Danny Santos

When and how did you start photography?

• I started photography just last year, May 2008, when I first got here in Singapore. That’s when I bought my first dslr, a Nikon D80 with a humble 55-200mm VR lens.

Tell us more about your photography history

• When I started photography, I didn’t know exactly which field I wanted to do. I just wanted to try photography. I tried shooting birds, flowers, sunsets, landscapes. But then I started browsing Flickr and saw really good street photographers… that’s when I realized “this is it… this is what I want to do”. So I started researching about the field and found out all these classic street masters and studied their shots, their history, and how they worked the streets.

Basic body and lens setup (name just one body and one lens that you always use)

• I use a Nikon D300, and use either an 85mm f.4 or a 20mm f2.8.

Would you consider turning pro?

• Hell, yeah… if I get the opportunity.

Favorite subjects to capture:

• Strangers in the streets.

Favorite photo captured to date:

Name members whose photographs amaze you:

• I really admire the works of Genald Tungol and Ericson Matias. Someday, I’d like to do portraiture just like them.

Do you have a visual on a dream image you want to capture?

• The perfect ‘decisive moment’ where I capture a very candid personal moment in the streets mid action.

Name one non-electric camera gear that you cannot live without.

• Hmmm, wala ata eh.. Nowadays, I don’t even bring a camera bag. I just sling my cam on my shoulders when I go out to shoot.

Approximately, how many gb of photos do you have to date?

• I think, about 80GB.

Ever experienced an embarrassing moment related to photography?

• I was a noob back then, and I went to this toy convention to photograph cosplayers. There was this group of 3 very cute cosplay girls and I asked if I could take their photo. When I pointed my cam at them, they started to laugh… I forgot to take the lens cap off

Where can we see your portfolio?

• I’m currently working on my personal photography portfolio site. It should be done within the week. Right now, you can view my photos in flickr: http://www.flickr.com/people/dannysantos/

How did you found out PinoyCSers?

• I surfed the net for pinoy photographers in Singapore.

Give readers one tip to capture great photos.

• For a great street photo: it’s all about the right light on the right subject, at the right moment. It’s not easy to get a good one since the streets is very unpredictable and uncooperative. Choose a good location with good people traffic to increase your chances. It could take hours before you get a good opportunity… but it will all pay off when you capture that perfect shot.