SHOOTER: DANIEL KELLEGHAN
Name: Daniel Kelleghan
Age: 21
Location: Chicago, Illinois, US
How long have you been shooting?
I’ve been shooting seriously for about fours years now.
Film or digital?
Right now, I"ve been shooting a lot of digital because of the ease of use and convenience. I shot a lot of film last year and I loved it. However, I already have the camera and lenses for my digital, so I might as well just use them. Digital equipment is more expensive to buy all at once, but is cheaper in the long run due to film cost and processing cost. I also like the flexibility of using photoshop to edit my photographs in a timely manor.
What kind of cameras, lenses, flashes, and other bits and pieces do you use?
I have a Nikon D300 w/battery grip, NIkon D50 (backup), Nikon 50mm 1.8, Nikon 18-200mm 3.5-5.6, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye 3.5-4.5, SB-800 flash, (2) SB 600 flashes, Ebay remote triggers, Giottos tripod with ball-head, 2 cheap flash tripods
Do you have a dream camera that you would like to shoot with?
Probably one of those Hasselblad digital backs. Those things have phenomenal quality and only cost upwards of $20,000! I can dream, right?
How do you go about setting up a shot?
Well first off, when I’m shooting BMX, someone always gets the lucky job carrying my tripods to the spot. People are normally really cool about this, which is a huge help. I have to carry a big heavy bag, so carrying more equipment is out of the question. Once we actually get there, I scope out the spot and feel out if I should get a wide, normal, or telephoto shot. I then try to find a spot that shows how big the trick is, but also is good artistically. A lot of times good photos might not do a trick justice, and vice-versa.
Best thing you’ve ever shot?
I shot and wrote an interview for Sam Schlappi for Session BMX Magazine about a month ago. It was incredibly fun just going around to these random places I’ve never been before and shooting photos of this great rider. He’s a rider who does a lot of original tricks and this made him really interesting to photograph. I got to find out a lot more about him and we just had an overall good time. Thanks for those pizza puffs Sam!
Who is your favorite rider to shoot with?
I’m not sure that I have an absolute favorite rider to shoot with. Matt Ward, Sam Schlappi, Chad Ament, and Cody Lumpkin are all great riders and I always get some decent photos when I’m with them.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
As far as BMX goes, I get inspiration from Zielinski, Fudger, Dolecki, Romanowski, and tons more.
Who is one dream rider you want to shoot with?
I think it’d be great to shoot with the whole Fit team. I mean honestly, I don’t think it gets better than that. If I had to chose only one, then I’d probably pick Aitken before his injury. He’s got so much style and he’s a legend.
What do you tell security when they try to throw you out of spots for taking pics?
Normally I try to be calm if they’re calm. A lot of times if you try to keep things under control and talk to them, you can actually convince them to shoot more at a spot. I’m not a fan of being an asshole to security in general.
Who is your favorite BMX photographer?
I’d have to say Zielinski. He’s the man!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Well, I’m kind of grown up right now. I’m about to finish my last year of college studying photography and then I hope to do something at least photo related. BMX, band, and editorial photography are probably going to be what I end up doing the most and what I would like to do the most. My dream would be to travel around the world to take photos. I’m working towards that goal 
What else do you like to shoot?
I really enjoy shooting photographs in downtown Chicago where I live. The lighting down here is always interesting and the way the light hits certain spots while it’s weaving in and out of buildings is very interesting to me. I also enjoy shooting mountain bike photographs and landscapes once in a while. Live bands are also fun once in a while, especially when it gets you in for free!
Where can we see more of your work?
I have a website: www.eye2eyephotography.net Click on my personal site on the homepage to see more of my work.