Risking It All For the Shot

Photography By Dani Holmberg

Long Beach photographer Dani Holmberg talks about photographing the Tom of Finland Foundation Pride Party, the supportive art community of Long Beach, and being okay with not pleasing everyone.

Long Beach, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

I’ve had a camera in my hand since I was a kid. Taking pictures of my toys and family. Then when I got into middle school I got my first digital point and shoot. I was taking pictures of my friends mostly at that time, and lots of MySpace selfies sadly. Then in high school I discovered film and I couldn’t let it go. I shot for my first publication at this time and got my start in concert photography.

After high school I chose to expand my knowledge on photography and get my degree in it. After parting with that publication and not knowing how to navigate being a freelance photographer, I put my camera down for a very long time. January last year was the first time I started taking photos again in years. And now I’m here being interviewed by you. Life is really crazy.

What have you learned along the way?

Ooo, this is a great question. I’ve learned so many things, whether it was the easy way or the hard way. I’ve learned that my eye isn’t going to please everyone and that’s okay. Don’t be in a competitive mindset. It’s okay to work alone but it’s also super important to know when to reach out for help. I’m learning how to balance working in nightlife and having a day job. I’ve learned to grow and change through the lens of my camera. Truly if it wasn’t for picking up my camera again, I wouldn’t be who or where I am today. I wouldn’t have the circle of friends or support system around me if it wasn’t for my camera. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take a set back and take a break to reflect on yourself and the reason you have a passion for something. The worst lesson I’ve had to learn; ALWAYS keep a spare SD card and battery on deck.

How would you describe your style? What makes you unique and different?

I describe my style as either very raw/harsh or very nostalgic and tangible. Raw and harsh because I like to use a lot of direct flash and hard colors. Nostalgic and tangible because I like to create images that will make you want to pull them out later in life to show your grandkids how wild you actually got. I like to capture moments and not just take a photo. I live for good candid moments.

A lot of your photography focuses around events and festivals. Why does this type of photography inspire you?

I live for the adrenaline honestly. I love being in a pit and risking it all for a shot. I love seeing everyone just being themselves and enjoying an event or artist that they love. I love capturing artists seeing that crowd and feeling the energy. I’ve broken a few lenses and a camera doing what I do but it was totally worth it for the shot.

Tell the story behind one of your images.

I think I’m gonna choose the one of Landon at Vine. There is no real story to tell. It’s just one of my favorite photos I've ever taken. Landon, lead singer of The Sleeperz, jumped off the bar a Vine, a local wine bar/venue. All the homies caught him and carried him back to the stage area like some sacrificed martyr. It was so sick. That Sleeperz/Wacko (now Nu.Godd) show gave me some of my best shots to date and they were all of my homies. I wasn’t trying to please anyone with those photos and everyone loved them. Well, I guess there was a story after all.

You recently photographed the Tom of Finland Foundation party at the Ace Hotel during Pride Weekend in Palm Springs, California. What was this experience like?

I legit was so confused and caught off guard when I got the offer for that gig to be very honest. I had just shot for Long Beach Walls a few months before and that was my biggest gig to date. To be recognized for my talent and getting to capture such an amazing event was an experience like no other. Everyone was so hot and happy. It was also my first time in Palm Springs so having those mountains as a backdrop was just so great. The Ace Hotel out there is such a chic and niche place it created a great atmosphere for everyone. It made taking photos so easy. I met so many great people and I hope they ask me to come back again this year.

Why is photographing Queer events important to you?

As a Queer Person Of Color, I know that it’s extremely important to have your story told through the eyes of your own people. I feel some cis photographers may see queer events as a gimmick or they don’t understand. You need people who aren’t afraid of the culture and have cleared their mind of the stereotypes the queer community has surrounding it. It’s important that we keep adding to our history by documenting these moments and passing them on to the next generation.

You were born and raised in Long Beach, California. How does the city influence you as an artist?

There is so much talent in this city. Whether you’re born here or decide to make this place your home, something about Long Beach creates incredible artists in so many forms. And for the most part, everyone wants to see you shine. There’s so much love in this city. There’s a deep culture here that only people from Long Beach can know and understand. Even though they keep gentrifying the city and taking so much of it away, it’ll continue to live through things like my photos and the people who keep the history alive.

You have an art collective called 4th3h0mies. What is the story behind the collective and what is it about?

Funny enough, it started out as a way to maybe start getting press passes. Then it grew into me throwing events to showcase my homies and other underground things here in Long Beach. I use it as a way to spread the word about different events happening in the area and showcase different talent as well. I’m hoping this year I’ll throw a few more shows. I love giving my friends a spotlight.

If you can photograph any party in the world, which one would you want to shoot and why?

I don’t think I have a specific event as a goal at the moment, I just want to travel the world either as a tour photographer or something like that. I would also love to finally shoot a big music festival. Primavera also comes to mind.

What's next for you?

I have my first photo exhibition happening at Relics in Long Beach. I’m working on a photo book focusing on my local music venue, Que Sera. I’ve honestly been taking a mental break and enjoying it a lot. It’s refreshing going out without a camera in my hand. I hope this break will bring a new style to my shots and more ideas for my collective!