Dany Eid is a photographer based in the UAE, who specialized in architecture, landscape, travel and lifestyle photography. Born and raised in Lebanon, Dany studied interior design and painting. Years ago he left his home country and became an expat. Moving from one city to the other, Dany became passionate about photography then decided to left his executive career to pursue photography full time. These days, he has worked closely with many major brands in this industry.
NiSi is very grateful to Dany for being willing to take the time to share his insights on landscape photography despite the busy schedule.
Z for Zoe and D for Dany
Z: Hi Dany! Thanks for being with us here! Firstly, to get the readers to know you better, could you share us three things about you that you want others to know?
D: I didn’t plan to become a photographer. I’m a self-taught photographer, who decided to quit his corporate life and become a photographer. I followed my dream.
Taken in Iceland
With NiSi ND (10 Stops)
Z: What draws you into photography? Were there any challenges for you to switch from other jobs to being a photographer?
D: It started off as a hobby, but by time it became quite challenging and I decided to dig deeper into the world of photography. The biggest challenge was to build a name, become successful and from a business point of view, I wasn’t sure, if I’ll be able to make ends meet by leaving my job and working as a photographer.
Taken in Abu Dhabi
With NiSi ND (13 Stops)
Z: What subjects and themes do you like most? How did you develop your style in your works?
D: I enjoy cityscape and landscape, but also enjoy doing street photography especially that I travel a lot and wherever I go, there are always new subjects. As for my style, I educate myself by regularly checking what other photographers do and practicing, trial and error is very important. You learn best from your own mistakes.
Taken in Dubai
With NiSi ND (13 Stops)
Z: When did you start using NiSi filters and why?
D: I got introduced to NiSi filters through other photographers using them and I had to check it out myself. Of course, NiSi was not the first filter brand I used at the time, which was good for me in order to compare the end results between using NiSi and using another brand. And indeed, I liked the end results by NiSi very much. They met my expectations. What I also appreciate is how innovative NiSi is and always working on finding new solutions or systems for various lenses. They listen to the needs of photographers, which in my opinion is very important that a brand works close to photographers and acknowledges their needs.
Taken in Dubai
With NiSi ND (3 Stops)
Z: Which NiSi products do you usually use in your work?
D: I use different systems depending on the lens. For example, I use the S5 for Nikon 14-24mm, the 150mm system for the Zeiss Milvus and the S5 for Nikon PC 19mm.
In regards to the filters, I use different types of neutral density filters, 3, 6, 10 and 15 stops. I also use CPL.
Depending on what I will shoot, I use the compatible NiSi product. As mentioned NiSi keeps on working on solutions to meet the needs of photographers.
Taken in Dubai
With NiSi ND (10 Stops)
Z: Among all the photos you took with NiSi filters, which one is your favorite? What went into creating it?
D: I can’t say that I have a favorite image. Behind each image I shoot there’s a story and an idea. Yet among the images close to my heart is one image I captured at the Diamond Beach in Iceland.
Taken at the Diamond Beach in Iceland
With NiSi polarizer, ND (3 Stops), S5
Z: Would you share us a story about the best or worst day you’ve had while shooting?
D: The worst day was during one of my trips to the south coast of Iceland, when my tripod fell in the water and the camera was attached. I lost the camera and the lens.
As for the best day, it’s every day is every time I’m lucky to shoot fog in Dubai, where I can use NiSi filters and end up with great results.
Taken in Dubai
With NiSi ND (6 Stops)
Taken in Dubai
With NiSi ND (6 Stops)
Z: Is there any trend in photography now that inspires or disturbs you?
D: Social Media wars as I call, in terms of how many likes one receives. I also don’t like the competition and comparison between brands and how it gets escalated.
Taken in Iceland
With NiSi polarizer, ND (3 Stops)
Z: What advice would you give to yourself if you could turn back time?
D: I will focus more on the business side of photography and my approach towards it as well as working more on marketing my name and cooperation with the brands I work closely with.
Taken in Chianti, Italy
With NiSi ND
Z: What plans do you have for the months to come, photographically?
D: I’m leaving tomorrow to Norway for a hiking trip and looking forward to rerunning home with good shots.
