Francesca Duarte

Journalist | Photographer | Videographer

United States

My education at the University of Central Florida has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of print/digital journalism and multimedia production. UCF’s journalism program allowed me to hone my skills in news writing, feature writing and editing.

I have a demonstrated experience in delivering impactful content across diverse platforms, covering social justice issues, human-interest features, mental health topics, spirituality topics, relationship topics, cannabis news and entertainment news.

I am an editorial fellow at YourTango, writing articles daily, and I am also a freelance journalist, covering for The Community Paper, among others.

As a writer and a photographer, I embrace my versatile and creative nature. I let my emotion and my passion guide me in creating compelling content. My ultimate goal is to open individuals’ minds and hearts so they can lead lives filled with love, gratitude and compassion.

Portfolio

LATEST

The Community Paper -
04/29/2024
The Melrose Center turns 10 - The Community Paper

This year, the Dorothy Lumley Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation and Creativity, located in the Orlando Public Library, celebrated its 10th anniversary of offering a space for artists, photographers, musicians and creatives alike to practice their craft. Back in 2014, the Orange County Library System created the facility, thanks to the Kendrick B.

The Community Paper -
03/28/2024
Starting at the end - The Community Paper

Janie-Alice Seecharan is a 33-year-old Orlando native and yoga instructor. She founded her business, Ignite Your Flow, virtually and locally in November 2022. But before she did this, she hit a hard reset on her life. Back in 2019, Seecharan had taken all the right steps toward a financially successful future.

The Community Paper -
02/28/2024
Edible Education Experience hosts author - The Community Paper

Flourishing gardens greeted attendees of Katherine Miller's meet-and-greet event held at the Edible Education Experience on Feb. 8. Miller, author of the recently published book "At the Table: A Chef's Guide to Advocacy," discussed her book's important themes surrounding sustainability and advocacy in the food industry.

Entertainment and News

YourTango
11/05/2023
What It Means When You Dream About Eating

The type of food you're eating in your dreams may just represent what you need more of in your life. Whether you're craving more meaningful experiences or more time for self-care, here's how to interpret what your dreams about food mean for you.

Personal & Creative Pieces (Unpublished)

Private Client
Breaking the Cycle

This personal narrative story follows David Elder's life and his hope to one day overcome alcoholism.

Private Client
Life is a Marathon

This profile story follows a bartender and her unique journey moving from NYC to Orlando, FL with plans to open up her own brewery.

Personal Essay
EMO NIGHT

Emo Night is a true story about the different interactions people share at an emo karaoke night.

Personal Essay
In the Shadows of the Night

During a warehouse afterparty, DJs, ravers and dancers come together for a late night of techno music, dancing and good vibes.

Private Client
Yukiko Smith

Yukiko Smith shares the story of her difficult transition moving from her home, Tokyo, Japan, to the U.S.

Private Client
Line Cook by Day, Creative at Heart

Douglas Lowell discusses his creative and musical passions and aspirations during a Q&A while he works his shift as a line cook.

Hard News

NSM.today
03/28/2023
Students find community and create impact through beach cleanup

The sound of tides rising and falling greeted students on Saturday as they gathered at Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a beach cleanup to help mitigate the effects of plastic pollution and protect marine life. Sources: 4 | Word count: 1,023

NSM.today
02/26/2023
ConeXiones holds self-care event to connect students

Nine students attended ConeXiones' first "Self-Care is in the Air" event on Wednesday as part of its "Charla Con Café" series, highlighting the significance of maintaining balance and implementing self-care practices while being a college student. Sources: 5 | Word count: 966

Life

NSM.today
10/05/2022
Florida teachers struggle to interpret 'Don't Say Gay' law

The bill dubbed "Don't Say Gay" is now officially the law, and Florida districts must cope with its impacts. The first school year is underway, and counties are still unsure of what the legislation means. Sources: 6 | Word count: 1,659

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
03/10/2022
How Hemp is Helping Decontaminate the Earth

Hemp is cleaning up and absorbing the toxins in contaminated soil in region including Chernobyl. Not only can people use hemp to make clothes, carpets, rope, paper, food and even plastic, but studies say it can also grow in - and clean - contaminated soil.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
03/03/2022
Legal Cannabis Industry Employs Nearly Half a Million People and Growing

The 2022 Leafly Jobs Report found that the U.S. cannabis industry has added 250% more jobs in the last five years. Since America's first legal adult-use cannabis stores opened, the cannabis industry has grown at an incredible pace with each passing year.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
02/24/2022
Increased Sales from Women Signify That the future of Cannabis is Female

More women are consuming cannabis recently. But why does the plant appeal to females so much? As cannabis becomes more accessible, more women are consuming the plant. Many use cannabis to improve their mental and physical health, such as sexual health, insomnia, PMS, anxiety and menopause.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
02/03/2022
MDMA's Effect on Arousal: Does it Really Make Users Horny?

MDMA, also referred to as m olly or e cstasy, is known to enhance feelings of intimacy and connectedness. Can it also enhance arousal? MDMA, aka ecstasy or molly, is often used as a euphoric party drug.

Cannabis News and Culture Magazine
01/27/2022
Cannabis Convictions and Losing the Right to Vote

For many, a cannabis conviction can lead to disenfranchisement or loss of the right to vote. The age-old "stoner" stereotypes have evolved from the silly TV personalities we know, such as Slater from Dazed and Confused, or Smokey from Friday.

Multimedia | Photos

NSM.today
03/28/2023
Students find community and create impact through beach cleanup

The sound of tides rising and falling greeted students on Saturday as they gathered at Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a beach cleanup to help mitigate the effects of plastic pollution and protect marine life. Sources: 4 | Word count: 1,023

NSM.today
02/26/2023
ConeXiones holds self-care event to connect students

Nine students attended ConeXiones' first "Self-Care is in the Air" event on Wednesday as part of its "Charla Con Café" series, highlighting the significance of maintaining balance and implementing self-care practices while being a college student. Sources: 5 | Word count: 966

Videography | Photography

Google
12/09/2023
Sophia Ortiz Graduation Pics

A graduation photo session located at the University of Central Florida shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6.

Private Client
Headshots

Some professional headshots I shot for Sanford Granite on Canon EOS Rebel T6

Google
Nature | Outdoor

My favorite candid outdoor shots, shot on Canon EOS Rebel T6. Locations: Daytona Beach, FL; Orlando, FL; Apopka, FL; Dawson Springs, KY; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA

Personal
05/15/2023
Home Decor

A home decor-inspired photoshoot featuring elements of interior and landscape design shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Boca Raton, FL

Private Client
07/11/2022
KJ's Family Shoot

A collection of some wholesome moments I captured for a family photoshoot shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Orlando, FL

Google
06/14/2021
Product Photography

Some of the work I produced during my time as a product photographer for handmethebag.com, shot on Canon EOS Rebel T6

Google
08/12/2019
Nightlife Photography

A photography gig I shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 for Orlando Welcome Week's college party at Knights' Library in Orlando, FL

Google
01/07/2019
Dalilah's 15's Photoshoot

A 15's photoshoot + video blog shot on a Canon EOS Rebel T6 in Washington D.C. and New York, NY