Daniel Chase Photography

This review is from a photographer's viewpoint.DCP is a wonderful, wonderful option as a studio rental, for the following main reasons:(a) You and the lighting equipment can move around the studio easily, and effectively 'configure' it differently for different narratives/scenes. Different backgrounds can be set up quickly, and changed just as quickly. The ceiling is high. You can certainly work on multiple stories in one shoot.(b) The number of light-modifiers and related accessories (flags, etc.) is staggeringly high, quite probably because Daniel Chase, the owner, is a very active photographer himself. They are also arrayed by a wall, so you can see at a glance the various options that you have. And the lights and controls are easy to get to, even if you have them placed several feet above the model. It's thus possible to get the precise light-and-shadow effect you're looking for. Every light has the modeling-light on, and that helps get an idea of the shape of light/shadow that would be created, and also in focusing.(c) This studio has the means to create effects, such as with a smoke machine or with lighting-gels, with a readiness/ease of use that I imagine very few studios in this price range are offering.(d) It is very reasonably-priced for a rental, especially in comparison with studios in San Francisco and Oakland. It also makes payment easy.(e) Not least, the owner is very helpful and very generous (with his time and more). I feel as if I can describe to him the lighting effect that I want to achieve, knowing that he would be willing to change the entire lighting set-up if that's what it took. (He can also leave you to shoot in privacy, if that's what you prefer.) I have borrowed a lens, several props, attire for a model, and even a whole set that had been created for a different shoot! One time, I forgot a piece of my own camera equipment at the studio and didn't even realize it, and Daniel mailed it to me in packaging that would have done Amazon proud. I have never come away from a shoot at DCP Studio, feeling that there weren't enough lighting options or that the studio didn't provide a setting in which it was easy to try many options.I recommend DCP without hesitation, and I enjoy being around Daniel's unquenchable enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, photography.There can't be more than a small handful of photography studios in the entire Bay Area that provide a similarly-joyful atmosphere for photography. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Dan and I have collaborated on several photoshoots,   as a published makeup artist and hairstylist I know there can be a lot of down time for photographers before and during photo shoots. He always remains patient, calm, creative, professional and knowledgeable under any circumstances. Dan does a fantastic job coordinating, directing, capturing, and delivering amazing editorial photos. He is very open minded towards new ideas, so that your photos come out the way you envisioned!  If you're looking to add photos to your portfolio, website(s), or collection Dan will definitely get the task done. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I initially went to Daniel Chase Photography three years ago when I wanted a professional photo of my daughter in her prom dress.  Dan made sure that my daughter felt comfortable in front of the camera.  He took a few shots and then gave my daughter some tips.  Then took a few more shots and let her look at the images so she could see the difference.  Once she saw how great the pictures were looking, she became more relaxed in front of the camera.  I liked how he used different backdrops and sets to get different looks.  The result was some beautiful pictures that looked like art.  I had a hard time deciding which prints I wanted because all the shots were so good.  Since then, my daughter has gone back for headshots and fashion shots. More...

Reviewed on Yelp