Daniel Muñoz-Granados
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
I’m the son of Lucas Muñoz and Juana Granados, born and raised in Rome, Georgia. Never in a million years did I imagine becoming a photographer. As a kid, I lived a simple life—school and home. I always knew I wanted to make my parents proud, and while I haven’t quite reached that point yet, I know photography will be my way of getting there.
Growing up, I never understood the true value of photography. Many people think it's boring, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Photography isn’t just about capturing memories; it’s about preserving emotions and creating unique expressions. It’s about freezing a moment in time that can never be replicated. My family owned a Sony digital camera when I was younger, and looking back at the photos, I realize how simple life seemed back then. I always enjoyed taking pictures of random things, and I became known as the friend who was "always taking pictures."
My journey into photography truly began during my sophomore year in high school. In Mrs. Hice's ATVF (Audio Tech Video Film) class, I didn't get to work with cameras much, but I still found the experience valuable. In my second year of ATVF, I became a director and producer, working on camera shots and uploading the Wolf Den news for students and teachers. I’m thankful to Mrs. Hice for teaching me about the film industry and for making her class so enjoyable.
After finishing her class, I thought my journey in film was over. But halfway through my junior year, I lost my grandpa. Knowing how often I had seen him, I was shocked to realize I only had five pictures of him. This loss made me understand the true importance of photography. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about preserving memories and emotions, creating a tangible connection to the past. Losing my grandpa was painful, not only because we had so few pictures together, but also because it's rare to find a photo of my family and me all together. Without pictures, memories fade into just thoughts.
After finishing Mrs. Hice's class, I decided to make film a hobby and bought my first camera, a Sony A6400. It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. A few months later, I got an internship with Rome City Schools, where I began shooting pictures. I’m grateful to Mr. Alred and Mr. Stevenson for their guidance as my journey continued. I had the opportunity to shoot Friday Night Lights at Barron Stadium for football games, as well as events at the high school, among many other experiences.