Who's Who: Dan Goldberg
Dan Goldberg is an award-winning commercial photographer specializing in food photography. He’s an adventurous and dedicated explorer of food, culture and traveling to find the best hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese restaurant in the city, that little bar outside Missoula, Montana someone told him about, or that 22-course meal in San Sebastian, Spain. Dan’s passion for people, food and travel is evident in his ever-evolving work and approach. When not taking photographs, you can find him seeking out the best food and drinks in town, fly-fishing, and traveling the world with his wife, Casey and his daughter, Dylan.
How did you get into photography and why food?
I studied Advertising and Design at Columbus College of Art and Design. After taking a photography course, I started shooting the images for my advertising assignments. That is when I fell in love with photography and changed my major. One summer, I was then fortunate enough to intern for my uncle, Terry Heffernan. He was a table top photographer and director, and an incredible mentor for me. I learned so much from working in his studio and on assisting him on some big ad campaigns. After my internship, I returned to art school and worked as a sous chef to help pay my way through college. It was about that time when my appreciation for food began and it just became a natural subject for me to photograph.
Still or motion, or both?
I shoot both and most projects these days are a combination of these two.
What or who inspires you?
My 5 year old daughter inspires me daily! I think all kids are born with a creative mind and so often our society dulls that down. I love the challenge of keeping the creativity going in our home. I’m also inspired by traveling, meeting new people, immersing myself in new cultures, trying new foods, and fly fishing. I can stand in a river all day and find continued inspiration in the world around me.
The next big advertising trend is going to be?
I honestly hate trends! I prefer to be true to myself and my vision and push the limits so I can continue to grow and evolve.
Facebook or Instagram or other?
I like Instagram and it’s a great way to show people personal work.
In a film about your life, you’d like to be played by?
Gary Coleman.
A word or phrase you overuse?
"That makes absolutely no sense."
Your dream collaboration is ...?
Getting to work with Net Jets on a video with chef José Andres was pretty much a dream collaboration. I would love to direct a travel food show on Netflix some day.
A piece of criticism you’ve received was?
After assisting Terry I assisted Jim Marshall & Jock McDonald. I came from shooting 8x10 film and it was a slow process. Both Jock & Jim would tell me to shoot faster. Jock would say “don’t hesitate and do whatever it takes to get the shot!” Jim would say “take the fucking picture, kid!” That criticism always stuck with me and has helped me throughout my career.
A great piece of advice you received?
My uncle, Terry Heffernan always told me to keep shooting for myself, always have a personal project going on and stay passionate.
SELECTED FOR 200 BEST AD PHOTOGRAPHERS WORLDWIDE 20
