An Interview with Dan Cordero about his Photographic Exhibition, Getting Lucky

Byron Brewery | Friday | 7pm | Free

Daniel Cordero is a Byron-based, Los Angeles-born photographer. Inspired by the beauty of Byron Bay, Dan began to explore the creative potential of landscape photography. Dan is a lover of natural beauty and his works are on show in his new exhibition.

Dan’s pathway to photography is not what you’d expect. It was his career in the US Navy that got him started.

‘As a helicopter search-and-rescue swimmer part of my job was to fly around and take photos during our various missions. I loved playing around with cameras but it wasn’t until a few years later that it became a hobby, a lifestyle, and then a career. After the navy I decided to chase my dreams in becoming an artist and study music. I studied at SAE Hollywood and graduated with straight As. After graduating my diploma course I took a scholarship to finish my Bachelor degree in Australia.’

Dan has now lived in Australia for four years and he credits it as being one of the best decisions of his life.

‘I hit the jackpot moving here. It was everything I hoped for and more. When I got here I explored the rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches. Life is so vibrant here. Byron is a direct contrast from the lifestyle that I was used to.’

That became the impetus for Dan to take photos: so he could share the experience with his friends and family back home.

‘It was fun sharing what I was experiencing here,’ says Dan. ‘I had fun taking photos with my phone but I quickly grew out of it and wanted to see what I could capture with a real camera.’

It wasn’t long before Dan found himself the proud owner of a DSLR.

‘I became obsessed,’ he says, ‘and haven’t stopped taking photos. Photography is something I see myself doing for the rest of my life. I love it so much I’m pretty much married to it now.’

It’s clear from Dan’s body of work that he spends a lot of time photographing nature, and sometimes things just line up perfectly or sometimes an animal pops by to say Hi. You get lucky sometimes!’

Dan’s work is on show at the Byron Brewery with an exhibition opening on Friday at 7pm. Dan’s mates Fergo and the Burden and Blac Karnivale will be providing live music on the night. All welcome!

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