Meet Monty Daniel | Photographer

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

Hi Monty, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I always had a camera in my hand. My family couldn’t afford to get me a nice camera, so I had disposable cameras for a long time. Then, I eventually got a point-and-shoot and finally a DSLR after I graduated high school. I had, and still have, an anxiety disorder and only felt as though I could truly connect with others in a few instances, but I could always form deep connections when I had a camera in my hands. I love how photography can connect creatives. I’ve been in many different scenes throughout the years including theatre, journalism, live music, etc… and can still be involved in these scenes plus so many more through photography. While I lived in Colorado, my main photo subjects were musicians. Here in Arizona, I’ve been so grateful that the incredibly talented drag community has been my main clientele. Photography has and continues to help me branch out and meet new people.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My photography is about representing the underrepresented and showing them that they can and should be seen as who they are. When I was doing photography and writing work in Colorado, I was covering small musicians and venues. I’m talking about the people playing shows in their basements and garages, the ones who were completely DIY. These people were making amazing art and I wanted others to know, so I started covering it for my college newspaper. Additionally, I worked in college radio as the station’s Music Director, so I got to know a lot of local musicians, and even some national artists. I hosted a radio show called “Lifetimes” where I invited a new person on each week and had them walk me through their whole lifetime of music in two hours, live on the air. No matter the medium, my work has always been centered around telling a story. Since moving to Arizona a little less than a year ago, I’ve found some connections with creatives here. It’s been more difficult to get out and form those connections since I’m not in college anymore. I’m still overcoming the fear of rejection and not being good enough constantly. But that’s human. All people, especially creatives, deal with the feeling of not being certain about what’s next. Moving here and finding a whole new community has been tough, but fulfilling. I just want to continue helping others tell their stories, no matter where I am or what medium it’s through.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still new to the area, but I for sure have some favorite spots! We would get breakfast/coffee at White Dove Coffee (personally, I usually get an oat milk honey latte with cinnamon or a lavender matcha, also with oat milk). Then, we would head over to Bookman’s to browse all the books and records there (and probably buy too much). We would drive down Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona and walk around Tlaquepaque Village and maybe even go on a little hike to find some lizards. Then we would come back to Flagstaff and have dinner at either Lotus Lounge or SoSoBa. The other days would be filled with concerts in Phoenix at The Nile and Rebel Lounge, a walk around the Desert Botanical Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden. In Flagstaff, we would see drag shows at either The Runway or The Mayor, do trivia night at Mountain Top Tap Room, and grab some plants at Viola’s Flower Garden, Plantae and Warner’s Nursery. We would also hang out and chat a ton at Steep Leaf Lounge and Forêt Flg.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s so many people that deserve recognition! Paige Lombardi, who runs Lombardi Videography, has been so kind and supportive to me and my work. Her and I critique and help each other out and even covered a wedding together recently! She’s another young creator here in Flagstaff just trying to pursue her passions. Besides Paige, the Flagstaff drag community has been the best clients and friends to me. I’m so grateful that they have put so much trust in me and my art.

Website: montyraedaniel.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: @montydphoto

Facebook: @montydphoto

Other: montydphoto@gmail.com

Image Credits
Image of me taking a photo – Asher Korn