Real Photo Show with Michael Chovan-Dalton

Daniel Arnold | 2025 Chico Review Series

4 snips
May 5, 2025
Daniel Arnold, a street photographer with a knack for capturing life’s raw moments, shares how photography transformed his career and personal connections after leaving a writing job at Nickelodeon. He delves into his journey from Milwaukee to New York, the emotional depth of street photography, and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial demands. Arnold also reflects on the importance of human interaction in his work and the complexities of vulnerability in art, showcasing the unique storytelling power behind every shot.
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ANECDOTE

Photography as Lifeline in NYC

  • Daniel Arnold became an obsessive note taker with a camera after moving from Milwaukee to New York at 23.
  • Photography gave him purpose and a way to connect during lonely periods without seeking fame or money.
ANECDOTE

Risking Stability for Passion

  • Arnold left a stable writing job at Nickelodeon to pursue photography inspired by Instagram.
  • He survived early struggles with low funds and unconventional assistant jobs, relying on persistence and support from others.
INSIGHT

Unified Drive Behind All Photos

  • Arnold views both personal and assignment photography as stemming from the same instinct: an insatiable desire for pictures.
  • Assignment work excites him as a chance to explore unfamiliar scenarios and solve new visual problems.
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