Danz in Tokyo's flickr score: 3755
About Me
"For me there is something about finding the living spirit in a still moment. I really enjoying studying human nature and reactions."
I am still very much learning how to shoot, and understanding photography. I discovered Flickr over 13 months ago. And have been shooting also for 12 months in my life. There is alot of inspiration people who I have met and works that I have seen, that motivates me to shot every day. I am a designer here in Tokyo, who decided to try photography for stress relief and a way to finally capture my memories for when I do happen to leave, I had no idea that others would like my photos.
My Goal
What I am learning to do is, documenting the real face of everyday people in Tokyo, and detail it so that you all know how we live here. And understand the lost moments that escape in every day that people don't notice because our lives are too quick to notice. This is the real everyday face of Tokyo. No posing, no setup.
As for my shooting style, I usually shoot candid, to try to capture the true face of Toyko, alot of my photos are close, that is because thats how we are when we live here. Trying to show the clustered feel of japan in my shots. There is no way to show that in zoom lens mode.
As of late I have tried a few different styles of shooting so I can learn how to shoot better. You will see be seeing some experimentation in the near future. But candid street photos are my first love.
Journey of Light
As of recent the most fascinating persuit is to capture and bend light to create moods and atmosphere. whether it it outdoors or indoors. Constantly amazed on how subtle lighting can create an powerfully emotive photo. That is what I have been focusing on more this past month or so.
My Camera
My camera is a Panasonic Lumix FZ-30 its a non SLR camera, all work I do is digital. One thing I like about this camera is the response time. There is no delay from turning it on to getting a shot in. I have a .7 wide lens for it as well.
It is very light but sturdy to I can turn quickly to shoot candid.
I shoot in Shutter Speed mode, at 100 ISO or less, at about 1/40th of a second. No flash and no tripod, and almost no zoom. I rarely convert from color to BW.
The camera is the tool you are creative drive.
My Shooting Style
This is probably the most common question I get. I dont go out of my way to shoot people, all my shots are taken on the way to work or to go home. I don't wait for ages for a shot, things happen around me and I shoot. When I shoot someone close its because thats where they were when I got on the train. I spend 3 hours a day on the train commuting.
I shoot the photo where ever I have my camera. And I always have my finger on the shutter button. Most of my shots are one handed , walking or turning around. The best shots is when you are close and you feel the moment while capturing the moment.
Sunday is the only day where I shoot non-candid shots in Harajuku. I am learning fashion photography as well.
Post Processing
Something that I get asked often. I spend about a minute and half per photo. Mainly due to time. I try to keep the photo intact as much as I can. As tempting as it is, I only spend 2 minutes per image. The borders are something that I add in. I feel that images deserved to be framed. The borders I made by hand. I use Photoshop CS to export my shots out. I have been using photoshop for 17 years.
Gratitude
I would really like to thank everyone who has commented, both positively and constructively to my efforts, it definately inspires me to shoot more.
Special thanks goes to Jim Occonel, MKYG, Ying, Eamon, Phuong, Nate and Misa, Camilla, Candice and to the countless others who have been there with me.
My Efforts with the Homeless
Currently I am helping out Homeless organizations. By donating my time and photos for thier publication free of charge to create awareness here in Toyko.
My Studio Work
In the past 2 months I have been experimenting with Models in Studio with controlled lighting. I am really enjoying working with someone. very new experience from shooting candid. Its a co-creation of 2 people to create an image.You can find my studio work here . Working with controlled lighting really opens up new possibilities for photography. Really love spending time with models, performers, artist and musicians to co-create images.
My Book
Before I say anything, I would like to say that this would never of happened without the wonderful support of my friends on Flickr, and my very close friends here in Tokyo from Flickr as well as my models.
I recieved copies of my new book today, publised by Lulu. Both Hard Cover and Soft Cover version of the book can be found online. It contains 500 pages that holds 1000 photos.
But as I have said before none of this could of been done without your words, thoughts and time. So many people to thank along the way. First of all I would like to thank Jim Occonnel who turned me onto Street Photos in the 1st week I of owning my camera. He provided me the vision for shooting on the street, and from there I developed my style. Then came Nate and Misa-chan came along. From the moment I met those 2 I dreamed about taking photos of models. Also Ying who spent many nights with me helping me critque my work.
Then in late October disaster hit, I realised I was losing my vision. Hoping that it was fatigue from working on the computers, but I was getting to the point where I couldnt even see the computer screen. A wonderful and caring women called Miki aka MKYG, stood by side through the most frightning time of my life. She went to the eye doctor, and constantly reminded me to put drops in my eyes. Her love and care pulled me through when I felt like giving in. And all your comments and words everyday helped me shoot even when I couldnt see what was going in front of the lens. The first day where I could see clearly was the U2 concert, they played "window in the sky" Seemed so appropraite.
Below in my comment is a scan of my eyes so you can see what is going on.
Things are slowly falling into place. I will be having my first exhibition early next month, and I am recieving more and more paid photography work in the fashion field.
