Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Canales.
Danny, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Although I was enamored with fonts and the world of design, the plan wasn’t always to make it a career choice. I went to college and studied Theology with a minor in Phycology. While I was there I would dabble in Photoshop and a friend of mine (Aaron Kim) saw my work & told me I should consider taking some design classes. It took some convincing, but I finally decided to audit a class. I loved everything about it. Junior year of college-I signed up and took two years of classes.
While I was there I picked up a camera -a Canon T1i- and decided to shadow some of my photographer friends on their shoots. Photography was a whole other world but I loved everything about capturing a moment and editing an image. After graduation, I moved out on my own and decided to put myself out there as a freelance photographer + graphic designer. I am still creating my own brand and learning the ins & outs of the freelance business but I’m loving every step of the way.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
When it comes to photography I love working one-on-one with a model. Fashion has always been an interest of mine and I love putting together outfits and creating whole shoots around them. I try to take any project that is given to me and make it feel like an editorial piece. I love when a model I’m working with comes away feeling confident and empowered. Some of my favorite people to shoot are those that wouldn’t consider themselves models because I love seeing their reactions when they see their photos. It feels good knowing you were able to contribute to other people feeling good about themselves.
Lately, I’ve been I’ve been doing more engagement sessions. There’s something about seeing two people in love just open up on camera-seeing them blossom from being awkward in front of a lens to being completely themselves and simply having fun. It’s great to be able to get to know people while shooting and asking them about their stories, how they met and what their plans are for the future.
It’s more than just taking pictures-it’s connecting with others.
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I wouldn’t say my art is directly affected by the world around me but it is definitely affected by the world within me. I believe much of my beliefs shine through my work-especially in the process of creating. I create because I believe creativity is important and God-given. I create because I have a creative Creator and I want to display His beauty.
When I take photos I believe it’s more about others and less about myself. With so much going on in the world today I feel like something as simple as a photoshoot can be an escape. An escape to get away and get lost in front of the lens-to forget the world around for a second and just capture the beauty of life. I want people to laugh, to smile & to remember the moment. I want them to tell their friends about the experience they had. Simply put, I want to spread kindness through the use of a camera by way of two strangers meeting. It’s about how others walk away feeling.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on both my Instagram and website. All my social media links are there. Instagram is more of my personal life but I post some client work here and there as well.
You can support my work by simply checking it out, telling your friends or leaving a comment. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dannycollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannychannels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannymcanales
Image Credit:
Simon + Nic Bud, Alex G, Barbara + Dusty Groves, Nicole + Kevin Campbell, Cass + Michael, Lauren Davidson
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