Daniel Byrne: ‘Storytelling helps to represent minorities for others to witness, understand and resonate with’
Dublin-born, NYC-based filmmaker and Director of Photography Daniel Byrne shares his experience working in film, being part of the team behind The Slightest Touch documentary featuring Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell, and his cultural touchstones.
With a portfolio spanning across fashion, narrative, commercial, and documentary, Daniel Byrne’s work has been screened in festivals including IndieCork, GAZE, and DIFF, with contributions to projects at Tribeca Film Festival, and more. Daniel worked on The Slightest Touch, directed by Rachel Fleit, which took home Best Documentary at DIFF 2026.
Was a career as a cinematographer something you always aspired to?
Yes and no! I really started out as a painter, my mom is a painter and was a huge inspiration for me creatively growing up. Pairing that with my love of old-school Hollywood black and white films really is what launched me into the world of cinematography.
How did you venture into becoming a Director of Photography and filmmaker?
I really ventured into it properly when I decided to go into Film School! I switched degree mid-Bachelor’s and took a risk in venturing into a BA film degree at the National Film School of Dublin, Ireland. I had been shooting before this, but this was something unconventional for someone who grew up like I did, to do. It felt risky, but obviously it was so worth it!
You’ve worked across narrative film, documentary, and fashion production — how do these projects differ in scope and approach?
Each avenue, every format, every story in filmmaking, is so unique and different, yet so beautiful as an act of storytelling. No matter the project, there is always a story to be told, an opportunity to portray the human experience in some shape or form, whether fiction, documentary, fashion, whatever. I definitely have been loving shooting fashion as, for me, it’s like creating art from art, but narrative also is incredibly rewarding, working with actors.
You’ve spoken about the importance of queer storytelling on screen. Tell us a little more about that.
Storytelling is not only a powerful tool for catharsis in the human experience, but it allows for representation of experiences in life that sometimes never get represented. Thus, for important topics and matters, for example, the queer experience, storytelling is so useful in representing minorities for others to witness, understand better, and resonate with.
Tell us about your latest project, The Slightest Touch, with Colin Farrell and Emma Fogarty.
The Slightest Touch, directed by Rachel Fleit, is a truly incredible documentary featuring Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell. Emma lives with EB, a disease that makes the skin incredibly fragile, and the film tells the story of her friendship with actor Colin, who is an incredible support of her and her journey towards justice for patients in Ireland living with EB.
Working on the camera team for this project, I was honored to be able to develop a relationship with everyone who was a part of this film, particularly Emma, who is the epitome of inspiration in storytelling.
What other projects have been stand-outs to work on?
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Nian Fish on films for the CFDA Awards, this has opened my eyes to the world of fashion and artistic styling immensely, allowing me to work with household names in the industry. I also have been working with Vela Rentals + Studio in Brooklyn, NYC, which has allowed me to support and shoot with photographers. Clients of Vela have included Interview Magazine, Calvin Klein, and more.
What has been your proudest moment since you started working as a cinematographer?
Recently, I worked on a pre-Met Gala shoot with a photographer friend of mine in New York City, which was insane. I’ve always watched the event from afar, so being able to work on something for it up-close for a friend was incredible.
What’s next for you?
I am excited to try to branch into more narrative filmmaking while still shooting fashion. I would love to land a fashion project soon with a brand I’ve always loved, such as Miu Miu!
Who is someone you look up to in the world of Irish filmmaking?
Saoirse Ronan is an incredibly inspiring Irish actress, I look up to her courage and willingness to go outside the mold and express her creativity with ferociousness!
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about working in film?
Respect your friends who work in film… It takes a village, and everyone is incredibly dedicated!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone hoping to have a career in cinematography?
Don’t think you are not good enough, go for it and trust your skills and intuition. It will always pay off in the end!
Daniel Byrne’s life in culture
The last thing I saw and loved… Obsession by Curry Barker.
The book I keep coming back to… The Hunger Games!
I find inspiration in… My Mom, who’s a painter.
My favourite film is… Lamb by Valdimar Jóhannsson.
The song I listen to to get in the zone is… ‘LEMONADE’ by Aespa.
The last piece of work I recommended is… The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs.
I never leave the house without… My lightmeter!
The piece of work I still think about is… AVATAR.
My dream project would be… To shoot a Kpop music video.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten… A “no” from one person may be an “absolutely” from another!
The art that means the most to me is… Lord of the Flies.
My favourite part of being a cinematographer is… Working with other amazing talents on-set.
The most challenging thing about being a cinematographer is… Lens flares… jk!
If I wasn’t a cinematographer, I would be… A barista?
The magic of film and art to me is… Being able to meet so many incredible people who love what they do.
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