About Dani Weiss

Over the course of 20 years as a professional photographer, the challenge has lured me far and wide. Travel and journalistic assignments have honed my photographer's eye and my ability to see and to act when I am close to human emotion. Political protests, drag-queen performances, raucous concerts, and multi-cultural events have brought me closer to raw subject matter. I bring these rich experiences to traditional wedding and portrait photography as I push limits and use instinctive shooting methods to capture events and people.

Photographers see in ways that can create the art that finally tells the story. Continuing education in stylistic and technical issues is as important as innate ability. I seek to be an active part of the photographic community. Volunteering is also part of my commitment to my craft.

I own and use both film and digital Canon EOS systems (4 bodies and flashes, lenses from 17mm - 300mm) and White Lightning Lighting.

Formal Education

Empire State College, State University of New York, NYC. 1988-1989
B.S., Photojournalism, Feb. 1990

Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York, NYC. 1986-1988
A.A.S., Fashion and Commercial Photography, May 1988

Experience

Dani Weiss Photography, Sole Proprietor, Seattle, WA.
On-location portraits and event photography, including more than 50 weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs annually. Oct. 1992-present.

Freelance shoots for such clients as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), American Society for Technion Israel Institute, Assurant Employee Benefits, The Bridal Garden, Cicada, H+dlT Architects, Hillel (Seattle), The JT News, Nieuwe Revu Magazine (Holland), Stage Direct, The Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper (Australia), Toys in Babeland (now known as Babeland), The World Affairs Council, Forbes Inc, The City of Seattle, The Seattle Center, The Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Children's Theatre, The Seattle Public Theater, Evergreen Monthly, The Washington Journal, The Weekly, Eastside Week, The Downtown Source, The Jewish Federation, Starbucks Coffee, Washington State CASA/GAL, Washington Works, Providence Point/Marianwood, BMW North America, LLC, Consolidated Works, Nextel, and the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.

Staff Photographer,
Seattle International Film Festival 1999
One Reel, primary publicists of Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival, 1996 & 1997
Seattle Fringe Festival 1996-1998

Staff Photographer, The Issaquah Press, Issaquah, WA. Developed, implemented, and established the Issaquah Press photo department from its inception. Provided photographic and design advice for editorial staff and reporters. Photographed sports, fashion, illustration, theater, and feature art. Executed complete black and white darkroom work, including film developing and continuous tone printing, as well as shooting of color chrome film. Managed department, including oversight of purchasing photographic supplies, filing and labeling, and general upkeep of photographs. Jan. 1993-Aug. 1996.

Staff Photographer, Kitsap Newspapers, Bainbridge Island, WA. Organized photojournalism shoots, including sports, fashion, illustration, theater, and feature art. Provided photo and design advice for editors and reporters. Responsible for complete black and white darkroom work, including film development, direct halftone, and continuous tone printing, as well as shooting of color chrome film. Nov. 1989-Oct. 1991.

Photo Assistant, Erica Lansner Photography, NYC. Responsibilities included film editing, organizing and assisting on shoots, including setting up lighting, proping shots, taking meter readings, and location scouting. Work included both photojournalism and magazine assignments. Erica Lansner is represented by Blackstar. June 1989-Oct. 1989.

Staff Position, Duomo Photography, NYC.
Cataloged sports slides and accomplished sports stock research. July 1988-Aug. 1989.

Freelance photographer/Printer/Assistant, NYC.
Client list included: Retna Ltd., Brooklyn Image Group, and numerous East Village newspapers. Completed printing for Jill Freedman Photography and Silversmith's; assistant to Andrew Popper Photography and Steve Friedman Photography. Sept. 1986-Oct. 1989.

Volunteering

6th Grade Mentor, Aki Kurose Middle School, for Bridges to Understanding program, April 2004-present.

Mentor, for Youth in Focus, 1999.

Professional Organizations

Seattle Professional Photographers Association, member from 1999 to present.

The Greater Seattle Business Association, member from 2004 to present.

National Press Photographer's Association, member from 1989-1998.

Accomplishments

Co-Director, National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA) Women in Photojournalism Conference, 1996. Seattle, WA. Raised $15,000 in funding while providing general, logistical coordination of conference, including all hotel arrangements.

Women's Committee Chairperson for Region 11,
National Press Photographer's Association (NPPA). Includes Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon,Washington and the Yukon. 1993-1997.

Travel & Photography

I have photographed extensively in the following countries, including cultural events, portraiture, landscape, architecture and natural phenomenon:
Canada, China, Costa Rica, Eastern Europe, Europe, Greece, Grenada, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malawi, Morocco, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, the West Indies, Zimbabwe, and extensively throughout the United States, including Hawaii.

Awards

"Best of" JT Newspaper
2006, Photography category winner
2005, Photography category winner

Seattle Professional Photographer's Association
2004, Best in Show, "Out of the Box" print competition
2001, Judges Choice, "Out of the Box" print competition

Washington Newspaper Association
1996, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1995, Second Place, Spot News Photography, The Issaquah Press
1995, Second Place, Sports Photography, The Issaquah Press
1993, First Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1991, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Silverdale Reporter
1991, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Bainbridge Island Review
1990, Second Place, Scenic/Pictorial Photography, The Silverdale Reporter

Society of Professional Journalists
1994, First Place, Spot and General News, The Issaquah Press
1994, Honorable Mention, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1993, Third Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press

Ecology Magazine
1990, Third place, Scenic/Pictorial Photography, Washington State Department of Ecology

Exhibits

Benham Studio Gallery, Seattle, WA. 1998
Coastal Kitchen, Seattle, WA. 1998
Toys in Babeland, Seattle, WA. March 1998
Coastal Kitchen, Seattle, WA. 1997
Coastal Kitchen, Seattle, WA. 1996
Benham Studio Gallery, Seattle, WA. 1995
Benham Studio Gallery, Seattle, WA. 1993
The Art Space, Seattle, WA. 1991
Net Contents Gallery, Bainbridge Island, WA. 1991
Streamliner Diner, Bainbridge Island, WA. 1991
Portfolio Restaurant and Gallery, NYC, NY. 1990
Galisteo News, Santa Fe, NM. 1990
Seven A Cafe, NYC, NY. 1989
Yaffa Cafe, NYC, NY. 1989
Eat Cafe, NYC, NY. 1988
Points of Departure, NYC, NY. 1988