Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Schaefer.
Daniel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in an industry family, both of my parents work as writers, and my father and uncle have both worked as photographers since they were kids. I fell into Photography in the eleventh grade, I was a theater student at the time. Our cast needed head shots, and knowing my father had a camera I could borrow, I volunteered. I showed up the next day with a Nikon D70 and 50mm lens after I shot the cast I walked around the school taking pictures, I kept shooting on my way home, everywhere I went there was something worth shooting. From that day on, I’ve always carried a camera, I haven’t left home without one slung around my neck since then.
I’ve always been technically minded, so I quickly learned the mechanical and more industrial side of the photo industry, the ins and outs of all sorts of different camera systems, as well as studio and location lighting. After a short stint at Parsons school of design, I left to work full time as a studio assistant to dozens of photographers in New York and LA, eventually landing a job with the Hollywood Reporter, and then a full-time position as a brand ambassador for Leica Camera AG. one of the most respected and long-lasting brands in the camera industry. Since then I’ve been working full-time as a freelance photographer, workshop instructor, and television writer for Z Nation on the Syfy network.
Storytelling is at the core of all of the work I do. Narrative is the driving through line. From photographic pursuits as simple as portraiture, or complex as long-term documentary projects, to custom tailored photo workshops, Professional grade camera sales and even as far as the Zombie Apocalypse. I’ve done my best to train myself to be the most effective storyteller in any medium my clients may find fitting.
Has it been a smooth road?
Despite having family in similar industries, we never ran in the same circles stylistically, so any and all contacts I had to garner in the photo world were through my own tenacity and rapid email drafting skills. More often than not, the positions I was given had me joining teams where I was twenty years the junior of any other member of the staff, so very often I’m written off as “the kid” and either prove my worth through my hard work and extensive knowledge, or just get treated as the annoying know it all by older workers with whom I can more than hold my own when comparing base of knowledge.
What were you like growing up?
Boisterous at best, well spoken for my age, always working with people who were significantly older. I grew up in an industry family, spending a lot of time on television sets throughout my childhood. I was a theater kid, film nerd, noir film addict, even spent some time as a young magician working at the Magic Castle.
Is there a specific memory from when you were younger that you really miss?
Any memory of traveling with my parents, seeing new places, trying new foods, stumbling my way through cultures and cuisines I would grow up to love even more.
What are your plans for the future?
Do my best to put my skills to the most potent use possible. Travel internationally for work more actively.
Contact Info:
- Website: OutlierImagery.com
- Phone: 8183880421
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: OutlierImagery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielSchaeferPhotography
- Other: OutlierImagery.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
Daniel Sawyer Schaefer
