Monty Daniel

Raised on the backs of speeding horses, in the tumbling waves of the Animas River and peeking out the windows of a historic steam-powered train, my early life was nothing short of exciting. My tiny hometown of Durango, Colorado showed me how to make the most of my time and be creative with how I spend it. 

Fast-forward and I'm the first person in my family to attend college. Not only that, but to move seven hours away to do so. I started school at Colorado State University in 2016, declaring a double major in my first year. Technical theatre was a passion I found in high school, especially sound design, so that was the first major I declared. Before even signing up for classes, I knew I wanted to pursue journalism as well. I had been the editor-in-chief for my high school yearbook, where I had the opportunity to instruct others on how to use cameras, write copy and design pages; this was something I couldn't get enough of. I've always loved hearing stories from people from all walks of life and spent most of my life with a camera in my hand; what I struggled most with was finding my voice. 

Growing up with anxiety and having it bleed into my adulthood was always a struggle, but it became especially important for me to push through it when I decided I wanted to be a journalist. My first year at Colorado State University, I joined the campus radio station, KCSU, as a DJ. By the middle of my sophomore year, I was hired as the Music Director. I knew even then this was going to be more than just a job: this was a passion. Through KCSU I was able to find my own voice while helping musicians find their place on the airwaves and beyond. The thing I loved most about being the Music Director at a college radio station was the amount of incredible, undiscovered talent I got the opportunity to hear everyday. My passion for storytelling and music grows more and more everyday.

As a kid, I took thousands of pictures on disposable cameras and frequented the local photo gallery on a daily basis. It was at that gallery that I realized how deep my love for photography was; it wasn't until college that I realized it could be more than a hobby. I read every book in that gallery and found inspiration in the works of Vivian Maier. She was shy and recluse, but wasn't afraid to take photos on the street. I wanted to be like her. Now I've begun to channel her fearless energy into my own photography. Fusing my love for photography and music together, I've fallen in love with photographing concerts. The pure energy and emotion at live shows is something I can never get enough of. 

Moving out of the college sphere, all I wish to do is continue telling stories and meeting new people. I've found my voice, now it's time to put it to work.