Daniel Savoca Interview | Respect the Shooter
How did you get into photography/videography?
I got into photography because I was seeing a lot of photography on my instagram and I thought "I could do that" and it looked like a cool hobby. I really had no prior experience, but my friend at the time had started videography, so that also helped motivate me. I started in December 2018, right before COVID.
Where are you from?
Staten Island
What was your first camera?
My first camera was a Canon SL2. I bought it with a 50mm f/1.8 and a 35mm f/1.4 which is what I used for the first 3 years of photography.
What camera do you currently use?
I currently use a Sony A7iv with 8mm fisheye, a 14-24mm f/2.8, a 35mm f/1.4, and a 24-70mm f/2.8
How did you learn your craft and advance your skills?
I started out as a goth photographer. I would shoot goth models in abandoned buildings and cemeteries. This taught me how to work with little to no light, how to find angles in dark places, and how to pose models in areas with very little structure. It also was good practice in recovering dark photos when editing.
If you could take photos of any 3 people that are alive today, who would they be?
Kokeshi Kuroneko (@Kokeshi_kuroneko), Yeha Leung (@Creepyyeha), and @deathbyromy
If you could take photos of any 3 people that are no longer living, who would they be?
Chester Bennington, Edgar Allen Poe, Kurt Cobain
If you could take photos in any 3 cities what would they be?
Stockholm Sweden, Bali Indonesia, and Tokyo Japan.
What is your goal when you capture photos of someone?
When I am doing my own work (not client work or paid work), I try to create interesting photos. I don't always make "pretty" photos, but I try to make thought provoking and personal photos that showcase beauty, darkness, danger, etc.
What is your dream as an artist?
I would eventually love to open a creative space that focuses more on darker photography. Something that isn't your typical bright, well-lit studio. Something more dramatic that can fit different aesthetics.
What music do you listen to when you edit photos?
Depends on the edit, it can be anywhere from cinematic music to Chappell Roan.
What is your dream as a photographer?
My dream as a photographer is to be able to showcase alternative models from different places and hopefully give them some spotlight in the mainstream.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to be a photographer/videographer?
Focus on what YOU want to do. When I started photography, I had no real interest in shooting weddings, engagements, etc. So I found my niche in mainly underground/alternative portrait photography. It was definitely difficult to find footing in the beginning but now I have a diverse client base and I'm able to get work from like-minded people that fit my style, instead of having to sacrifice my own creative interests.
What's your favorite app on your phone?
Either the delta GBA emulator (I been catching up on a lot of Pokemon games lately) or Youtube. I'm a photography gear head so I'm always watching reviews of new lenses and camera bodies even if I have no plans on buying them.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/shotsbysavoca
Photography credit:
Portrait by @teerosephotos
The rest of them were taken by Daniel Savoca
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