Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Jerez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daniel, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Photography was not always a clear purpose for me, I most definitely took a alternate route that got me here, but being here now and knowing what I want to do almost feels like purpose fulfilling in itself. There were many things that led me here, many choices that led to me picking up a DSLR for the first time, and that is almost what made it feel like fate. As a freelance web designer and developer with a close friend of mines we found ourselves in need of product photography. That led to borrowing a camera and that led me here. The purpose of my photography and what I try to capture changes shoot to shoot which is one of the things I enjoy most about photography. It changes and shifts but the main purpose and drive behind photography never waivers. Every new shoot provides opportunity for growth. The main purpose is to always improve and be able to capture the best in people and be able to show them that. That is the drive and purpose behind my photography!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a photographer and videographer based in California. I do all type of events and never shy away from a challenge.. My goal every single time is to capture moments in time that you will remember forever. I love capturing events as it allows me to be a part of happiness that most people experience a handful of times. I love capturing people as well as nature maybe more even so. I have a lot of landscapes but that is one of the things I love most about photography. It helps you find beauty in most things. You see everything from a different perspective and learn to appreciate things more. So whether you need me to capture the special moment you get a yes to that nerve wracking question, or the I do that follows it. If you are honoring traditions in a quincieañera or just want to get pictures for your Christmas cards, I can help make it happen and capture everything that makes that moment special.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three things I would highlight is patience, be open minded and love the gear you have and make the most of it. As with anything patience is key. You will not become a pro overnight because there is so much learning and detail that just comes with time. You can’t rush it, you can’t study it to get it faster. The more you do the more you learn. You develop senses for detail, you look out for things by default and are able to improve. You stack skills one on top of the other and you won’t notice right away but one day you’ll be challenged and you will notice how quickly and efficiently and you’ll know how much you’ve progressed. Being open minded is just as important because you never know where you will find a source of knowledge and experience. So get out there and interact with others. and see what you can learn. There is always something to learn if you have an open mind.
Loving your gear is a rollercoaster. You start with loving it, then you get used to it, then new gear comes out and you being wishing you had that. I am sure that you have heard this many times but it’s because it’s true. Better gear or even just more expensive gear will not make you a better photographer. Now don’t get me wrong there is a lot of gear that can help you excel, there are a lot of lenses and camera bodies I want that I don’t have but I know without a doubt that I can do my job and it will look amazing. Yes they would help make the job easier but at evert shoot you do what matters most is nothing in your camera bag, you are the most important part of your kit. You make the decisions and adjustments that make your art great. You are your greatest asset, so learn to love the gear you have and have patience. Your gear will surprise you the more you embrace it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always on the look out for fellow photographers. Being around people that not only get you obsession with photography but share it is a must. This goes for everything. Whatever your hobby, profession or anything you are passionate about and you’ll have the best time. The energy will fuel you for months to come and the more often you do it the more you’ll love it. When it comes to other photographers I love collaborating in any project or event. Any job or even if you just want to go to a mountain and just take some pictures I am always up for that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danieljerez.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieljerezphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danieljerezphoto
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-jerez-76b13ba4/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/danieljjerez
- Other: https://unsplash.com/@danieljerez
