lot.
Abstract artistic portrait with neon colors and smoky effects against dark background.
Stage performance with dramatic lighting and glowing lanterns in dark theater setting.
Bright red flames and fire effects in a dark outdoor setting.
Person in beige outfit laughing while sitting on grass during sunset with pink tones.
Black and white image showing silhouettes through car windows at night.
Panoramic sunset view with golden orange sky and dark silhouettes in foreground.
Dramatic sunset sky with vibrant pink and orange clouds stretching across the horizon.
Street intersection at dusk with traffic lights and street lamps creating ambient glow.
Exterior view of an empty sidewalk puddle pool with a reflective water surface.
Person in casual beige outfit posing next to yellow delivery truck.
Night scene of illuminated park pavilion with playground equipment visible in background.

photography in my youth

Photography became a part of my identity long before I realized it. I grew up seeing the world in frames, the way light falls on a face, the intensity in an athlete’s posture and expression, the quiet depth in everyday scenes. Over time, I turned that way of seeing into a craft. I shoot athlete portraits, sports photography, creative portraits, and award-winning artistic work that reflects both the internal world and the physical one.

Aerial view of snowy landscape with a lone figure creating tracks in pristine white snow.
Long exposure night photography showing streaks of yellow light trails along a dark road.
"The days that feel closest to your failure are the days most invested in your success.”


Daniel abebaw
Professional wearing glasses and striped tie looks down while standing outdoors with snowy winter trees in background.

My Story

Moody stairwell with golden lighting casting geometric shadows.
2022 - Picked up a camera for the first time (15 y/o)


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2023 - Featured in the MSHSL Art show Magazine (15 y/o)


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2024 - MN state art awards and national recognition (16 y/o)


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2024 - Featured in the Northeaster Newspaper (17 y/O)


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2025 - My work featured in several online articles (17 Y/O)


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more to come...

 

Dark silhouette of power lines against a dusky sky with a red sun on the horizon.
Black and white portrait sequence showing a person in glasses and tie smiling in snowy weather.
“Good things take time. If you’re unwilling to sacrifice it, then don’t expect good things to happen.”

-Daniel Abebaw

Outside of photography, I’m an NCAA Track and Cross Country Athlete with a long-term impactful story including 14+ physical setbacks leading to a PTSD diagnosis, shifting my view towards the world, and a multi-musician with a deep background in concert performance, production, creative expression, and visual art. I’ve always had diverse passions, and instead of choosing one, I’ve learned to let them work together. Most say I'm spreading myself too thin, I say I'm giving myself future opportunities by struggling now. My goal is to build a life where my skills, creativity, and experiences collide into something impactful — whether that’s through entrepreneurship, content creation, athletics, or the arts.

Long exposure photograph shows glowing orange light trails cascading downward with purple streaks against dark background.

How my numerous athletic setbacks shaped my artistic photography...

Swimmer in yellow cap and goggles prepares at poolside before competition.
A track athlete in a yellow jersey competes in an 800m race on an outdoor track.

My Award Winning Works

Steps to Nowhere
Triumph
Whiplash
Series of close-up portraits showing different facial expressions in dramatic low-key lighting.
Abstract low-angle shots of a person in brown clothing against a white background.
Long exposure light painting creating glowing orange patterns against dark background.
Moody black and white shots through car windows at night.
Group of people sitting together outdoors in black and white photography.
Neon-lit brick tunnel with vibrant purple and blue lighting effects.
Dramatic sunset over suburban street with golden sky and long shadows.
Silhouetted figure in doorway with magenta lighting creating dramatic contrast.
Silhouettes against circular radial pattern background in dark blue and orange tones.
Artistic portrait with dramatic red and black lighting effects.
Dramatic black and white image featuring rising smoke patterns in darkness.
Black and white indoor portrait series with dramatic lighting and shadows.
Moody black and white portraits showing different angles in natural window light.
Creative portrait series with yellow prop against textured background.
Artistic photos with glowing neon pink light effects in dark indoor setting.
Silhouette against blue neon light trails creating wing-like patterns.
Minimalist landscape with tiny figure walking across snowy or sandy terrain.
View my full portfolio
3/19/2025 @ Columbia Heights Senior High School

03/19/25

How my numerous athletic setbacks shaped my sports photography...

 

 

Swimmer in yellow cap and goggles prepares at poolside before competition.
A track athlete in a yellow jersey competes in an 800m race on an outdoor track.
Basketball players competing for a rebound during an intense game in a gymnasium.
Basketball players in orange and maroon jerseys battling for position under the hoop.
Basketball players in orange jerseys positioning themselves during a competitive game.
Basketball players from opposing teams competing for position during a game.
Ice hockey players skating on a rink during an NCAA game.
Hockey players in black and yellow uniforms compete for the puck on an ice rink during a game.
Hockey players skate across the ice during an intense game, with one player controlling the puck.
Hockey players in action on the ice with NCAA branding visible in the background.
An Intense competitive swimmer performs breaststroke in a pool with lane markers visible.
Swimmers race in multiple lanes during a competitive swimming meet.
Swimmers line up at the edge of the pool wearing competition swim caps and goggles.
Swimmer performs butterfly stroke during competition with water splashing dramatically.
Soccer players practice on a green field with trees visible in the background.
Athletes in yellow and white uniforms spread out across a soccer field during a match.
Soccer players run across a grass field during a match.
A soccer goalkeeper in a bright green uniform makes a goal kick on a grass field.
A soccer player throws a ball on the grass field during a game.
Volleyball player jumps to serve the ball in indoor gymnasium.
Volleyball player leaps high to spike ball during indoor match.
View my full portfolio

 

Services

 

Book a Photoshoot!

From only $20

I take professional, athletic, casual, and artistic photoshoots for anyone! Click below to book!

 

 

 

Book a Photoshoot
Photographer wearing a hoodie and plaid shirt taking a portrait with a vintage camera.

Brand Photoshoot

from $250

Are you a brand wanting a photoshoot? Click below to contact me about what you're looking for!

Contact me
Track athlete in a yellow uniform sprinting on an outdoor track during competition.

 

FAQ's

 

Do I need a uniform for the photo session?

No — uniforms are not required. Many athletes choose regular training clothes, a simple tee, or whatever they feel confident in. Clean, minimal outfits usually photograph best.

Where will the shoot take place?

Most shoots can be done on a campus, in indoor spaces, or at requested outdoor locations (depending on weather). I’ll recommend locations based on the style you want.


How many photos will I get?

This depends on the session length, but I’ll usually take as many as I can and finalize the ones I'll end up sending over.

 

How do I receive my photos?

Your photos will be delivered digitally through a private online gallery. You can download high-resolution images directly.


Can I bring a friend or teammate?

Yes! Additional people can join portrait or athlete sessions. Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.


What if I’ve never done a photoshoot before?

No worries at all! I’ll guide posing, angles, and ideas. My sessions are relaxed, simple, and comfortable for all experience levels.


How do payments work?

A small deposit may be required to secure your session. The remaining balance is paid the day of the shoot. Payment can be made by cash, Venmo, or card.


Can I use the photos for social media or personal branding?

Absolutely! All portrait packages include personal-use licensing. If you need commercial licensing (for brand deals or sponsorships), just let me know.

Contact me

Contact form

📍Location

Minneapolis - saint peter MN

✆ Phone

612-513-7577

Portrait in blue tones shows a person in winter snow wearing glasses and a suit.