By: Ethan Rogers

It is often said that a picture can capture a thousand words. Daniel Motta takes this idea to heart. With a sharp eye, an easygoing personality, and a knack for making people feel at ease in front of the lens, Motta has developed a reputation for capturing images that don’t just show a person—they often reveal them. But his path to photography wasn’t exactly conventional.

Before he picked up cameras, he had laid his hands on guitars. In his twenties, Motta 

was deeply immersed in music, chasing the dream of making it big in bands. But when reality (and bills) set in, he found himself in the automotive industry, a far cry from rock stardom. Then came the layoff that changed everything.

What could have been a setback turned into an opportunity. A friend invited him to second-shoot a wedding, and with a camera in hand, Motta never looked back. “It just clicked (pun intended),” he recalls. “From 2012 on, I was shooting nonstop—bands, weddings, anything to get better at this.” By 2016, he made it official: photography was no longer a side hustle. It was his career.

Weddings were a great training ground and exposure—fast-paced, high-pressure, and creatively demanding. But Motta craved more control over his schedule, especially with a young son at home. So, he pivoted, diving into commercial photography and headshots.

His timing seemed impeccable. Companies were investing more in polished, professional imagery, and Motta’s work began to catch the right eye. Before long, he was photographing notable figures like PGA golfer Lee Westwood and other sports celebrities.

But no matter the subject, whether a CEO, an athlete, or an entrepreneur, Motta’s approach remains the same: make them feel comfortable. “Most people don’t love being in front of a camera, and I get that. My job is to make it easy, fun, and natural for them,” he says.

Motta likens photography to jiu-jitsu, another passion of his. Both require strategy, adaptability, and an almost instinctive ability to read a situation. “In jiu-jitsu, you’re constantly thinking, anticipating moves. Photography, for me, is the same. I have to find the best light, the right angles, the perfect timing.”

This sharp, methodological approach has earned him a reputation for technical expertise. His eye for detail, honed from years of music, sets his work apart. “I think of lighting like harmonies in a song. Subtle but crucial. The wrong lighting can flatten an image, just like missing harmony can dull a song.”

Motta’s journey as an entrepreneur isn’t just about doing what he loves; it’s about creating a life that allows him to be present as a father. His son, who is autistic, is a constant source of motivation. “I wanted to build something that gave me the flexibility to be there for him,” he says.

That motivation fuels his commitment to excellence. Whether working with big companies, CEOs, or up-and-coming professionals, he approaches every shoot with the same level of crispness, cleanliness, and elegance—three words he keeps in mind while shooting. “I love what I do. Every shoot is different, every client has a story, and I get to capture that. It’s not just a job for me; it’s a lifestyle I’ve chosen,” Motta states.

Whether he’s capturing a CEO, a sports icon, or an everyday professional looking for the perfect shot, Motta isn’t just taking pictures. He’s telling stories, capturing moments, and striving to ensure that every person who steps in front of his camera walks away with something more than just an image; they walk away with a reflection of their best self.

Media Contact
Name: Daniel Motta
Email: danny@danielmotta.com

Published by Jeremy S.