Meet Danny Esparza | Student and Photographer

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

Hi Danny, what are you inspired by?
I originally started Boy in Yellow Photography back in high school! I was part of an independent study mentorship program and decided to explore photography as my subject. Back then, I was more interested in just seeing what I could take pictures of: friends, family, random flowers I found on walks. When I went into university, I finally took an actual photography course and started exploring my artistic identity through photography. Boy in Yellow as a name was inspired from an old yellow sweater I wore in middle school and high school, while I rarely wear it nowadays, it is symbolic to me as that version of myself was the one who really pushed my love for photography and art. Inspiration wise, I would consider myself a writer and a romantic. I tend to romanticize a lot of what I do and photography is no exception. Every picture I take might come across as mundane or random, but to me it is a reflection of my identity and an image I hold on to dearly.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from the rest of my peers in photography is that every picture I take contains a story. Every picture is but a single a frame in this large collection, I like to call it my photographic universe. It allows me to immortalize these everyday moments and make something out of things I may forget in the future. This theme of trying to hold on to memories is something I love to explore in both my creative and personal lives. I wouldn’t say I am at a place of importance in my career, I am still in university trying to survive day to day and there are some days I feel like this is just something fun I do. But every time I hear the shutter of my camera click, I get so much euphoria. I don’t think my photos are the best in the world, but I think I would continue taking pictures even if it means only one person resonates with them. I love hearing feedback from my friends and family and seeing what they can concur from my art. Photography has helped me with so many things. In 2022 my brother passed away unexpectantly. This abrupt passing completely changed the way I view life and death and that is something I feel I am going to continue exploring in my photos: death and the darkness. This was no easy process but I have grown so much both in my art and my own personal journey through life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If we are talking about Denver, I would take my best friend to the Denver Art Museum. Last time I went, there was an exhibit about La Malinche and as someone who is Mexican-American, I absolutely adore the art and culture. It reminded me a lot of home, San Antonio, Texas. After the art museum, the Denver Botanical Gardens is next. Nature is amazing and I would love doing a photoshoot at the Gardens again. I love the different areas of the Gardens and how they represent different ecosystems that each have their own unique plant life.
For food, last time I was in the city I enjoyed Yard House! I am not sure if this place is originally from Denver, but I was in denver when I had it for the first time and it was really delicious. I was unaware sweet tea wasn’t a thing in Colorado so imagine my surprise when the waiter said they didn’t do that.
If we are feeling more of a sweet snack, Duffyroll Cafe and Bakery was such a cute spot. They have a wall of photos from throughout the years that I absolutely adore, so much so I think when I own a house (if that ever happens) I am going to have a wall of just photos from disposable cameras/film cameras.
For some fun, I would then take my best friend to the International Church of Cannabis. The first time I went, we enjoyed a beautiful visual and audio show and they have a little area for taking pictures and buying some cute merchandise.

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?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to Heather Gonzalez who allowed me to begin exploring my love of photography and music at the same time! I would also like to shoutout my friends and family who were my main “muses” for a while before college. And finally, my brother who continues to be one of my main sources of inspiration despite his passing in 2021 due to complications with COVID. There are many others I could go on about that have inspired me but for now I thank these individuals.

Instagram: instagram.com/boyinyellowphoto

Image Credits
All images taken by Daniel Esparza (Boy in Yellow Photo)