Today we’d like to introduce you to J. Daniel Escareño
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been a creative professional for the past 15 years, after switching from a previous 15-year career as a locksmith. My path changed when I started working as a graphic designer at a wholesale distribution company serving locksmiths, where I did catalog work and photographed products. This experience led me to go back to school for a bachelor’s degree, reigniting my passion for photography.
Photography has since evolved into a fulfilling side hustle, allowing me to explore my creativity and grow my skill set. It’s become a bucket list of achievements, pushing me to tackle new challenges and continuously improve. While I maintain a full-time job as a creative professional, where my photography skills are invaluable in storytelling for my employer, I also sell my photographs as art. This dual focus has not only enriched my professional life but also provided a meaningful personal outlet.
Originally from Houston, I found a deep connection with San Antonio, a city that seemed to call to me and my family during our visits. It felt like home, a place where we needed to be. Motivated by the need to find a suitable school for my son, we made the move nearly a year ago. Despite the challenges, we’ve been dedicated to making it work, hustling to build our lives in this new city.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Money plays a significant role in everything. My journey as a photographer has been both challenging and rewarding. Many people aspire to be photographers, but not all of them should. The most important thing is to get your work noticed. I value constructive criticism and am my own toughest critic when it comes to my photography. I used to tell my students that art is subjective, and everyone has their own opinions, which are like assholes – everyone has one, and each one is different. I used entry-level equipment for a long time and enjoyed it. When I had the opportunity to invest in a more professional camera, I took it, and I have no regrets. I always strive to push my boundaries.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently most proud of my animal portraits from the zoo. I began with the big apes at the Houston zoo, which had nine of them. I spent hours capturing them in different poses and gathered as much as I could. I then took their faces and blended them into a black space. These stand out the most for me. Eventually, I thought about doing this with other animals. My favorite piece is the one I have of Hasani, the lion from the Houston zoo. Whenever someone sees that one, they always ask if I was in the enclosure with him. Right now, that’s probably my specialty, but as a photographer, I hate to pigeonhole myself to one style. I also love dabbling in trick photography and have a few pieces of that as well. Additionally, I enjoy shooting bands while they are playing. Capturing emotion can be a powerful thing.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, I find it challenging to work from home because I get easily distracted. I have to really concentrate to be productive. However, many companies have realized that employees can work remotely, so it’s not always necessary to be in the office. For me, when I work from home, I find it essential to create a to-do list, which significantly improves my focus and productivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jdescareno.com/photography
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdescareno_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdescarenophoto
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jdescareno
