At 27, Goa-based photographer Daniel D’souza has built a body of work that moves between fashion, advertising, and documentary. A graduate of The One School Goa, where he majored in advertising and visual storytelling, he has worked with sustainable fashion brand No Nasties, documented chocolate for Manam Chocolate in Hyderabad, and recently completed a project for National Geographic UK.
Finding a style
What first sparked my curiosity was the way photographers abroad attached meaning to their work. Photography, I discovered, wasn’t only about freezing moments. It was about connecting with people, entering unfamiliar environments, and experiencing cultures first-hand. That sense of discovery hooked me.
Over the years, I trained my eye by breaking down images that moved me. I studied light, framing, and composition, but more than that, I focused on the emotions a photograph could carry. Gradually, I found myself drawn to bold colour, hard light, and strong compositions; moods that defined my style. While my approach is largely intentional, honed through practice and observation, I’ve also learned to trust my instincts when I’m in the moment.
A shot to remember
One image that continues to linger in my mind is from the Shigmo festivities in Goa, where I captured local boys running through fire. The scene was electrifying; chaos, devotion, energy, and flames all colliding in a single frame. Maybe it’s the Game of Thrones fan in me, but I’ve always been drawn to fire. That photograph still burns bright in my memory.
Early lessons
My first paid assignment was for a newly launched magazine, and it was nothing short of a crash course in professional photography. I had to learn editorial discipline, work with deadlines, and understand how magazine culture functioned at the time. Those early lessons continue to shape how I approach assignments today.
Balancing social media, client work
Photography, for me, is a way of life. My camera is an extension of myself, always by my side. I don’t draw strict lines between social media and professional work, if something excites me; I photograph it, regardless of whether it’s for Instagram or a client. That said, my approach shifts depending on the context. Client work is collaborative, tailored to the brand’s vision, whereas Instagram is my personal playground, where I follow my own creative instincts.
Sometimes, the most spontaneous projects take off. Recently, I shared a series from Bonderam on Divar Island. It wasn’t planned as a photo-journalistic piece, just me spending time with friends who had moved there, photographing along the way. The series was playful, personal, and instinctive and people connected with that authenticity.
A day in the creative life
Running an agency now means a lot of my time goes into making moodboards for brands, which I surprisingly enjoy. On assignment days, it’s about preparation, planning, and execution. But I’ve realised my best creative sparks often come outside of work, sitting by the beach with friends, doing nothing in particular. Creativity sneaks up when you least expect it.
I don’t think people misunderstand my work, but I do hope they recognise that my photography is shaped by my own experiences and worldview. It isn’t meant to be strictly journalistic or objective. It’s a reflection of how I see the world.
Overcoming creative blocks
And when I face creative blocks, I lean into photo books, my image library, and reading. But more than that, I rely on living fully. I believe every experience eventually finds its way into the work.
Projects that inspire
I’ve been fortunate to work across fashion, advertising, and documentary. Some highlights include creating fashion imagery for the sustainable brand “No Nasties” and documenting chocolate for Manam Chocolate in Hyderabad, which gave me the chance to explore a chocolate factory and its fascinating processes. More recently, I had the privilege of working on a project for National Geographic UK, and I’d love to take on more assignments with them worldwide. Artist residencies also excite me; the idea of meeting and learning from other creative minds is something I look forward to.
Looking ahead
Right now, I’m setting up a new agency with a talented friend, with the goal of collaborating with meaningful brands and telling unique stories. At the same time, I’m working on a personal project and a book. Those passion projects keep me fuelled.
At the heart of it all, I hope my photographs evoke a sense of belonging. I want people to feel something when they look at my work, something that resonates deeply and stays with them. For me, photography has always been more than pictures; it’s an outlet, a way of making sense of the world, and most importantly, a bridge to human connection.
