The Accidental Career, Thirty Years Later

Thirty years ago today, I photographed my first large concert, Farm Aid '96 in South Carolina. Looking back, it was a window to my future. I photographed Son Volt, Beach Boys, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and others for the first time. I met Carl Wilson, Doug Sham, and many others. Driving home, I remember thinking, "I have no idea what I'm doing, but I should be doing more of this." Soon after, I went from being a writer that took photos, to a photographer that was also a writer.

I'm proud of the crazy kid that dreamt of a different life, then proceeded to find it.

Here's to thirty-plus years of this madness, and what's to come.

-Daniel

October 12, 2026