Q&A with Danny Owens: Instagram fame, photography, creativity & travel

We caught up with Danny Owens of Instagram fame to get to know the young budding photographer & creative consultant a bit better. At the time of our Q&A, the SoCal native who’s currently living in the Seattle/Tacoma area was in Chicago catching up with some friends.

Busbud: How did you get into the photography game?

DO: I actually got into photography by studying graphic design. Oddly enough, as I studied graphic design, I thought it was quite boring actually. But anyways, I stuck with it and received an art scholarship. That’s where I got to pick up on photography and I fell in love with it.

Busbud: What are your career aspirations? How far do you want to take this Instagram game?

DO: Haha, I view and use Instagram as a journal. I really approached it as an artistic document. I don’t stress too much with it. I don’t plan on doing this forever. Actually, my goal is to become a creative director or project manager at a firm or company in the future. That would be ideal for me.

Busbud: How & when did you start blowing up on Instagram?

DO: It was exactly last August! I was featured as a suggested user by Instagram itself on an international level. It just blew up from there.

Busbud: You mentioned really appreciating & valuing the Instagram community, which IG users inspire you the most?

DO: There are two that come to mind. Patrick Janelle (@aguynamedpatrick) and Nicole Mason (@neekmason). Patrick is a huge inspiration to me when it comes to capturing daily life. Also, I love New York City so it’s an all-around enjoyable way for me to discover the city through him.

I also love Nicole’s work because she has a different view and approach to photography. I absolutely love her work with weddings, it’s so beautiful! Also, when you look at her feed, you immediately notice the Nicole Mason style. She’s also a good friend of mine, she’s great!

Busbud: iPhone or DSLR?

DO: Around 85% of my Instagram feed is shot with my iPhone. I mostly use my DSLR camera for professional work. I do a lot of other work that most people aren’t even aware of because it’s not on my instagram feed. You can view my actual portfolio on my website.

Busbud: Any reasoning for that choice?

DO: It’s simply easier and more convenient for me. Also, I don’t view Instagram as my professional portfolio.

Busbud: What’s your craziest or most memorable traveling experience?

DO: It was when I visited Liberia. I was in a car driving past the UN base and thought I would take some photos. I made the mistake of rolling down my window to take the photos, and I was immediately yelled at! It was pretty funny & scary at the same time.

Busbud: One thing people don’t know about you?

DO: I’ve got a tattoo of a slice of pizza on my thigh. Gotta stay cheesy my friends.

Busbud: You’re from Southern California but you’ve lived in the Seattle/Tacoma area for a while now. What are your favorite spots in Seattle?

DO: Ha, there are two spots in Seattle that I absolutely love. Oddfellows is my go-to brunch spot and “Storyville Coffee” offers a great vibe and fantastic coffee.

Busbud: Well, that’s about it. Thank you for your time!

DO: My pleasure!