Meet Danni Valdez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danni Valdez.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I am a Tucson Arizona based photographer, originally from California and a variety of art forms have consumed my life since I was a child. In order of appearance were sketching, music, acrylic painting, graphic design and eventually photography. I was interested in photography since the mid 80’s but was sidetracked pursuing some of the other genres mentioned. In 2005 I got a Canon Elph Point-n-Shoot and shot anything and everything and a lot of macro photos with that camera. After a couple of years of doing that, I was completely addicted to photography and took the financial dive and bought a Canon SLR camera.

Please tell us about your art.
My photography varies from portraits, conceptual, events, live music, band promo, product, fashion, sports, architecture and weddings. My versatility came from wanting to be ready to take on any situation that came my way, but also because my interests vary equally. I can be fascinated with a great product photo as much as a great portrait. Doing so has made shooting extra exciting. I knew right away I wanted my work to have exceptional, well sculpted lighting and through trial and error (and more error), things started to click. But above all, I saw the importance of really telling a story. The story. All the while, being unique as possible yet still relative. Having rationale is something I hold onto throughout any project, from the simplest to complex. This especially helps with my conceptual photography. So that it doesn’t appear that the sub-ideas within it are just thrown together which can leave its contextual basis with holes.

Currently I am pivoting into videography, focusing on sound recording first—but will continue to also be a photographer. For video, I will carry on being multifaceted by way of projects including short films, documentaries, interviews, advertising, real estate, and music videos.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
I wish there was a one-off answer for this. For one, try to get paid work as often as possible and to not get in over your head in debt because you feel like you’re in a race. Financially it’s a live and learn juggling circus. You can do great work without the most expensive gear. Sometimes the super cheapest gear can cost you if it breaks or malfunctions and you end up upgrading which has cost you more in hindsight.

There is a huge misconception that will march on for eternity with the crop sensor vs. full frame camera. Yes, the more expensive camera has more options and features, but you can do a lot with what often gets put down in the industry as the “Entry-level Camera.” That gets into a lot of technical explaining. One angle that can help is buying third-party lenses like Tamron, Tokina and Sigma. Depending on which speed lens you are needing, in my estimation a third-party lens is just as good. For example, the Tamron 24-70mm G2 has the best image stabilization and I just replaced my (10-year-old) Canon 24-70mm with that Tamron because I wanted that great image stabilization for video. My Canon was the first lens I ever bought and was tried and true and a fantastic lens but it was time to switch gears.

Also watch lots and lots of comparison reviews on YouTube. If you spend the time to watch enough of them, you’ll find a common denominator or two in what you are comfortable in buying within your means. Just take the time to really weigh out your options and be pragmatic about it. Again, you’re not in a race. Join photography and gear groups and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask what you may think are stupid questions and ignore the crass jabs from some of the savvy, experienced. They are just someone behind a keyboard being a smart ass. In between the cracks of that, you’ll get some healthy information and knowledge that will help in your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.dannivaldez.com
• Email: danni@dannivaldez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danni_valdez_photovideo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dannivaldezdotcom

Image Credit:
Models: Nicole Prokes, Katy Gierlach, Kayla Keithley, Sara Mitchell, Beth Mullarchy, Rachael Ramirez, Christopher Shayne Band, Elizabeth, Shannon Marie Fabry

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