Meet Daniel Bini of Silver Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Bini.

Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I took up photography at the ripe age of 11 with a Polaroid I borrowed from an aunt. It quickly became my sketchbook as I worked to capture stills of the world and people around me. Those images have continued to pay emotional dividents throughout my life, helping me better understand what I have now come to see through a new scope. They are grounding, melancholic, funny and beautiful. Some of my most cherished possessions.

Life has been a host of travels and changes. I put away photography for some years only to pick it up again in my later 20s, honing my skills and finding my creative voice during a period when I lived in the SouthWest. My favorite time to shoot was the time just after sunset when the sun slides behind the horizon and paints the mountains in different shades of indigo. It was during these years that photography started to become more people centric, adding an additional human element to the images. I love exploring how places are experienced by people. How they work to shape who we are.

Indigo West is a an organic, photojournalistic approach that honors the authentic candor of the moment. I aim to work with fun, minimal direction that taps into the natural dynamic of the couple and turns away from anything that feels forced or overly theatrical. Elevated wedding photography to chase memories over content, shooting for legacy and not likes.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were definitely bumps along that working artist road. I basically worked for free for over a year, always volunteering to assist working photographers in any capacity. As to weddings specific, the main challenge was a “catch 22”: they won’t hire you to shoot one if you haven’t already shot some, and you haven’t shot any if they haven’t been hired to. So it took some creativity and lots of second shooting for other photographers to eventually build a portfolio worthy collection. Other than that, it has all been about understanding the market and how to strategically place yourself within it. It is important to figure out how to offer a product that casts a wide net for clients and yet does not dilute your voice as an artist.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full time photographer specializing in weddings and other events. I am known for my immersive, photojournalistic approach. Events are about connection, and capturing it organically and in the moment is very important to me. Catching a great candid from across a room is the stuff that makes me really happy.

I’m most proud of the amazing feedback I’ve had from so many of my clients. Some of the pictures I’ve taken of relatives that ended up being the last ones before they passed, and which the family now treasures so much. Vivid images of family and friends reconnecting after a long time. The wedding collections I’ve had published were also very satisfying. It’s just nice to know your work is valued and recognized!

What most sets me apart from others in my field would be my ability to bring a fresh eye to every event. Letting the story tell itself instead of imposing any pre-conceived vision of what it “should” look like.

What matters most to you?
Connection to good people and space to be creative and present.

While alone time is endlessly important to me, having good people in my life is pivotal to my health and well being. Nothing like sitting down with an old friend or relative that you trust to have a frank and inspiring conversation. To be seen and understood as who you are, without judgement, is empowering.

In my downtime I carve out lots of space for time alone. This is a great reset for my social battery and it important to keep my creativity growing and evolving. Time for self reflection is simply centering.

Pricing:

• Wedding collections start at $3800

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theindigowest.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/west_is_indigo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Indigowestphotography