Artist Spotlight | Denn_Ice
Photo courtesy of nicholasmrnarevic
If you're a faithful reader or a purveyor of our “Picture of the Week” segment, then you've already been introduced to the very talented Denn_Ice- Dennis Cacho. His picture from Barreto Park in Hunts Point actually inspired the segment. His photography skills have earned him over 43 thousand followers (and counting!) on Instagram, and he recently created a new page dedicated to the Bronx. Let’s get to know Denn.Ice a little better.
Q: Tell us what brought you into the world of photography?
A: I've always been a fan of photography since watching my father use photo and video cameras just about everyday when we were growing up. It was that and when I was into the car scene that got me really into photography.
Q: Some may not know that you're a Bronxite. Tell us about your time in the Bronx.
A: I've been in the Bronx since 1985 and I've moved around to different parts of the borough in that time and its just home. I love everything about it. The close proximity to everything is a bonus, but I love the culture, the people, the food and the vibe I get just being here.
Q: How has your story affected how you see the world through your lens?
A: For me its helped me view a place I've called home for so many years in a different way and also in a way where I can show it to the world. Many people's perception of the Bronx is totally wrong so I've tried to show that and have gotten an amazing amount of response for it. So that alone has shaped how I see things that many of us walk by on a day to day basis without giving it thought on how beautiful it is.
Q: Can you give us an idea of what a normal shooting day is like for you?
A: A normal day of shooting for me would be deciding on the area or areas I want to shoot and either going by myself or meeting up with some of my friends and just catching a vibe. After that I decide on what lens I want to shoot with and just try to stick to that one. I also bring one of my film cameras and take a few film shots and then see if I have enough time to go to a few more locations before it gets late.
Q: Last year you participated in a 365 day picture challenge. Can you tell us some of your highs and lows?
A: Oh man, I was ready to give up by March, lol. A 365 is a big challenge, compared to the previous year when I started and stopped midway, this past year was more difficult because I started working and work took up a lot of my time in which made it difficult to get out and shoot certain areas that I wanted to get. It's a great challenge if you have the time, but it can be overwhelming trying to be creative everyday and coming up with good images.
Q: Do you have a shooting preference, either subject or location?
A: No real preference really. I just like mood and scenes. I do enjoy shooting a lot more in The Bronx and have been trying to put The Bronx on the map since I've started shooting.
Q: Out of all the pictures you've taken, do you have one that really represents you and one that really represents the Bronx?
A: Those of my family are the most meaningful but besides that I would have to say the 2013 NYC Marathon pictures that I took. Especially the one where one of the runners goes and starts pushing another participant who was in a wheelchair right there on 138th street coming right over the bridge. To me that moment represented what The Bronx is and how many people here are willing to help others out when needed.
Q: Tell us about EyesontheBronx.
A: EyesOnTheBronx is a page I started to highlight the Bronx and Bronx photographers. I want it to be about showing areas and people of the Bronx in a way that most people haven't seen it and also to collaborate with other Bronx creatives like yourself to highlight our borough and what we love about it. I'm working with a few photographers right now as to how we are going to work the page and bring awareness to it. So stay tuned for that cause its gonna be great.
We want to thank Denn_Ice for the taking the time out to answer our questions and to provide some exclusive pics that he has yet to share with the world. Make sure to follow both of his Instagram pages Denn_Ice and EyesontheBronx. We're looking forward to his continued success, future collaborations and seeing his pictures in a gallery!
Thanks Dennis!!