Dan Saelinger

With small-town roots, a love for simplicity, and a commitment to hard work, I aim to bring a genuine, grounded perspective to my work. At the same time, photography and directing should remain a form of play — an intentional, visually appealing process where creativity takes the lead. Inspired by the bold colors and graphic designs of the ‘80s, I build scenes that feel real, precise, and lasting. Every project is approached with a fresh outlook, whether it’s shaping big ideas or fine-tuning the details, always with calm energy and a strong belief in the power of creativity and play.

Everyone’s a mix of their parents. From my mom, I inherited a spirit of artistic expression and openness — she introduced me to painting and a world of artists. My dad instilled in me a dedication to craftsmanship and quality, as seen in how he built his house painting business, focusing on high-end, precision work. They showed me the importance of always doing my best, no matter the task, and they modeled patience, as well as the determination and resilience it takes to succeed.

Growing up away from big coastal cities instilled in me a laid-back vibe. Coming from an ordered, and supportive home with energetic parents helped me develop a creative mindset that balances structure and flexibility with a touch of calm. For me, the outdoors was a place of freedom, creativity, and contentment where I spent endless hours on adventures with friends. That spirit of play and exploration has never left me, and it’s the same curiosity and excitement I bring to my work today. 

I started working at 12 and quickly learned that if I wanted something, I had to earn it. My father taught me his can-do values, inspiring me to build a figure-it-out mentality and face challenges as something to problem-solve. Self-reliance and initiative have always been guiding values. Since I was 16, I’ve been dedicated to building my photography skills, from winning blue ribbons at the Pennsylvania State Fair, interning at a local newspaper, and experimenting with Photoshop to assisting a local photographer. Learning to shoot on a Hasselblad in high school taught me a careful, deliberate approach that shaped my graphic style and framing, which continue to define my visual work today. 

Studying photography and graphic design at Penn State gave me a strong foundation in visual storytelling while interning at Rolling Stone and Jane taught me how to capture a wide range of moments and laid a foundation for wanting to work in the big leagues and tell even grander stories. Pursuing an MFA at Savannah College of Art and Design broadened my visual language through fine art and art history. During this time, I was also sending out my work to magazines and reps in NYC, working as a staff photographer for the college, freelancing for some local magazines, and even photographing a cookbook while in Savannah. Always hustling! Altogether, these experiences shaped my flexible and diverse approach to both commercial and creative work. 

I got my start with Photoshop early on, which eventually led to co-owning a retouching business and shaping my attention to detail when creating images. As a photographer and director, my holistic approach allows me to integrate post-production seamlessly with the shoot. While I consider myself the artistic director of my work, from lighting and styling to camera settings, retouching, and post-production, make no mistake I thrive on collaboration. Everyone plays a crucial role in ensuring the project comes to life. 

Artists, movies, and video games inspire my creativity, while retouching — an integral part of shaping and completing the visual — feeds my love of problem-solving. Each image is like a canvas where I mix photography, CGI, illustration, and AI, always focused on creating something beautiful and well-designed. For me, precision isn’t just about being thorough; it’s about building something truly aesthetic and well-crafted while remaining open to adaptation.

My vision is deeply influenced by my childhood, from attending classic rock concerts with my father to the vibrant visuals of MTV and the bold illustrations of Trapper Keepers. I blend the simplicity of my roots with a creative, playful approach, balancing precision with experimentation. My work explores the past and present, capturing authentic, dynamic visuals that push boundaries while staying grounded in what matters most. Each project is a chance to create something new, and I'm excited to continue evolving through collaboration and storytelling.