We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Fliegel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Working full-time as a photographer, designer and photo editor for the last 12 years with various companies. It seemed like a natural extension to branch out while continuing to work with businesses and private clients alike. I spent many years honing my craft as a photographer. I am currently building my client base with aspiring/working actors and models.

I’ve really enjoyed the variety of projects I’ve been able to work on from shooting lip + eye looks and lifestyle shots for cosmetics to product photography and my favorite, portraits. I try to balance my artistic vision with grounded practical applications for businesses. It’s all about what’s needed for the project. When I’m not shooting with people I really enjoy black and white photography, the abstract and experimental.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With my trustee mirrorless camera in hand, I love to picking a location in town or abroad and exploring. It’s so much fun capturing moments on the streets or in the little nooks and crannies all around. One of the best parts about capturing photos on the fly is the spontaneity, those moments only exist in that window of time. Forever in the past, except when caught in the eye of the lens. Some of my favorite photos have been moments like that, something I could never have planned for or expected. There’s always interesting things to capture when you’re diligent and on the lookout.

I’m also a musician currently releasing music under the name Mr. Sunset Rider. I’ve been playing in bands in the Los Angeles area for over 20 years before going solo. My current projects mix mostly instrumental rock with ambient and Spanish influences. You can check out my latest releases on your favorite streaming platform and my discography on Bandcamp.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Los Angeles there are so many great places to eat and do sight seeing. Ventura Blvd is one of my favorite places. Great place for food, drinks and lively atmosphere. Great for photography too! You get a variety of people from all walks of life and the cafes are great. The Coffee Roasters is one of my favorite places to hangout, read a book and people watch. The staff is super friendly and the coffee is fresh! As soon as you step foot in there you’ll be greeting with the sweet smell of coffee beans roasting and a bright smile. Sometimes I like to take my iPad and hangout there, editing photos, chatting with the locals and enjoying the fresh brew.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout Wolf Kroeger, fellow photographer and contemporary. We’ve spent endless hours geeking out about camera gear, lenses and editing techniques. He has a great eye for composition and color. His candid and street photography is quite excellent! We’ve had a lot of fun strolling the city together, shooting photos and comparing notes while discussing art, culture and life.

Website: https://dfliegelphoto.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/dfliegelphoto

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fliegel-3b56011a2/

Other: www.mrsunsetrider.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
All photos by Dan Fliegel

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