By Jesika Millano
For AL DÍA TODAY
PALM BAY— At the end of his 24-hour shift at the fire station, Richie Acevedo and his wife, Iris, take the time to photograph one of the many families that come to their studio, Acevedo Photography.
Acevedo is a firefighter and a paramedic by profession. He began photography as a lights assistant for his wife, who is a professional photographer.
“She asked me if I liked photography because she knew I was interested in learning. One day, I decided to buy a camera and it turned out to be better than my wife’s camera,” Richie commented between laughs.
Ever since 2011, the couple has been dedicated to photographing weddings and families through their studio, Acevedo Photography.
“It is our specialty to work with families because for us it represents an important value in our lives,” said Acevedo.
The pair met at the high school where they started their relationship.
“When we were 22, we decided to get married. Since I met her, I knew I wanted to be with her. It was something special,” Acevedo recalled.
At age 19, Acevedo had already entered the firefighter school motivated by his father, a paramedic, and his uncle, a firefighter.
“I wanted to do something to help people. I always wanted to run after an emergency so that I could save as many lives as I could and that’s what satisfies me the most about this profession. “
However, he says that the most difficult situation is when he must witness death.
“Witnessing an out-of-control accident is something that marks your life. It happened to me after working for three years as a firefighter. There was a horrible fire and a person, who needed first aid, was rescued in a very bad condition. That scene really impacted my life because I felt the need to help him, but inside, I knew that more people needed to be rescued. The boy died and that day, I decided I wanted to be a paramedic,” he said.
Richie is currently the head of the Palm Bay Fire Station #1, located in Port Malabar Boulevard. He came to Palm Bay 12 years ago from New York.
“There are a lot of great things about firefighters, but I think the real recognition is when people show total respect for us and help us,” Acevedo said.
In Acevedo’s daily work, photography also occupies an important place.
“Seeing a smile on our customers’ faces when they look at their pictures for the first time really warms our hearts,” he says.
Iris Acevedo attended college and took photography classes. She has been dedicated to photography since she was 14 years old.
“I was the family photographer for all special events and although I still capture my family’s best moments, I have branched out with my own business,” she explained.
She knows each photo shoot is unique.
“Richie and I are the perfect team because we are passionate about what we do. We photograph families, children, maternities, special occasions and weddings,” she said.
For more information about Acevedo Photography, people can visit their website: www.acevedophotos.com, where this couple exhibits their portfolio and information about their services.