The Passion & Purpose Behind Daniel Gilpin’s Photographic Art

I am Daniel Gilpin, an artist and photographer who collaborates closely with my muse to create unique, original pieces. My work is deeply rooted in the use of natural light and color, with a particular focus on shadows and illumination to highlight and sculpt the features of my subjects. To me, photography is like painting with light, a way to craft visual stories with depth and emotion.

While I excel in art and photography, words have always been a challenge for me. As someone with dyslexia, I often find it difficult to articulate my thoughts through language. Instead, I express myself through color, light, lines, and imagery. For me, creating art is a way of breaking free from the constraints of words and sharing my inner world.

Creativity runs in my family. My maternal grandfather was a photographer, and my mother is an artist in her own right. She would often tell me stories about her father who was a lively character whose studio was brimming with energy, stories, and the unmistakable scent of developing film. These vivid accounts, filled with imagery and creativity, left a lasting impression on me, weaving a thread of artistic inspiration through my life and shaping the path I follow today.

I formally studied photography at Jacob Kramer College of Art, now Leeds Arts University. It was also where I developed an understanding of the human form. Initially reserved and even embarrassed during figure drawing classes, I quickly found my footing under the guidance of Len, a Latvian tutor who recognized my potential. Photography and croquis (figure drawing) became my strengths, sparking a lifelong fascination with the human body in art.

Interestingly, I was once kicked out of my photography lessons for not sticking to the brief. I found the classes too rigid, stifling my creative freedom. Despite this, I completed all the assignments and ended up acing the course, tying for the top spot in the photography class.

But learning never really stops, and I’ve been snapping away ever since, always refining and experimenting with my craft.

I have had cameras since an early age, so it’s a tough question to pinpoint. However, my first serious study-level photograph was likely a sunset scene captured on the rugged coastline of the west coast of Scotland. The shot featured dramatic rocks in the foreground and the shimmering sea stretching into the background, bathed in the golden and amber hues of the setting sun.

Despite the vivid colors of the scene, the final result was in black and white, as I had just started developing my own film and prints. This moment marked the beginning of my deeper connection to photography, where I discovered the power of light, contrast, and composition.

I use a variety of equipment, from cameras to phones, depending on the moment. My go-to options include a Polaroid, an Olympus Trip 35, and my Sony A6000 with an E 50mm F1.8 lens. My photography style isn’t polished like mainstream glamour shots; I see myself as an artist capturing a natural moment or painting an image through the lens.

For me, it’s more important to focus on authenticity than technical perfection. I don’t rely on full studio setups, though I’ve worked in those environments before, nor do I heavily edit my work in Photoshop. My process is about making the muse feel relaxed and comfortable, creating something genuine with what’s available; natural light, the environment, and the energy of the moment. That’s when the image truly comes to life.

I aim to continue my passion for human art and photography, driven by a profound shift in perspective after the loss of a previous muse. That experience taught me to appreciate each day as a beautiful opportunity and to view every piece of work as a goal achieved. This recognition at the NY Photography Awards is a meaningful milestone, and I hope it inspires viewers to connect with and enjoy the work I create.

Recognition from the NY Photography Awards deeply inspires me. While I had hoped to do well, there’s always that lingering uncertainty and fear of the unknown. The day the awards were announced turned out to be a truly memorable one.

My unique storytelling comes from collaborating closely with my muse to bring each concept to life. Each photographic image feels like a painting to me, where every detail matters from the positioning to the light, to creating a scene where the muse feels comfortable and shines authentically.

Yet, like a painting, it doesn’t need to be a polished, photoshopped work. Blemishes and oddities add character and uniqueness in my eyes. I strive to walk the line between artistic expression and the glamour world, always staying true to my passion for art. For me, it’s about creating beautiful, meaningful images that place the muse at the heart of the story.

Thank you! I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet, but it’s definitely exciting and brings a big smile to my face. It’s truly an honor to receive this award, and I’m deeply grateful to the judges and organizers. I also hope this recognition helps me progress toward my personal goals and serves as a platform for more people to discover and connect with my work.

Along the rugged coastline of Hornbæk, Denmark, where the echoes of artistic history linger from Paul Fischer’s evocative nude paintings of 1917, a new visual story unfolds. The landscape here, shaped by the remnants of WWII defences and now painted with graffiti, provides an intriguing backdrop to this new collection with its textures adding layers of complexity to the serene beach.

For years, the coastline has been a place of quiet reflection, where the rhythms of nature and light have been carefully observed. The challenge, however, was in waiting for the perfect moment when everything aligned with the light, the mood, and the scene itself. On September 3, 2024, a summer storm passed through, painting the sky and sea with vivid blues and pinks, offering the fleeting moment I had long anticipated.

In this series, the subject is captured in natural light, with only the barest of makeup, a delicate ring of charcoal around her eyes and mouth, allowing the landscape and light to shape her presence. The result is a delicate balance between subject and environment, as though both have been waiting to be revealed in perfect harmony.

It’s still too early to say, but I’m hopeful this award will open doors to reaching a wider audience. Perhaps by next year, I’ll have more to share. For now, I’m excited about the possibility of this recognition leading to a small exhibition in an inspiring and exciting venue.

I’m inspired by a mix of photographers and artists, such as Krull and Wilhelm, as well as painters like Manet and Gauguin. In the genre of nudes, I find early photographers particularly exciting as they had to rely on working closely with their muse to create the moment, as the facilities and technology were far simpler.

Perhaps I’m drawn to their approach because it reminds me of how I imagine my grandfather’s era of creativity. More recently, I’d mention Larry Clark, though there are countless inspiring pieces of work out there.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Stay true to your creative principles.

Remain committed to your creative principles and never stop trying or experimenting.

Every day is an opportunity to learn. I don’t believe anyone ever knows it all. We each have our own way of doing things, and that’s why it’s important to always embrace new information and knowledge with an open mind.