danielseunglee:

mullitover:

JONATHAN CHERRY: What gets you up in the morning?

DANIEL SEUNG LEE: My alarm clock gets me up, mostly. The only reason I don’t go back to sleep is knowing anything can happen on any given day (but my multiple alarms might have something to do with it). 

JC: Can you name two emerging photographers inspiring you at the moment?

DSL: It’s so tough picking only two photographers, but I’d have to go with Nicholas Haggard and Ryan Pfluger. I instantly fell in love with Nicholas’ work when I first saw it - his colors and tones are absolutely perfect. Ryan’s work speaks for itself - it’s his passion and work ethic that really inspires me. I’ve had a chance to get to know him in the past year and he’s always busy with multiple projects.

JC: What is your current project all about?

DSL: Growing up, I always wanted to take a cross country road trip and I did just that this past summer. My work has always been heavily influenced by my immediate environment, from my everyday surroundings to unfamiliar landscapes I encounter during my travels. For this trip, I really wanted to focus specifically on documenting the natural beauty of America. I shot a ton of film, so I’m actually still working on those photos.

JC: In your opinion whats good about shooting portraits?

DSL: People have always been my favorite subject to photograph. I usually have a pretty good idea what my film is going to look like, but photographing people is different because it takes two people to make the photograph - the photographer and the subject. There needs to be a mutual trust and participation between the two people in order to get the shot. I’ve always enjoyed that part about shooting portraits. 

JC: What equipment do you use?

DSL: I have been using a Contax 645 for almost a year now and I’m loving it.

JC: Any advice to recent photography graduates?

DSL: Keep shooting, have passion for the work you’re making, and don’t compare yourself to anyone. 

JC: How is L.A?

DSL: You know what… it’s great. Growing up here, I don’t think I ever fully appreciated this city. It’s only recently I’ve come to the realization that I actually love it here. It’s home to me so it’ll always have a special place in my heart. Although, I’m thinking about making the move to New York in a few years for a change of scenery. 

JC: Favourite tree?

DSL: When I was in D.C. during my road trip, I took a photo of the most beautiful tree and I believe it’s called a Chinese Fringe Tree. That is probably one of my favorite trees I’ve come across. Also, the willow tree from Disney’s hit movie, Pocahontas.

A huge thanks to Jonathan Cherry at Mull It Over for the interview! Check out his blog if you haven’t already. Really great, lighthearted and casual interviews with photographers.

Also, just for the record, it really was tough to only choose two emerging photographers so I’m going to expand on that list now. Here are a few photographers that I love and look up to - but to keep the list shorter, I’ll list only those who have blogs.

Thomas Prior - http://thomasprior.blogspot.com / http://soybeanwashere.tumblr.com (his awesome boston terrier)
Grant Cornett - http://thelivest1.tumblr.com
Joao Canzini - http://subliminous.com
Noah Kalina - http://blog.noahkalina.com
Jake Stangel - http://tumblr.jakestangel.com
Charlie Engman - http://cengman.tumblr.com
JUCO - http://jucophoto.tumblr.com
Jody Rogac - http://jodyrogac.tumblr.com
Alexi Hobbs - http://alexihobbs.tumblr.com
Nicholas Haggard - http://nicholashaggard.tumblr.com
Ryan Pfluger - http://ryanpfluger.tumblr.com

I know there are a few I’m forgetting so I’ll add them to the list later.

omg