Livin’ the Dream! Everyone aspires to it; some get to experience it. Daniel Purcell counts himself among the lucky ones as he travels the country, pursuing his professional passion.
Daniel has been capturing life through the lens since he picked up his first camera at the age of 3. Now 24, this college student from Clarkesville recently returned from New York, where he photographed Fashion Week.
“In September of 2023, a photographer I follow on Instagram shared a reel from Runway 7 Fashion stating they were looking for new photographers to join their team,” Purcell said, explaining how he got the gig.
He submitted his portfolio “just to see what would happen.” On December 23, he got his answer.
“I received an email from Runway 7 saying they’d love to have me as a photographer for the event.”
New York vibe
Daniel spent nearly a week in New York, shooting fashion shows from Feb. 8 to 11. He spoke of his experience like a seasoned professional with the maturity of one who has traveled and surrounded himself with celebrity.
Heading into the week, he anticipated it would be tense and competitive. The enthusiasm and supportive energy he felt from those around him surprised him: It was unlike anything he had experienced before.
“The Runway 7 team and everyone in attendance created a great vibe of support and camaraderie. The energy was a collective positive one,” he said.
As part of the press pool, he lined up with the other photographers daily at 6 a.m. to grab a spot for the first show of the day. After claiming their positions, they held onto them by camping out at the venue for the rest of the day.
“We had shows each day at 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 p.m. So, it added up to be a long day,” he said. “Each show would consist of four to seven designers showing off their new lines of fashion, equaling an average of 50 minutes per show.”
Photobombed
One of Daniel’s first encounters in New York during Fashion Week was with actress Kate Flannery, who played Meredith on the popular sitcom The Office.
“As I was checking into my hotel, the lady next to me was wearing a mask. I didn’t think anything of it until I heard her say her name,” the self-avowed Office fan said.
“I quietly asked, ‘Miss Kate, can I get a quick photo with you?’ and I saw her eyes smile as she replied, ‘Of course! I’ll photobomb you.’ It was a cool way to begin my time there.”
The opportunity to shoot during Fashion Week was a professional highlight for Purcell, who became interested in photography by way of videography.
“I got a camera for Christmas that had both photo and video capabilities, and I started to explore each. Some of the first photographs I did were of my friends playing soccer, which grew into portraits, journalism, and now fashion.”
Daniel’s mother, Joy, is the owner and publisher of Now Habersham. He used to help her carry equipment on video shoots. Eventually, he moved behind the camera and, shortly before his 15th birthday, signed on as a photographer for Now Habersham.
Livin’ the Dream!
A seasoned photojournalist and certified firefighter, Daniel has spent the past ten years building an impressive body of work. From spot news coverage and fire safety training events to portrait photography, concerts, conventions, and church creative work, he has captured the highs and lows of life and has shared those images with others worldwide.
People Magazine, Firehouse Magazine, and corporate publications for Lowe’s, Dewalt Tools, and LION fire gear have published his photos.
ABC News, FOX, CBS, Yahoo News, and the Weather Channel have aired his photos and videos. News wires have shared his work in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other parts of the globe.
He’s traveled from Georgia to California and points in between working, learning, and building his resumé. Ask Daniel; he’ll tell you, “I’m Livin’ the Dream!”
That dream got a big boost in 2017 when Purcell, a two-time pediatric brain tumor survivor, asked for and received a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera from Make-A-Wish Georgia, part of the national foundation that grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.
It was a wish he built his dream on.
‘I love what I do!’
Before leaving New York, Purcell surveyed his 100-square-foot hotel room near Times Square.
“I could live in a space this small in a city this big any day!” he proclaimed.
For Photo Buffs:
Daniel shoots on a Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 6D Mark II, with 70-200mm, 24-70mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses.
“While using zoom lenses is versatile, shooting on primes (fixed focal lengths) puts more creativity in my hands as I have to move to compose the composition I desire versus physically just twisting a lens,” Purcell explained.
He hopes to return to New York Fashion Week next year.
“I’d love to check out some of the other shows across the city,” he said. There are “hundreds of opportunities; many take place at different and unique venues that I’d love to experience and capture.”
Reflecting on his time in New York and his other professional experiences, Purcell keeps his future in sharp focus.
“I’ve learned it’s not the camera that takes me to places but the people I meet. The people are the reason I love what I do and will continue to keep doing it.”
Daniel Purcell specializes in portrait work, including high school senior shoots and headshots “for those looking to improve their social media game.” To view his portfolio, click here. If you are interested in obtaining his services, you can reach him through Instagram @DGPphotographer.
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