Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I went to school for Mass Communication, so the plan was journalism. Around 2012, I was getting ready to cover SXSW for a music publication. The founder mentioned they were flying in a photographer, and for some reason I said, “No, don’t send anyone. I can take the photos.” They were like, “Are you sure? We didn’t even know you shot.” And I said, “Of course. I can get the photos and my reviews posted within 48 hours.” I have no idea why I was that confident.
As soon as we got off the call, I panicked. I had a camera, but it was ancient, so I went to the nearest camera shop and bought a used Canon. Then I spent the next 48 hours trying to figure out how to use it. ISO, aperture, shutter speed, all of it. I watched whatever tutorials I could find, but there weren’t nearly as many back then. I still don’t know if that camera was any good. It worked, and I was determined to make it work because I’d already told these people I knew what I was doing.
That week, I shot 20 bands across eight stages, three red carpets, and two Q&A sessions. From Lil Wayne to the Workaholics cast. If I took 500 photos of a band, I probably hated most of them, but I’d find 20 and think, “Okay, I can work with these.” It was stressful. I was figuring everything out while also trying to do the job I was actually there to do, which was write.
But I loved it. I’d always taken photos of friends, family, and way too many of my dog, but I’d never thought about doing it for a living. During that festival, I found myself looking forward to shooting more than writing. It seemed way more chaotic and interesting, especially when trying to capture that perfect shot. Even with the bad lighting and running between stages and not knowing exactly what I was doing, I wanted to keep going.
After that, I started shooting whatever I could. Small shows, local bands, random events. If there was music and I could get my camera in, I was there. There wasn’t much of a plan beyond that. I just knew I wanted to do it again.
Then in the last 5 years, I’ve been shooting everything: protests, concerts, private parties, portraits, all of it. I carry my camera everywhere.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s had its up and down moments. Struggles with getting hired, figuring out pricing, learning the technical side, confidence, burnout. There are also already so many amazing photographers here in Austin as it is. It’s like why would they pick you when they are them? Luckily, the photography community here has been pretty great.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Danny, and I’m a photographer based here in Austin, Texas. Most of what I shoot is concerts, but I also do portraits, boudoir, and street photography. Some of the work I’m most proud of has come from covering film festivals around town. Seeing people I grew up watching share my photos is still pretty wild to me.
My favorite interaction, though, was with Tim Burton in 2016, when Fantastic Fest premiered Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. He was there, and they declared that day “Keep Austin Peculiar” Day. When it was my turn with him, I got to interview him, and he was the sweetest. I honestly don’t know what I was expecting based on his movies, but calm and quiet were not on my bingo card.
I took a photo of him afterward and showed it to him. He looked at it and said, “You are a good photographer.” I nearly cried. I mean, it’s Tim Burton. That one has stayed with me.
I think what sets me apart is how willing I am to get down in the trenches for a shot. I get pretty caught up in it, especially at concerts. I’ll also admit and I’m not saying I’m proud of this but I tend to push my limits a little when it comes to barricades. I’ll leave it at that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dannybenavides.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyb.photos/
