About Unit Stills Photographer Daniel Geesen

Hello. My name is Daniel Geesen. You sought a Unit Stills Photographer. Prepare to collaborate.

Unit Stills Photography is where I can finally say “I love my job.” I feed off the creative challenge of capturing the essence of Film, Documentary, and Television productions within single frames. I have spent a lot of time behind the lens of stills cameras over the last 20+ years honing my craft and constantly learning. Over the past 6+ years I’ve worked on some of the biggest and smallest film sets in Ireland, learning setiquette and skills that helped me bridge the gap between two passions.

Origin Story

Hailing from Missoula, Montana, I was very interested in photography from a young age.  It started as a hobby, as it almost always does.  I was working in a busy kitchen when, dissatisfied with my digital point-and-shoot, I decided to splash out on a ‘proper camera’ and sign up for a photography course.  I completed “Making the Most out of your Interchangeable-Lens Camera” early enough to be only one of two individuals in the class with a newfangled dSLR.

The other students were given the task of shooting exclusively on slide film while me and my one digital comrade were fairly limited to shooting only 36 frames per week on our Canon dSLRs to emulate the careful premeditation our manual film cohort would have before clicking the shutter release on their SLR cameras.

I spent the next 16 or so years continuing to make my living through the culinary arts even while making the move from Missoula, to Seattle, to Dublin.  I found a stable home in Ireland, becoming Head Chef of a restaurant in a quaint seaside town.  Queue plot twist.  Fate cruelly intervened, when one of the owners of the restaurant tragically passed away very unexpectedly.  The restaurant closed its doors permanently.

I had been passionately practising photography in the background and improving my art, gathering a small following and sparking a growing commercial interest.  So, I brazenly/foolishly leaned into the change, pivoting careers, and realising one dream of becoming my own boss.  As a freelance photographer, I enjoyed shooting a wide range of creative subjects and commercial projects. You can learn more about the types of things I shoot when I’m not on set by visiting my main website DanielGeesen.com.

A Cinematic Story-Arc

Of course, working for oneself has its pros and cons.  The irregularity and shortage of jobs is honestly terrifying and a legitimate existential threat, but the freedom of setting my own schedule meant suddenly I could pursue interests and opportunities that had never previously been possible.  My cinematic journey ignited on the set of the renowned series “Vikings.”  The series had put out a background casting call for all men of a minimum height of 5’8″.  Barely making the cut, I took it as another sign of fate, self shot a headshot hoping my Ragnar-wannabe hairdo combined with my spectacularly average height, would make me a shoe-in, and sent it off to Ashford Studios.  The next day they called, inviting me to report to the studio in all 5’8” of my glory, for a costume fitting.  It was a ceremonious occasion; I arrived as a mere freelance photographer and I left formally dubbed by my NDA as a “Background Artiste.”

My first experience as an extra provided a unique behind-the-scenes view of the mesmerising filmmaking process.  I was struck by the collaborative nature of filmmaking.  Watching so many creatives, from costume and set design, hair and makeup, lighting and sound, to the actors and directors, interweaving their unique talents and contributions to tell stories that were greater than the sum of their parts was enthralling.  However, an underlying feeling persisted—an urge to have my camera in hand.  My inner photographer was perpetually finding details and angles on set and framing compositions with an imaginary lens.  Like most people, I didn’t know Unit Stills Photographers were a thing.  Of course I had seen, and appreciated, hundreds if not thousands of images shot by Unit Stills Photographers over the years, but I kind of just assumed they were single frames pulled from the video.  That was until I saw the skilled Unit Stills Photographers at work on the set of “Vikings.”  It hit me immediately, that was it, that was my dream job.  Unit Stills Photography was the perfect combination of two great passions; Photography, and Filmmaking.

The Evolution

Fast forward six years, and I have not only graced (or perhaps disgraced with this ugly mug) the screen as an extra on some of the biggest Irish productions for Netflix, HBO, Apple TV+, and Paramount+, but have also earned a reputation as an adept Unit Stills Photographer.  My portfolio includes a growing array of Short Films, Commercials, and Documentaries, which I hope you will find showcases my ability to capture the heart and soul of each project.

Selected Unit Stills Credits

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Your Partner in Production Stills Photography

Unit Stills Photography serves as the cornerstone of my creative journey, capturing the essence of cinematic moments with each click of the shutter.  As a dedicated Unit Stills Photographer, my lens is finely tuned to seize the magic on set, preserving the artistry and storytelling that filmmakers and producers pour their hearts into.  With an unwavering commitment to showcasing your cinematic vision in its most compelling light, I collaborate seamlessly with filmmakers, Producers, and Unit Stills Publicists to ensure that every frame resonates with the essence of your project.  Let’s work together to illuminate your narrative through the lens of my passion.

If you’re seeking a Production Stills Photographer and BTS Photographer for your project, look no further.  I have a camera in hand, a song in my heart, and I’m ready to ninja around your set silent and virtually invisible capturing the shots you need to promote your film or series.  But don’t take my word for it.

Unit Stills Photography Testimonials

Daniel worked with us on our shortfilm ‘The Light WithIn an Irish Quaker story’.

Not only did he brilliantly capture the mood and vibe on set with his behind the scenes shots.

His photography was key to us securing interest from VFX Artist, our composer and also post production services. As his work depicted key scenes and the visual style of the film.

We highly recommend Daniel and we hope to work with him in the future.

― David Butler and Denis McArdle, Songway Films

I hired Daniel to do BTS on my film and was absolutely delighted with his professionalism and the quality of his work. I will definitely hire him again.

― Brian Matthews-Murphy

Daniel is a true professional photographer. He was an asset to have on set as he took behind the scene shots. I can’t wait until we work together again! Highly recommend, hard working and a wonderful guy to work with.

― Rebecca Rose Flynn

I highly recommend Daniel. Extremely professional and very easy to work with. Quality of photos are absolutely incredible.

― Thomas Burke

Daniel is an incredible photographer. He has done behind the scenes pictures for two films I’ve worked on, and I’ve loved the results. He’s also a lovely guy and great to work with. Would highly recommend.

― Bobby Calloway

I’ve worked with Daniel on many productions and am always delighted with his professionalism, skill, efficiency and the quality of his work.

Our most recent project together was on my documentary about Fox Hunt Saboteurs where discretion was vital. He really put everyone at ease and we got some brilliant BTS shots.

Wishing you continued success, Daniel and thank you for all the hard work.

― Anthony Egan, Ace Location Sound

Locations

Dublin, Ireland

Wicklow, Ireland

Contact Unit Stills Photographer Daniel Geesen

Let’s embark on a visual journey together.  Your story deserves to be told through the lens of experience and passion.