Meet Daniel John Maramba | Photographer

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

Hi Daniel John, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It was just the endless desire for me to create art for a story that has yet to be shared with the world. To capture the emotional complexities and weave them into a photographic narrative. That is something that I’ve always loved about art, it is the ability to share what is imagined or what is seen, but wanting to regurgitate it into the narrative of what should be felt. The driving force in my growth as an artist is being highly captivated and in awe of artists who were able to establish detailed tone and setting through their art.

My decision to be a full-time creative is a blessing. Pursing it as a career is a bit of a challenge both physically and mentally, but it’s rewarding beyond measure. Through this journey, I want to share my stories with people and inspire them just as I have been by the artists and the amazing friends I look up to.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
A huge portion of my art is set on telling the story of the human soul, and that is through capturing emotional complexities. In my focus on portraiture/lifestyle, I want to regurgitate this idea of emotional complexity through various poses and interactions within a minimal environmental format. Also, a lot of what I make is highly inspired by Japanese and Korean portraits because their aesthetic creates immense and minimal emotion that subtly connects with their audience.

What sets me apart from others is that I am always set on bringing the best of my inspirations/ideas to life. Making sure that I shoot with a purpose, create with a purpose, and plan with a purpose to get the outstanding results out of every set. In addition, taking note of different styles of composition and edits from every artist I follow, just being teachable.

What I’m still the proudest of is the foundation that was set when I first started my brand “Chvsing Clouds”, ever since then it’s always improved. Having set the foundation to have meaning, definitely gives my creativity a lot more versatility in ways I can get the message across. That definitely brings endless excitement for continuous projects.

To be where I am today was just about being eager, hungry, and having the will to learn. Evolving from every photoshoot, being open to new ideas, taking risks away from the daily routine, and just surrounding yourself with other people who are on the same wavelength as you. But this journey was never easy! The burnouts, severe depression, comparison, and physical health have never felt so real. So real, I was ready to give up on everything. However, the love and support from my amazing friends and family have helped me overcome such a trial. They were there when I needed them the most, whether it was by phone or getting together. Their love was an overflow of grace and peace, I’m blessed to have them.

The lessons that I’ve learned is,

– Surround yourself with the people who will encourage your growth as a person and an artist.
– Social media shouldn’t define you, numbers don’t dictate your worth, social media isn’t reality.
– Don’t boast, but stay humble and grateful.
– Learning never stops.
– REST IS ESSENTIAL

In conclusion, Chvsing Clouds is a brand that reminds us that our stories are uniquely written and have an impact on the world. That we all have our emotional complexities. I hope my art can express these emotions and that these emotions can be felt.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Long Beach, CA, it’s a perfect spot between everything Los Angeles and Orange County. These are my favorite spots. For GRUB: Hwang Hae Do – A Korean BBQ Restaraunt, Mokkoji – Hot Pot, Coco Ichibanya – Japanese Curry, Hong Kong Express – (Best Chinese food in Long Beach), of course (Mcdonalds, Taco Bell, In-N-Out) for something quick. OUTDOOR: Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (North and South), Hiking The Top Of The World in Laguna for the amazing view of the hills, Signal Hill Hilltop Park for a view of the city especially at night, Pine Ave & 4th street for all the bars & shops. ENTERTAINMENT: VR Rooms at any shopping centers, Escape Rooms, Karaoke Bars in LA & Anaheim, or kicking it at my place or a friend’s place (board games or the Nintendo Switch) that’s always a good time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to recognize my friends and family who were a part of my creative journey, as well as the growth of my brand “Chvsing Clouds”. But I do want to give a special shout out to Teanna (@yourdoseoftea), Chris (@itjustcloo), Liz (@lizdoratee), Maddie (@maddiepark), Amanda (@amandaa.shi), John (@jvhnherrera), AJ (@ajaaaayephotography), Rem (@remritrato), and Ian (@ivwrigley). They have believed in me wholeheartedly when I have lost all hope in myself, as a person and an artist. Their love is more than enough, and to spare the details, they already know.

The biggest recognition goes to my mom. She has taught me her amazing work ethic through word in action. She’s given so much of her life to be sure that I’m well secured to endure what’s ahead. All of this is for her.

Website: https://chvsingclouds.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualsbydvniel/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljohnmaramba/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/visualsbydvniel

Image Credits
(1) Sheenalyn @sheenalyn (2) Maddie @maddieparkk (3) Teanna @yourdoseoftea (4) Liz @lizdoratee (5) Angela @a.nguyee (6) Karen @bbkarrot (7) Dillan @deauxnaire (8) Tiffany @strawberrymilkyway