iD 008: Kodak Dan

Next up in our iD interview series is the hottest event photographer in town right now, Kodak Dan. His work has been causing a stir as he has been recognised by some of Ireland’s favourite electronic artists and clubs to capture intimate nightlife moments. Recently having his work published internationally by DiceFM and travelling internationally to film gigs, there’s no stopping him now!

Age: 22

Horoscope: Capricorn

Born and raised: Born in Malaysia (Half Asian, Half Irish), Moved to Ireland (Dublin) 2010.

Tell us about the moment you fell in love with photography? What happened that brought you down this creative route?

I've always had an interest in photography from a young age, being my secondary school's photographer. I grew up a bit shy and photography allowed me to open up and connect with people who I wouldn't have much in common with, before. I've had stints in and out of it but in the last six months, it’s become my full passion in life.

What other careers paths interested you when you were growing up? Were they all creative? 

I studied Business and Economics in Trinity College which is totally on the other side of the spectrum, in terms of “creative” work. I do get asked a lot if I studied photography in college, but all my knowledge is self-taught, and I strongly believe that pre-determined direction in your life is not a set route and taking the leap into the unknown can be fun.

Your imagery has a raw and authentic feel to it. Is film something you are a fan of? How did you discover your own style of photography?

I’ve always been a fan of film, with film it really isn't a competition of who has the best or most expensive camera, like with digitals. You can really pull a raw and authentic look from any range of film cameras, from disposables to point and shoots. My main film point and shoot I take all my photos with was €10 on adverts and it's been by my side ever since.

I discovered my style of photography from my love of the electronic music scene, going to different raves and events seeing myself and others get lost in a trance to the music, gave me the idea to capture that moment on film. When people look at that photo of them dancing, they remember a time they were happiest, and it brings back that memory of that moment.

Obvious question, but do you only shoot on Kodak film? If so, why? If not, what do you use?

Haha, this is a question I do get asked a lot and starting out, I did shoot primarily on Kodak Gold 200 film (which was the cheapest film at the time) and where the name originated from. Over the years the increasing price of film has made it extremely hard to shoot with without forking out a ton of money for rolls and developing costs, and in some cases, I've made losses shooting gigs but did it anyways for my love of the raw and authentic look.

When it comes to your subjects, are you carefully selective of who and what you capture? Your photographs always show a lot of energy and charisma. Do you prefer to shoot candid?

I try not to be carefully selective of who I capture, I think no matter what your appearance is, you should get an equal chance to get your photo taken. I must say I do lean more towards taking natural photos and not your regular posing photos. I would say my main photos are all candid as it shows a person at their most natural moment.

Events such as Rathaus, with strict no photo policies I do ask for consent when taking photos to still preserve the safe space within their ethos. It may sometimes mean the original candid is lost but I do just tell the person beforehand I'll be taking their photo while they are dancing, and the reception is great when they see the outcome.

Tell us about your first booked photography job? How did you get it and how did it go?

My first booked paid gig was only 6 months ago at Otta with Lost Dublin, when Lost owners Rossa Doherty and Conor Neacy gave me a chance after seeing pictures I took casually at their last event. I cant say enough about how great they are!

It is so important to new starting photographers to get support from collectives, as it gives us a boost to keep improving and the lads have been giving great feedback and since then I have shot all their gigs, they are like a family to me.

When did you start photographing at raves? Are you a raver at heart?

Funny story how I got into it, I wasnt well connected with the scene before, It was coming out of lockdown when there was the rule where you had to be seated at events and myself and a friend were sitting at 6 table bench at a college DJ event and were asked to move or let more people sit and of course we didn't mind.  

The people who sat with us were in a DJ collective called The Shed Residence, I had my point and shoot camera on me and just took casual photos of the lads and from there got invited to their events and I would end up working with them a year later.

I have always carried my camera with me everywhere because you never know who you're going to meet! 

Your photos from events like Rathaus were commissioned by DiceFM and printed on billboards in several countries. Tell us about this, how did it come about? What did it involve? And how was it seeing your work all over the world?

I started shooting for Rathaus for their slot at the Research Label Stephens Day party and the photos were well received by Michal and Kenya, I would go on to shoot their next three gigs. I submitted the photos to Tough Luck UK and from there they asked if I would submit a range of photos that would go through a process to see if they would be picked for DICEFM’s first worldwide media campaign.  

I did not think much of it, when one day I woke up to message saying they were going to use two of my photos in their campaign and put them up in cities such as New York, London, and Barcelona. It was such a surreal moment for me to have only started professionally in December 2022 to now seeing my work worldwide. I am grateful to everyone whose shown me support in my journey so far and would not be where I am without it.

You recently captured some fashion shows in Dublin. Is fashion photography something the you’ve explored much or want to delve into more?  

I do have a passion for fashion, I have always loved putting outfits together from an early age and trying fashion photography was always something I had in the back of my mind. It is good to diversify your work sometimes, so you don't get stuck doing one thing.  

I shot Trinity Fashion Societies end of year runway show completely on film as I wanted to recreate that 90s runway vibe with the strong contrasts and video shot on VHS. Aswell as shooting Loot Dublin's parties was amazing to get to capture everyone's amazing outfits. I could see myself shooting more fashion shoots in the future!

What does the rest of 2023 hold for Kodak Dan? Bar all the gigs and travelling!

 I have been so blessed to work at many festivals and shoot for artists such as Mall Grab and recently had an amazing time working with Yasmin Gardezi, who I got to shoot in Glasgow and Otherside Fest.

 Who knows what the future holds, I will still be doing what I do best and hopefully work towards doing more international gigs and getting the Kodak Dan name out there!

If you could photograph any artist(s) in the world, who would it be?

 I would say my number one duo I would absolutely love to photography is Brutalismus 3000. Im a huge fan of their music and not just that but the energy they bring to their live shows is out of this world and something Im still waiting to experience.

Follow @kodak.daniel