XpatLoop Interview: Daniel Vegel, Photographer

  • 23 Mar 2017 11:00 AM
XpatLoop Interview: Daniel Vegel, Photographer
Daniel Vegel was born in Novi Sad, in former Yugoslavia. Now based in Budapest, he works as a professional photographer and videographer. For more then a decade he has worked as a photo reporter for HVG, a leading Hungarian economical weekly. During these years, he has received numerous awards and his work have been published in printed and online newspapers such as the New York Times, Financial Times, International Herald Tribute, National Geographic Traveler, etc.

He is specializing in event coverage, studio and on location photography, business portraits, advertising and wedding photography. The experience and skills he has gained in the fields of photojournalism has led him to have the ability to capture the very best moments, to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines. He has acquired the skill to incorporate movement, rhythm and sound whilst creating his videos that represents the same style and quality as his photography.

His portfolio can be seen at www.vegeldaniel.com and regularly posts on his Instagram page www.instagram.com

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in 1992 mainly because here I could get excellent education in photography and also there was an ongoing war in Yugoslavia in which I didn’t want to participate.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
The number of art cinemas in Budapest those times.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Starting the day having a good breakfast in Gerloczy Cafe.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Eszterházy torta.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Few rolls of 35mm negatives.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Buli - slang word for party.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
The endless optimism and a fresh burek.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
A secret Michelin restaurant inspector.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
To be Donald Trumps hairdresser.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Miami.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In Provence and we also plan to visit Lisbon very soon.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
The Clash, Until the end of the World (by Wim Wenders).

14. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?
The amazing meals made by my girlfriend.

15. Red wine or white?
Red.

16. Book or movie?
Books are better, but movies are quicker.

17. Morning person or night person?
I like the calmness of the night when I can edit materials without being disturbed by phone calls and emails.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Increasing intolerance all around the World.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
My photo studio is in Buda side which is perfect for creative work, but I live in a rooftop flat in Pest side where everything is in walking distance. This makes a great balance.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value (A. Einstein)

  • How does this interview make you feel?