Dan is a photographer who brings memory, curiosity, and emotion into his work. He first picked up a camera as a kid, scribbling jokes on Polaroids, and that playful spirit has stayed with him. Although he has a complicated relationship with cars, he manages to deliver stills that honor their history and beauty. Through film, he captures not just images but feelings, transporting us back to the core memories that shape who we are.
Age (or age range):
40
Where you live and/or where are you from?
I'm from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
What is your earliest memory with a camera?
Taking Polaroid pictures during the holidays was a big deal in my family. My Mom loved taking those kinds of photos and capturing memories. But when I would get the camera, I would take silly pictures of my family and write jokes on them.
What drew you to photographing cars?
Automobiles are like works of art on wheels. The creativity and ingenuity that goes into automotive design and engineering is something I really respect. I also love the history of Petroliana, but taking photos of cars was actually something I did to try to understand our relationship with them. I had a really negative experience once – I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. It left me with a serious concussion and a sour feeling about cars, especially Honda Accords. It wasn't long after my accident that I got into photography as a hobby, a side profession, and a means to explore any complicated or cozy feelings I have for subjects
Did you learn photography through formal education or on your own? If you studied it academically, was it worth it and what was the most valuable thing you took away from it? If you’re self-taught, what has been your biggest challenge in the process?
I didn't have a single “teacher” but I feel like all the art I've experienced has taught me something. I think all artists are teachers. I've tried to study their lessons and I've tried to forget about them. Forget so I can just do what I want and not worry about being repetitive or unique.
Is there a particular shoot or collaboration that you would like to make?
Nothing in particular, but generally I'd like to take on more performance photography for musicians and bands. Music has always been important to me. Before I had a camera in my hands, I had a guitar and toured professionally. I was able to work with Sam Jones once. He produced an album I worked on. I didn't have any photography questions for him back then. I only cared about music and he was the producer and I was the guitar player. We were just focused on putting out a good album.
What do cars represent to you beyond the machine itself?
For me it's a really complicated feeling. They look cool, they're engineering marvels, make life easier, but they're also killing us. Or rather the system they belong to is. Going to car shows is more enjoyable than being stuck in traffic or living on a warmer planet. How does one manage these realizations? Cars are a representation of where we've been and where we're going.
What’s your go-to film camera for shooting and what would be your dream film camera to shoot with?
I really like the cameras I have and try not to worry too much about what I don't. I use a Canon AE 1, Pentax ME, Minolta X-700, and some point and shoots. I usually go with the Pentax ME more for its lighter weight and Asahi SMC-Takumar lens.
What challenges have you faced shooting on film?
A completely blank roll of film!? If you ever want to have a brain aneurysm, trying to understand what went wrong with your roll of film or a certain shot is an instant mind melt.
How has your approach to photography evolved since you first started shooting film?
When I first started, I didn't plan anything and just went out when I had time for photography. Then I planned a lot and went out only when I thought the light or something would be perfect. Now I just try to do a little bit of both.
How do you stay inspired when creativity feels low or stagnant?
By not focusing on uninspiring things like social media stats, or if what I do is good enough. When you question too much you won't create.
Which car have you been waiting to shoot and have yet to encounter?
The Ferrari 308 GTS lives rent free in my mind.
Have you ever completely messed up a roll? What happened and what did you learn from it?
Yes! Don't remind me or I might have that brain aneurysm. Did I forget to put batteries in the camera? Maybe I went through a small anomalous electromagnetic field? Ghosts? Not even Robert Stack is going to solve these mysteries. I didn't learn anything, I just questioned everything.
What’s the boldest experiment you’ve done with your gear or style?
I baby my equipment and don't have the money to replace it so I'm very vanilla.
What do you hope to transmit with your photographs?
Ultimately, I want to transport people back to their core memories. Experiencing them again I feel is an important and powerful tool that people can utilize to understand their past and themselves.
Is there anything that you'd like to promote? I.e. Your business website and what you do, other social channels, or projects you wanna promote?
No thank you
