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

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had always loved photography, but as a teen, “doing math” to achieve it intimidated me. I bought my first Point and Shoot digital camera in 2003 to take photos of my kids, and at the urging of friends who liked the photos I did, I purchased my first DSLR semi-pro camera and a couple lenses in 2005 at the age of 47. I spent the next year reading almost every book and magazine on photography I could get my hands on, as well as hundreds of hours of YouTube videos on photography and editing techniques.

At this point in my life, math, especially in how it relates to photography, no longer scared me. Figuring out exposures and lighting wasn’t the barrier that it seemed as a teen. In 2006 at the urging of my then girlfriend, I applied to a local weekly newspaper who who was looking for an editorial photographer. I sent them a few sample photos and was hired. At that point, I figured I should pick a company name and get a business license, fictitious business name, business cards, insurance, and the lot. If I was going to start a business, I wanted to do it right.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
One of the things I believe sets me apart from other photographers, is I don’t make excuses for not getting the shots. If I can’t get the shot I want, I will always get “something”. Usually photographers are allowed to photograph the first 3 songs, though occasionally this varies. Sometimes less, sometimes more. I research artists that I am going to photograph and look for photographic opportunities. This isn’t 100% foolproof though. Artists tend to change things up, but it gives me an idea on what to expect. Where does the singer or leader of the band usually stand on stage? Which side of the stage is the guitar/bass/keyboard? What kind of light should I expect? Is there anything exceptional that I can expect in my allotted 3 songs? Will there be pyro, fireworks, fire, confetti cannons. if so during which songs? This helps me to be in the right place at the right time, most of the time, and get that Money Shot.

Most photographers have one dominant eye that they use to look through the viewfinder, but I’m equally adept with either eye. That serves me well because I also photograph with both eyes open. If the action I am looking at is on the left side of the stage, I look through the view finder with my left eye and keep my right eye open in case anything happens on the right side of the stage. If the action is on the right side of the stage, I use my right eye in the viewfinder and keep the left eye roaming. This is extremely difficult, and sometimes results in my having a headache by the end of the show, but it’s worth it when I come away with shots that others miss.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego is famous for its Mexican food. Every friend that comes to town, I bring them to Old Town Mexican Cafe. In my opinion, they are the absolute best Mexican food restaurant in town. Fresh, hand made tortillas are just the start. I would also recommend our World Famous San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. If they have small children, LEGOLAND California. And of course… the beaches! If they come during July, Comic-Con is a must. Even if you don’t have badges, just hang out in the Gaslamp District and watch the amazing cosplayers walking the streets. That’s something you can’t get anywhere else!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Early in my photography career, it was mostly the MySpace photography groups where I learned the most. Several friends I made in those groups were critical in helping analyze and improve my photography, and I still maintain many of those friendships to this day. Los Angeles based portrait and street photographer Michael Bartosek, and Maryland based portrait and wedding film photographer Johnny Martyr in particular. Both inspired me with their work, their friendship, and their critique (sometimes harsh, but always appreciated!). Two others that inspired me with their talent, were portrait and wedding photographers Jennifer Brindley Ubl, and Melody Smith. Watching them grow into two of the best in the nation has been a joy.

When I first thought about photographing concerts, I knew that it was one of the most difficult forms of photography. Trying to capture the electricity and energy of a live concert, but with fast moving musicians, changing lighting, and sometimes almost no lighting was a fairly daunting challenge. I approached the management team at one of San Diego’s top live music venues, The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA. I talked to Meryl Klemow and Beth Van Eck, and explained that I was a relatively new photographer but would love to learn the art of concert photography. I offered to share images with them, if they would grant me access to the shows. They agreed, and for the next 7 years I served as their House Photographer. Meryl and Beth were both key in my development as a concert photographer, just for giving an unknown, unproven photographer a chance. Also thanks to them, I’ve been the official photographer for Fiesta Del Sol, Solana Beach’s 2-Day music festival for the last 12 years or so.

After a couple years, I started photographing bigger shows at larger venues. If I were to single out one person who helped me transition from clubs to arena and stadium shows, it would be Alan Hess. Alan literally wrote the book on concert photography. Several books, honestly. We became fast friends, and he remains one of my closest friends.

Lastly, the person who helped me transition from a small weekly newspaper to one of the biggest photography wire services in the world, Getty Images, is Jeff Kravitz. Jeff and I were friends on Facebook, and he had seen my work there. He messaged me one day in June of 2013 and asked if I was going to Comic-Con, and would I be interested in some paid work there. I was, and I was! So, my first gig with Getty Images was working for HBO and Cinemax. I was to photograph the panels and autograph signings for Game of Thrones (HBO’s biggest show at the time) and True Blood (Cinemax’s biggest show at the time). No pressure, right? I was hired for two days, but the editors were apparently impressed with my work and offered me a contract as Contributing Photographer after the first day!

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

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

Twitter: https://x.com/danielknighton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixelPerfectImagesPhotography

Other: BlueSky
@pixelperfectimages.bsky.social

Threads
https://www.threads.net/pixelperfectimages

Image Credits
Photo of Daniel Knighton by Caroline Stephens/ImageQwest Photography

All other photos by Daniel Knighton/Pixel Perfect Images

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