Eamon, Sam, MikeG, Don Baird, Watari Goro, Paul, BC, DSide, Mink-Mink, Tabu, Mike W, Melissa, Candice, Nico, Ruth and Andy. Mika, HTC, , KC, Quacky Duck, Hari, Acosta, Mincey,Aecla, April_May, Nicole,DiscoW, Jen, Hengbok, Melb Mermaid, Pesky, Irvas,Moxie, FarfallaS, Skipper, Amy, Hawken and many thousands of others, this couldnt of been done without you all.
Thankyou for being there with me for the journey
Flickr Tickr
17,000 Views - 1st Month
45,000 Views - 2nd Month
81,000 Views - 3rd Month
122,000 Views - 4th Month
150,000 Views - 5th Month
187,000 Views - 6th Month
300,000 Views - 12th Month
- JoinedJune 2006
- OccupationWeb Designer
- Current cityTokyo
- CountryJapan
- Websitehttp://www.danzintokyo.com
Most popular photos
Testimonials
We haven't met before though we are close. Danz told me how great Harajuku is and he always find the best angle to shoot.
There are many definitions of art, It is the ability of the artist to capture the essence of the moment and making it immortal It conveys the subtle quiet / not so quiet, quirky moments of life T Q for sharing those moments with me Danz
Danz, a great street photographer! A very hardworking and resourceful photographer. He has inspired me to do street photography. He captures real life, real expression of real people in Tokyo. I'm so lucky to have met him personally.
I'm not sure if you need to hear another person to say how amazing you are... considered your work is with a non-slr camera. i'm always inspired by your photos and i'm only recently learned that you didn't have an slr.. i feel ashamed... anyway, keep up the good work and if you're on facebook, let me know.
Danz has such a great touch and makes me sad he's in Tokyo so I can't ask him to take a portrature of me. Also, I'm jealous at how naturally he's picked up the camera! Go Danz!
An excellent, down to earth and very modest photographer who combines simplicity with beauty. A privilege to have him add me as a friend on here!
Danz photography is absolutely the coolest i've seen lol :D, i take his photographs and use them as inspiration for my photos, gathering ideas and so on, lol well there is only one thing i can truly say about him, one of the greatest photographers in flickr, considering he doesnt really use professional equipment go da… Read more
Danz photography is absolutely the coolest i've seen lol :D, i take his photographs and use them as inspiration for my photos, gathering ideas and so on, lol well there is only one thing i can truly say about him, one of the greatest photographers in flickr, considering he doesnt really use professional equipment go dan lol keep up the great work
Read lessi still remember my trip to japan . and Danz you reminds me again about lovely japan you do good job specially in street photography and portraits and i will stay regarding and waiting your images .
i have a dream ... to go to Tokyo , before your picture i was feeling and thinking Tokyo is a nice place , amazing , beautiful place.. after you i mean to met you and looked your shots , now i am sure that Tokyo is a great place ..i am looking forward to come to there.. thnks so much. den!z from Turkey
Wow! If you look at the long lonnnggg series of testimonials here, you'll see how amazing Daniel is. Honestly, I wouldnt know how to describe what an amazing photographer you are, because you are just amazing. There is really no need for any explainations to justify why you are so good at what you do. You capture t… Read more
Wow! If you look at the long lonnnggg series of testimonials here, you'll see how amazing Daniel is. Honestly, I wouldnt know how to describe what an amazing photographer you are, because you are just amazing. There is really no need for any explainations to justify why you are so good at what you do. You capture the emotions, hearts & souls of your subjects, and to me, that counts the most. You can do anything if you want to! I just know it :D Thank you for your constant & invaluable support all this while, and may you always find happiness & joy in everything & anything you wish to pursue!
Read lessDanz in Tokyo is my favourite photographer, as same as you all do. I'm always waiting in expectation for his new entries, it's always joyful moment when I found it on Flickr :-).
Simply the best of shots in black and white. Also in the portraits, so deep and exciting. You are Special!!!
Your shots are fantastic especially since your camera is not a dSLR. You remind the world that in the world of photography, equipment is not everything. Keep up the good work man!
Danz is shooting the best people shots in Tokyo today.
I met Danz just as he was starting out in photography and I'm amazed at how far he has come. His candid images are nothing short of fantastic. He has an eye for a photo that many of us could only dream of having. Where we see the mundane Danz sees a photographic moment frozen in time. I'm sure he doesn't see the world … Read more
I met Danz just as he was starting out in photography and I'm amazed at how far he has come. His candid images are nothing short of fantastic. He has an eye for a photo that many of us could only dream of having. Where we see the mundane Danz sees a photographic moment frozen in time. I'm sure he doesn't see the world like the rest of us but in a series of frozen perfect moments. I am happy to call Danz a friend, not only here in Flickr but also in the real world. His fresh, insightful approach to photography constantly keeps me in awe, sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for more.
