It can be said that the truth hides behind the scenes, but what about art so intriguing it’s presented to us through images we cannot glance over. Whether it’s polarizing concepts or day to day life, artist and photographer Daniel Valledor captures raw moments with an authenticity indicative of a visionary pulled by energy and human emotion. Committed to working with no altercations, the artist has been called “old school” by many, driven by a motivation to unravel the truth about the human experience. 

A​ combination of traditional and retro, Daniel has developed his own style over the past five years. Based in Madrid, the photographer admits that he has always been drawn to people with charisma. “I’m all about soul,” explains Daniel. “Subjects with powerful auras emit a certain kind of magic that you can feel, and this reflects in their photographs.” Uninterested in curated personas and perfectly posed shots, Daniel, while well-known for his street photography, is pursuing projects related to the exploration of reason and cause.

This can be seen in his groundbreaking work covering the time-honored tradition of bullfighting and the career-making event at Las Ventas. “Bullfighters train their entire lives in a cutthroat sport built on blood and tears just for the chance to prove themselves as Las Ventas,” states Daniel. “I think that kind of tenacity to experience the immense joy of triumph or heartbreak of lose is indicative of how our souls are impacted through life.” 

The truth is life isn’t cut and dry. It can be beautiful. It can be raw, disappointing, and even ugly, and that is the reality that Daniel pursues to present through his unedited images. With a book on the horizon for 2021, Daniel hopes to get his point across during a time where bullfighting is looked down upon. 

Understanding that we can’t turn our backs on history or the realities we see on the streets, Daniel’s work is a genuine story of acceptance and celebration. His fearless approach to subjects and creative experimentation sets him apart as one of the real artists still committed to accurate photo-documentation.