Meet Daniel Iannaccone | Film Photography Enthusiast and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Iannaccone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was already utilizing my bathroom as a personal darkroom space but the challenges of setting up and breaking down my enlarger and chemistry to print and develop became frustrating. There had to be others out there facing the same issues. After posting some of my work on a Facebook photo group I was invited to join a small group centered around film photographers in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the next few months I connected with various film photographers throughout the greater Phoenix area. I began to realize the film photography community was in need of a space they could call home. We needed a place in which we could not only create but also share ideas and meetup with other film photographers. I asked the community if they would help me start a community darkroom. The thought of being an entrepreneur would always run through my mind when I was a kid, but this time I had an idea that I not only believed in but was also passionate about. The community agreed and backed me on getting things going, my love for film and helping others took care of the rest.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since as long as I can remember, I have always shown an interest in visual communication. My art electives in high school led me down the path to print production where I found myself working in a small print center. This was my initial exposure to the business world and the need to communicate things quickly and effectively. After about seven years I wanted to try something new. I moved on to a company that produces large format graphics as a project coordinator and began learning so much more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Phoenix has so much to offer! For those new to the area the first stop would have to be Goldfield Ghost Town. See an old west shootout or take a ghost tour. This is also the perfect spot to take in the desert with a gorgeous view of the Superstition mountains.

We have an assortment of coffee shops to visit as well, Lola, Jobot and Lux to name a few. My favorite is Songbird since they have a friendly cat name Inky Bob and they make a solid caramel latte.

I personally am a fan of the antique shops we have. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to snag a deal. At Call it New, Call it Antique in Mesa, I managed to find a rare camera and tripod that I now use frequently. At Brass Armadillo, I can spend a whole day wandering the isles learning about all the ephemera.

We also have several amazing bike paths that stretch across town.

Arizona is also home to the musical instrument museum. I recently visited and it was amazing to see all the instruments and recordings they have.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Phoenix Film Revival wouldn’t exist today if it wasn’t for the support of the entire film community in Phoenix. Thank you to everyone for their support and believing in me when I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. You called my bluff and so I dedicate this to you.

I’d like to thank Ben Peck for connecting me with the community as well as to our studio mate, Jeff Slim. Thank you to Ben Thrasher and Jose Romero for helping move our light table and sink in the middle of the summer. It was brutal but you guys made it happen. Special thanks to Stephanie Crouch for being our angel investor and helping us get our start.

An extra special thanks to my wife, Stacy, for helping keep me sane, bringing me food on late nights and always making sure the lab is in tip top shape. My love and appreciation for you knows no bounds. Thank you.

Website: www.phxfilmrevival.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/phxfilmrevival

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-film-revival/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/phxfilmrevival

Facebook: www.facebook.com/phxfilmrevival

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@phxfilmrevival

Other: We are mostly active on Instagram and our website.

Image Credits
All photos were taken by me, Daniel Iannaccone.