This week's interview is with Jersey Shore photographer, Dan Falvo. I learned about Dan from my brother, Eric. I got an Instagram message one afternoon telling me I have to start following Dan and that I was sure to love his photography. Well, for a younger brother he is pretty smart. I immediately opened Instagram, checked out some of his work and started following him. Later that day I decided to ask for an interview so that I could introduce him to you. I normally write some personal observations or stories as an introduction but I think I am going to let Daniel tell you a bit about himself, instead. Here is Daniel Falvo, in his own words....
"I only remember growing up and living here along the New Jersey Shore. My passion for photography began with an old Polaroid; I just loved watching the image appear like magic. My Uncle Sam gave me my first real film camera: A Nikon F series with a 50mm Nikor lens,I dabbled mostly. I am a self taught and still learning photographer, Making images is the perfect medium for expressing myself and combining my passion for nature and photography; it satiates both quite nicely. My images form from the calm that approaches like an old friend when you allow the rhythmic cadence of a waterfall into your consciousness. As you acknowledge this friend your senses shift, you hear the raspy percussion of wind through the leaves, the percolation of running water beneath rocks, the scents of the pines and leaves. Suddenly you and your friend are in an embrace, peacefulness caresses your very soul, and all is well within you. The relentless “dis ease” tugging at your mind releases, your mind calms and shifts into neutral, a long lost luxury. Closing your eyes you inhale, pause, then exhale, open your eyes again to see your surroundings anew. Settling into a different rhythm a natural rhythm you feel wonderfully centered and free of worry. Acutely conscious of the present, this moment, ready to experience all the wonders Mother Nature creates. Every sound, scent and sensation resonates deeply and consciously and you simply experience all that your surroundings have to offer All of my images are printed on photographic papers with archival inks, mounting and matting materials are used to insure long life. Each material used meets conservation and archival standards. Prints, Canvases, Metal Prints and more are available at the Main Avenue Galleria in Ocean Grove."
The Interview
Personal Questions
What is your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory that sticks with me well there are 2. One was watching the slide show of my uncle Sam’s cross country road trip, he was a photographer and his pictures stoked my imagination and secondly was my polaroid instant camera I loved watching the images appear like magic. Both were the beginning steps of my photographic journey one that I am happy to say I am still on and exploring.
What are the five foods you can’t live without?
Cheese, Cheese Burgers, Ice Cream, Corn, Chicken Pot PiesWhat’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?
Do the work and the rest will come - my Grandfather(Joe: great advice – simple, yet right on target)
What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't shooting?
Paddling a Canoe w/ my wife, there is a connection when you paddle together thats important to me. To disconnect from the world each week for a time is very important in maintaining and staying in touch with what is truly important.(Joe: I feel the same way but instead of paddling, I like long walks in the woods by myself.)
If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Any Native American Chief from before Europeans moved west to learn their way of leaving in harmony with our planet, and to see the wonders that were before they were exploited.
Professional Questions
Why photography?
It made sense to me, painting and stuff just didn’t . Making images connects my love of the outdoors with my creative side its a great match and I get to share some special moments through my images..Can you explain your photography in 10 words or less?
Ill try. I shoot nature and seek the moments that draw me in - its as simple as that
What is your greatest achievement in photography?
To date I would say it is being able to sell my work at The Main Avenue Galleria in Ocean Grove for the past 7 years and discovering I have a small following.If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?
Peter Lik I love his perspective and depth of his images
Where do you draw inspiration from when you shoot and what’s your favorite part about the process?
I draw inspiration from the mountains, lakes, stream waterfalls where I canoe and hike The seaside where I live , its where i go to relax and center myself. My favorite part of the process is the emersion in a place the white noise in my head dissipates, my vision sharpens and my mental acuity just elevates, I am fully present in the moment it all becomes seamless.What is your favorite location to shoot?
Locally its Asbury Park, Ocean Grove & Belmar Big picture the West, planning a trip to the West Coast soon a road trip up the Cali coast, thru Oregon into Washington State(Joe: sounds like a great trip! I look forward to seeing the images.)
What is your favorite piece of equipment?
My Nikon D800 its just a great camera.How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?
My Uncle Sam he gave me my first real camera a NIKON F series film camera, loved shooting Black and White on Film. Advice - wow -Don't worry about what others are shooting. Shoot what speaks to you, what you are truly passionate about then PRINT and SHARE it.
Bonus question
What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?
- Natural Mystic - Bob Marley & The Wailers
- Amos Lee - Supply & Demand
- DMB Live Tracks Dave Mathews Band
- Van Morrison’s Greatest Hits
- Joseph Firecrow - Night Walk Native Flutes
He can be found on Fine Art America - https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/daniel-falvo.html
If you are interested in purchasing prints or seeing more of Dan's work check out The Main Avenue Galleria in Ocean Grove, New Jersey
You can contact Dan at his email address, dan@danielpstudios.net
All images are protected under copyright by the artist. They may not be used without written permission.
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