"Some of my earliest memories are going on trips with my grandma and grandad and he always had a camera around his neck, same for my dad."

5 Good Things is back, and we do mean back, as this month's edition takes us just around the corner from Uskees HQ here in Manchester where we meet designer turned photographer, Dan Watson.

Dan's work has captured the attention of photography enthusiasts and casual observers alike. His allure lies in being able to turn everyday moments into compelling visual stories, capturing the pulse of city life through his lens. His photos are a blend of spontaneity and artistry, reflecting the raw, unfiltered essence of whatever environment he inhabits — whether that's the streets of London, the medinas of Marrakech or in the foothills of Japan.

What started you on the path to becoming a photographer, and what’s that journey been like?

Ever since I was a kid I have always been around photography. Some of my earliest memories are going on trips with my grandma and grandad and he always had a camera around his neck, same for my dad. So growing up I became interested in photography and taking pictures. Back then I never thought that was going to be my life, but here we are. It all started at college for me, I spent hours in the darkroom developing and making prints. Back then, it wasn't even about taking the pictures, for me it was more the process of developing and seeing your prints come to life, I was hooked!

I worked as a graphic designer for many years at an agency in Manchester. Coming from Wigan, I was fascinated by Manchester and the big city. I used to walk into the center of town on my lunch break and one day I started noticing things that usually would go unnoticed. I knew then I needed to carry a camera and see what I could make of what seems like nothing. That's really when my love for street photography started. There was something about going out and making something from nothing, the challenge and unknowing of what you'll see. To this day, I don't go anywhere without a camera, I learnt that the hard way. Seeing something while I was out and reaching for my camera and it wasn't there.

How do you define your style, and how has it changed over the years you’ve been doing it?

It took me years to really define my style and look. Lots of trying new things, different compositions, black and white vs colour. And also building the confidence to get the shot you want.

I’m interested in curation, how and why you do it — firstly, how do you know a shot is good, is there a particular thing you’re looking for? And secondly, when you shoot, develop and share an image to your audience, is there a message or commentary you’re conveying by sharing it, or you acting as simply a vessel for the moment?

When I go out shooting I have no idea what I'm looking for. Yeh I have some ideas in my head where I think, hmm that would make an amazing image, but I try to stay as open minded as possible. Just let things happen and just hope I'm in the right place at the right time. I like my audience to make their own interpretations of my images. Sometimes my intentions are obvious and what I'm trying to portray, but most of the time, my images can be seen in many different ways.

Is there a connection between your personal work and your commercial output? Does one inform the other?

This has been something that has happened more so over the past few years, and something I had been thinking about for sometime. Yes campaign shoots are beautiful, the model looks great, the clothing has been styled and curated, the location has been selected to fit in with the look. But, there's something beautiful about things not being perfect.

There seems to have been a real resurgence of fashion brands embracing real film photography again in their campaigns. Why do you think that is and is it a good or bad thing for the industry?

I think it's great that brands are open to shooting campaigns on film and really taking it back to how photography was back in the day. There's a look and feel with film that personally I don't think you get with digital. If I could just shoot film for all my jobs, I would. However, with brands wanting more and more content budgets feel the strain from this and sometimes film just isn't viable.

With the incredible pace of change and technological innovation in photography, have you seen an evolution in photography, and where do you see it going in the future?

Personally, I don't tend to keep up with the latest technology, I have my digital body and my film body which I know like the back of my hand, so I stick with them. I feel you can get bogged down with the latest camera or latest lens. If you find something that works for you, why change it.

What advice would you offer to someone just starting their career in photography? What've been your biggest learnings?

The main piece of advice I give people is shoot as much as possible to start with. Find what you like and enjoy shooting. This applies to personal and commercial photography.

When you look back on your career, what is your favourite shot you’ve captured and why? What’s the story behind it?

There are a few images that spring to mind. But, a personal favorite of mine is an image I shot in Japan a few years ago. Myself and my girlfriend were exploring the Taito-ku area of Tokyo when I spotted a group of young salary men doing what salary men do after work, drink! I knew I couldn't get the shot I wanted by just walking past and taking a snap, so I asked if they'd mind if I took their picture. They were more than up for it! We saw them later that evening in a slightly worse for wear state.

Whose work has had the biggest impact on you?

There are a bunch of photographers who have influenced me over the years and I have spent hours trawling through endless photo-books. But, the two photographers that I always look at their work and just get blown away are Bruce Gilden and Boogie. Both photographers shoot in a very different way, but I just love the way they capture people and things that would usually go unnoticed and make something amazing.

What’s in the pipeline?

I currently have an exhibition of images I shot in Italy on display at LUPO Caffé in Prestwich. The exhibition is on August 1st to August 31st. This is the first solo exhibition I have put together and I'm very proud of this body of work.

And now onto 5 Good Things. This is where we ask you to recommend 5 Good Things in your city and hopefully inspire people to check them out.

1. A restaurant/cafe you’d recommend and what dish in particular?

Medlock Canteen, their schnitzel is incredible! I grew up eating schnitzel that my gran would make so this brings back some good memories!

2. A documentary everyone should watch?

Everybody Street.

3. Someone whose work inspires you?

Wayne Pate

4. A hidden gem, someone whose work you think deserves more light?

Gee Moon Tom @geemoonnyc

5. A place to go relax, escape or find inspiration in your city?

LUPO Caffe

You can find out more about Dan and see more of his work here