For a photographer, becoming a director is more than just making still images move. It is about telling the stories frame by frame and being able to do so through a singular vision. Being able to adapt and inhabit both spaces is not easy, but Dan Goldberg drew from his mentors, his experiences, and his passion for sharing a meal to make his still stories come to life. For his debut director’s reel, he draws from all those same influences to tell a powerful visual story in the same thoughtful way as his photography does.

[embedded content]

What do you think people will be surprised to know about your director’s reel? 

People might be surprised that this is not just a food reel but an intersection of food, travel, and nature. This reel is all of my passions combined — a calling card to my motion work, paying homage to my mentor and uncle Terry Heffernan, who I assisted early on in my career. Each day we would drive the windy coastal roads from his house in Napa to his San Francisco studio, talking non-stop about our love for food, travel, photography, and nature. 

What is your approach to directing?

I approach directing the same way as photography — frame by frame composing and lighting each frame to tell a thoughtful story. I’m always thinking about the final edit and how it’s going to cut together.  

Does being a director help your photography? and vice versa?

Yes, directing helps me loosen up as a photographer; I collaborate more than I would as a sole photographer. Because I started my career as a photographer, I still approach directing like still photography, so working on bigger jobs, and because of the traditional communication channels, it takes some adjustment. As a photographer, I don’t have a problem doing what it takes to get the job done. As a director, I have to step back and rely on each department, which has been a great muscle to exercise. 

When editing the reel, what did you want it to communicate? 

This reel is a love letter to my career to date, sharing the work of some of my favorite clients. I wanted to start and end with scenes of gathering as that is the philosophy that drives my vision.

I worked closely with my editor on this video. Since he was the DP on a lot of the work in the reel, he was very familiar with the footage. I love the collaboration with editors who can see something that I don’t. We complement each other and make it better.

Follow Dan on Instagram for more imagery and motion, capturing gatherings and the camaraderie, food, and beauty that comes with it.

https://notesfromarepsjournal.com/2021/04/06/dan-goldbergs-debut-directors-reel-makes-sharing-a-meal-come-to-life/