Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniil Shakhov.
Hi Daniil, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My photography and videography journey started as a hobby for my mind to get distracted from engineering classes I was taking at UCF back in 2017. So, I bought my first camera, started learning and implementing my creative ideas. I was just doing it for myself to relax and that is why was not sharing photos or videos I made on social media until recently. In 2020 I decided to take it to next level and take it more seriously. Local business started to ask me to take photos of their products or create video promos. Now I am taking photos for local artists, create more cinematic short videos and just share my journey when I travel. For me, this is the way to express my feelings and thoughts through creative aspects such as photography and videography.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely was not. Most of my time was dedicated to earning the degree in Mechanical Engineering at UCF and being international students gave other obstacles as well. But if you feel this is your passion, you will always find the time for it. Taking actual photos and videos is the easiest part and less time consuming. More time I need to spend planning the shoot, finding the locations, and upgrading my skills. And after the shoot, it’s post-production with editing that I usually do at night.
However, at the end, it is definitely worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do photos and videos:
1. for small business, brands, and music artists
2. street portraits
3. Landscapes of places I travel
I am known for my attention to details, my creative and unique vision of my shots and professional diverse skills.
My most proud moment was the first time I was recognized by other photo artists. From there I realized I was on the right path and keep putting more work in since then
In this creative industry, you can be either a person who copies other creators or you can learn from them and create your own look and vision setting you apart from others. That is what I am thriving for. It is a long and lonely road consisting of trial and error but it is where you find your true self. I take longer to think about even small details, create the perfect light set up and story behind every photo or video. That is what sets me apart from others.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Photography becomes more affordable in terms of gear and with that standards going lower of creative work. With the rapid growth of social media platforms such as TikTok, attention of masses focuses on simplicity and not creativity of individuals. Art of photography as we knew it 10-20 years ago is becoming less popular. and so story telling of art work.
Contact Info:
- Email: daniilshakhov@outlook.com
- Website: https://www.daniilshakhov.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dshakhov_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqBH5w9XkZ3KTeOidR-Idw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@daniilcreations