Read lessApart from the real joy of looking at the work of a man so obviously at the top of his game, the thing I personally take from Danz's work is an element of the 'what is yet to be'. For in a year's time I move to Japan and to Tokyo with my wife and kids. And I can't wait to get out there and let the place get under my s… Read more
Apart from the real joy of looking at the work of a man so obviously at the top of his game, the thing I personally take from Danz's work is an element of the 'what is yet to be'. For in a year's time I move to Japan and to Tokyo with my wife and kids. And I can't wait to get out there and let the place get under my skin! :-)
Read lessDanz , a unique artist with a nice point of view japan photography. Look him work , it's unique and beautifull , fresh and artistic , i'm glad to know you my friend , cheers !
"Danz in Tokyo" who is wonderful photographer. He takes wonderful and amazing human report in Japan. Those people's expression are so vivid and nice. Don't miss his amazing works!
Danz photos are great,its brilliant how he captures the portraits,they allways look good,he is not to busy and is eager to give advice on photo skills,thanks Danz for your advice on candids,I really enjoy looking at his photographs,and its great how he captures people!!! Your photo work is Magic!!!!
Well, I sign up on flickr becouse of your photo that I discover in google ! and i'm discovering your breathtaking photos every time I sign in :) Thank you for that! :)
By looking at the pictures of Danz I learned two things: First, how well it works to picture the daily life on the streets of Tokyo in b&w, what I was always hesitating to do before, and, that's the most important thing, how one can transform this daily life in some little pieces of art! Danz, your photo stream is o… Read more
By looking at the pictures of Danz I learned two things: First, how well it works to picture the daily life on the streets of Tokyo in b&w, what I was always hesitating to do before, and, that's the most important thing, how one can transform this daily life in some little pieces of art! Danz, your photo stream is one of the most inspiring ones for me I found on flickr :)
Read lessI'm so proud of having such inmense talent as yours so close, at the same time having the opportunity to share ideas with you. Your work is bewildering in all It's form. From your exquisite compositions to the emotions you communicate in each frame. Astounding!
The snapping of Danz' relentless shutter on trains, crowded streets, bustling stations and every odd nook and cranny in metropolitan Japan bears witness to a man whose gift is more than artistic—it is a a social statement crying for the world's attention. Shooting crisp, vivid portraits in limited light situation… Read more
The snapping of Danz' relentless shutter on trains, crowded streets, bustling stations and every odd nook and cranny in metropolitan Japan bears witness to a man whose gift is more than artistic—it is a a social statement crying for the world's attention. Shooting crisp, vivid portraits in limited light situations, Danz will mesmerize you with his narrative, unabashed photo-taking finesse and his ongoing waves of emotive pictorial output... making you laugh, peer into your screen with a sense of wonder, and most of all give you the very real feeling that you have at last come to the heart of Far Eastern humanity.
Read lessDanz's photography is incredible. The candid shots are completely inspiring. Never before have I been compelled to look at every shot that has been taken by one photographer. Danz is a very skilled photographer, many thanks for sharing your work with us.
Your shots are so inspirational that I have to fight my impulse to pick up my camera, run outside and shoot this very second. ^___^
The more I see Danz shots, the more I see that people are the most interesting subject of all. I really appreciate the lengths into which he goes to capture these shots, others (including me) would perhaps hesitate in taking such candid shots. Perhaps that says someting more about the place in which we live. Anyway gr… Read more
The more I see Danz shots, the more I see that people are the most interesting subject of all. I really appreciate the lengths into which he goes to capture these shots, others (including me) would perhaps hesitate in taking such candid shots. Perhaps that says someting more about the place in which we live. Anyway great work.
Read lessLe sue foto sono una figata assoluta!
Danz in Tokyo is a truly gifted photographer. He has an excellent eye and an ever-ready camera to capture some of the most amazing "just at the right moment" shots I've ever seen. His images are often very touching and sometime, quite humorous, but always very interesting and intriguing to view. Danz in Tokyo is a t… Read more
Danz in Tokyo is a truly gifted photographer. He has an excellent eye and an ever-ready camera to capture some of the most amazing "just at the right moment" shots I've ever seen. His images are often very touching and sometime, quite humorous, but always very interesting and intriguing to view. Danz in Tokyo is a true talent whose photostream I know you will enjoy viewing!
Read lessI had heard about Dan before seeing his stream from a mutual friend of ours who is also in Tokyo. I'm so happy that he added me as a contact as looking through his stream is such a pleasure. I seem to have a Japanese addiction and Dan's stream helps keep it sated with his beautiful and revealing glimpses into the every… Read more
I had heard about Dan before seeing his stream from a mutual friend of ours who is also in Tokyo. I'm so happy that he added me as a contact as looking through his stream is such a pleasure. I seem to have a Japanese addiction and Dan's stream helps keep it sated with his beautiful and revealing glimpses into the everyday life that goes on in Tokyo. Want to take a stroll around Tokyo? Look at Dan's work and you'll get it and be very satisfied.
Read lessWell this is the first time I write a testimonial :D I like Danz in tokyo's photos a lot because it show us how is lifestyle at Tokyo. I'm half japanese but I have never been at Japan so it's a pleasure for me to see this photos and know a little bit about my culture and how does teenagers are :D It's pretty amazing!!
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