Bio

Originally from North Dakota, Mercedes Reed is currently based in South Dakota while pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography with a minor in Art and Commercial Art at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. The BFA in Photography program blends technical mastery with creative expression, offering training in studio lighting, digital imaging, and contemporary photographic practices.

Mercedes’s work is rooted in studio product and portrait photography. As a multimedia artist, she integrates her graphic design skills to expand the expressive potential of her imagery, merging photographic technique with digital media for cohesive, narrative-driven pieces. Her creative approach often utilizes dramatic lighting and contrast to amplify storytelling and evoke emotional response.

Her work has been featured in regional art shows in 2024 and was included in the BHSU Bookstore Marketing Campaign in 2025, The Edit Art Show 2026, and the 2026 BHSU Senior Show, showcasing her ability to apply artistic vision in both fine art and commercial contexts.