DAN SHETRON IS A DP AND DIRECTOR BASED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
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Meet Dan Shetron, an incredibly talented DP and director—and one of my closest friends. Dan’s got that rare ability to make visuals feel alive. He’s technical, instinctual, and knows how to move with a story in a way that just works. More than that, he’s someone I trust completely—steady, thoughtful, and always bringing something real to the table!
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What inspired you to pursue a career in the creative field?
Definitely skateboarding. Growing up with a tight knit group of skateboarders, it felt natural to film each other and make homie videos. I never really applied myself to filming back then; my focus was on getting sponsored and skateboarding, but it put a camera in my hand, created a space to be creative, learn about light, angles, editing, music, everything. Fast forward to my early twenties, and I was filming for a few different skate companies, living on a couch 3,000 miles from where I grew up, still skating and filming. I got a job at FuelTV as the skate producer, and that was really where I learned how to hone my craft – tell stories, experiment with different types of gear, and most importantly, where I built my network. What was once a space solely for fun, creativity, and hanging with friends has transformed into my livelihood – how I pay bills and put food on the table. It still is something I love, something I strive always to learn and get better at, constant evolution, transformation, all of it.
How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during challenging times?
I call you. Haha, no, this is a hard one – there is an endless pool of talent out there–it’s hard not to compare yourself and feel paralyzed by that, especially when your inbox is empty and calls aren’t coming in. It’s during those times that I typically grab my fly fishing gear, jump in the car and head to a place with no cell reception, flowing water and fresh air. It is during these escapes that I typically feel the most creative. Sitting by a fire at the end of a long day on the water, no phone, no computers, no cameras, no stress…just myself and my thoughts. They are such powerful moments where I feel like I can sink into thoughts and ideas without distraction – it’s those moments that I feel so connected to my inner artist, nurturing him and showing him grace, patience, and love. Those times fill me up enough to keep grinding away during challenging times, and keep me hungry to keep bettering myself and doing what I love.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors, and how have they impacted your work?
My biggest influences are my friends. I am fortunate to have so many talented friends whose work inspires me daily–whether it be photography, woodworking, cooking, writing, design, etc. Watching friends explore their journeys through their crafts keeps me constantly motivated to keep exploring my own interests. The natural world that exists all around us is another huge influence of mine. Beauty is everywhere if you allow it to be.
What changes in the industry excite you the most, and which ones concern you?
It’s been cool to see such a big resurgence of film across all mediums. I have an affinity for film, both in stills and motion. And so I am always so excited to see it being utilized in any and all productions. Don’t get me wrong, I love digital, respect digital, and use that medium often, but it just doesn’t do it for me like film does.
In what ways has your approach evolved over time—creatively or personally?
As a recovering perfectionist, my approach now is so different from how it used to be. Early in my career, I was always caught up in the technical aspects of my work—the different cameras, lenses, the unspoken rules of composition, perfect exposures. I was so consumed with the technicals that I often overlooked the most important ingredient: the human element. It’s not that I care less about the technicals, — but my priority now is the story, the emotional connection to the viewer.
What’s your relationship to failure—and how do you move through it?
Failure is the only constant as a creative—which, in a way, is a beautiful thing. It means you’re trying, learning, and progressing. Although failure can be tough in the moment, I try to be kind to myself, allow the emotions to come, and then learn from the experience. I look for the positive in it and trust that it’s all part of the journey.
What’s something outside of work that deeply informs your creative process?
Recently, I was on a camping trip, fly fishing in a canyon in the Eastern Sierras. The hot sun had just given way to the tallest peaks, and fish were rising by the dozens. The canyon became an amphitheater of birdsong and river riffles. On its migratory journey to higher elevations, a lone deer stopped to quench its thirst just as an osprey flew overhead, scanning for one last meal. It’s moments like these that remind me to slow down and learn from the life that exists all around us. They teach me to trust my instincts and to have confidence in my journey.
Lastly – What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far and if you could, what would you go back and tell yourself at the beginning of your career?
That being uncomfortable is ok; it’s where growth lies, it’s where you get better, and where confidence is born.