We’re looking forward to introducing you to Daniel Jerez. Check out our conversation below.
Daniel, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
I have been incredibly fortunate in finding a wife that has changed my life in ways I can’t even understand at times. All I know is that I cannot imagine my life without her. The two beautiful little girls that we have as a result of our marriage fills my life with more joy and pure happiness than I ever thought possible. The amount that I learn from my toddlers is no joke. They have so much wisdom if you’re willing to listen. My wife and kids are the reason behind everything. All that I do is because of them and for them and there is no one else I want to make proud more than them. I work extremely hard to not only provide all they need but because I want them to be proud of me and I hope to make them proud. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like I deserve them, but I will try my best to earn that!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Daniel Jerez, I am a photographer, videographer, web designer and developer(UI/UX for the new kids). I got my start in the web world in 2010 under a great program for kids in high school and middle school called Urban TxT (Which is still running by the way, they do great work!). This program taught me in the space of two weeks how to use HTML and CSS and it opened up my world to so many possibilities. A very close friend of mines whom I consider a brother and I began working freelance web jobs, which eventually led to us needing photos of products. We borrowed a camera and that put me on a path that I absolutely love. My wife bought me my first camera on my birthday which I still have and always will, and have not been able to go anywhere without a camera since. Learning the world of photography has been so creatively enriching. I love both of these occupations so much. They each allow me to flex creative muscles in creative and challenging ways. As a very technical person web development provides unique challenges that require a lot of out of the box thinking which may stress me out, but there is nothing like figuring out a unique challenge that the site requires. Every single one is unique in a challenging way. Photography offers something very similar for me but from a very different perspective. Each photo shoot presents a unique challenge that allows me to never feel like I have mastered it, and it’s a good thing, always leaving room for improvement. All this to say, the ones who ultimately benefit are the clients. I work tirelessly to ensure that your dreams are met. That your vision is realized and that your special day is captured. So whether you want to create a site to sell, inform or simply showcase your work or you want to have your special day captured or event documented, I work to ensure your needs are met and exceeded. I look forward to every job and it’s so exciting landing a new job and taking on new challenges!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
There are a lot of people that have shaped my world and how I view it. But of all those people I believe that my wife is the one that has had the most profound and lasting effects. It was largely thanks to her. My wife is the one that has always believed in me and has made it feel that it is possible to be able to accomplish all that I want to. I had goals that had always seemed too far to reach made possible and made me feel more than comfortable in my own skin. Be comfortable enough to know that I can set goals and work to achieve them and to know that I am worthy of so much. My wife has done more for me than she knows and I am so eternally grateful for having her in my life. After having been married for over a decade I have come to rely on her and look forward to seeing where we’ll be in another 10 years.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times when I have been close to giving up. Specially at the beginning of my journey as a photographer and web developer and designer. It’s easy to doubt yourself when you can’t find clients or you’re waiting for your big break. But everything takes hard work, consistency and dedication. I have found that through thus determination you will find the the chance and then it’s up to you to try your best and make every chance worth it. Networking is important and making meaningful connections can be a lot more important than you think. So keeping your options open can very often help when you need it most. I have found that making meaningful impact with each customer can not only lead to a returning client but possible referrals asl well. As much as I have felt like giving up, having someone in your corner pushing you forward is a huge help!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I am of the strong belief that everyone has good in them. In our current world it is very easy to feel that it’s not the case. I believe that we all have the ability to feel empathy and compassion for others. We need to stand strong in helping others and doing the best we can to help everyone advance, to make sure that we all succeed and to ensure we all have an equal chance. We have to be the best we can and try to be more than just decent people but the best that we can be. The importance of others knowing that they should chase their dreams and provide support for others in anyway you can is the most important thing we can do for others!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Having kids changes how you view so many different things and one of them is the legacy that I will leave them. What I want my daughters to know is simply to never give up on your dreams and chase them. I currently work a full time job aside from the clients I am able to book simply because the reality is we have need. People depend on me but I will always make sure my daughters know there is nothing that is impossible or too hard to reach. Everything will take work and those things that we want the most will take the most work. In the end accomplishing them will be worth the effort you put in. I was born to do this, I never feel more complete and at home in my professional life than we I am working on a website or behind a camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danieljerez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieljerezphoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-jerez-76b13ba4/
- Twitter: https://x.com/danieljjerez
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danieljerezphoto/
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Daniel Jerez
