I’ve always had an unconventional perspective, likely because my story started in Hong Kong in 1980. My parents, originally from Appenzell, were stationed in Asia at the time, giving me a childhood that felt like a bridge between two very different worlds.

After my Matura in Switzerland, I decided I hadn't seen enough rain and headed to Scotland to study film at the Edinburgh College of Art. I fell in love with the rugged landscapes, the people, and that unmistakable Scottish humour (which, to this day, has left me with a bit of a "wee" accent). While I started out wanting to direct, I quickly realized my true obsession was the camera. I loved the technical craft of cinematography and the power of a perfectly composed shot.

Back in Switzerland, I spent time as a cameraman for VIVA and an editor for Swisscom, but photography eventually won me over. I loved that a single image allowed me to be the author, director, and lighting designer all at once. I went freelance in 2006, eventually spending years as a staff press photographer for Tages-Anzeiger and freelance shooting for titles like Blick, BILANZ, Migros Magazin, and Die Weltwoche.

After 12 years co-managing a studio, working for various advertising agencies, newspapers and companies, I returned to my roots as a solo photographer in 2022. Today, I work out of my lovely studio in Stäfa, focusing on authentic and cinematic portraits of actors, artists, and athletes, as well as the intersection of landscape and architecture. It’s been a rewarding path: most recently, I was honored to be named one of Luerzer’s Archive’s "200 Best Photographers" worldwide for 2025/2026. My kind of work impacted beyond my own hard drive which made me a bit proud but it is just the beginning.

When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll find me in the local political "ring." I’ve been a member of the Männedorf municipal council since 2022. It’s a complete change of pace from the creative world, but I find that shaping our daily community life is just as vital as capturing it on film.

mail@danielkellenberger.com
+41 79 609 45 33

Languages: Swiss German, German, English, French and a bit of Slovak