Dance And Love Everybody Blog (DALE) by Emma Sywyj

As far as photography blogs Dance And Love Everybody is by far one of my favourites. Dale Slater creator and founder of D•A•L•E is a London based photographer. His candid lo fi images of friends and acquaintances are usually captured in fun places like whilst on tour with a friends band, at parties or simply in the park on a sunny afternoon. These unpretentious and captivating images remind me of Nan Goldin’s approach to photography, it is this ability to capture intimate moments that really drew me into his world and blog. After seeing his blog Vice asked him to photograph parties for them, and it’s clear he certainly has a style that is emerging.

In a world where digital photography is most commonly used for practical and economic reasons, it’s nice to see someone really enjoying the process of film photography. Dale very kindly took some time out to answer questions for Living in London Magazine.

What is DALE?

Well Dance And Love Everybody (D•A•L•E) is basically just the moniker I chose to DJ under originally. Then when I decided to create the photo blog, the name seemed to work well with the vibe of the site as well. My mum is quite a hippy and the older I get the more I seem to be leaning that way, I think Dance And Love Everybody has a bit of that in there.

How long have you been doing it?

Taking photos forever, but the site itself has been up for almost a year I think, and I have been DJing a good few years under different names.

What made you set up DALE?

We all get nervous about putting stuff we make out in the public domain, but blogs, tumblrs and the like give you a platform where you can actually reach an ever growing audience whilst feeling like its just you. That plus I know people enjoy seeing pretty people having fun.

What are you inspirations?

My friends and trees.

How do your subjects feel about being photographed?

A mixture of flattered and annoyed. It depends, I can be a tad invasive with my camera, which often makes for far better photos. A moment really can be destroyed by some dodgy posing, which people can’t help but do.

How do you feel about being photographed yourself?

Not a big fan, probably why I try and be on this side of the camera.

Which is your favourite photograph on the site?

I really like the photo of Dom Apa and the breath. We were somewhere in the middle of Germany and had just got up super early to continue the drive. Remember to always have a camera ready.

What makes a good subject/photograph to you?

I guess a good photo would be one that not only I see the fun and beauty in, but everyone else gets as well.

What are you currently photographing?

Same as usual, where ever I am and whom ever I am with.

Who do you really like photography or blog wise?

I really like Emma Sheridan’s work, its not photography, but its someone who genuinely excites me. Also art director Penny Mills has some great visual ideas for the music videos she has made.

What are you plans for the future?

Lots of projects, art direction, t-shirts, music, King of the Castle, but mostly to go on as many adventures as I can and somehow get a big house with an Alsatian.

What is the website address?

Danceandloveeverybody.tumblr.com

Do you use film or digital?

Film.

What kind of film do you use if you use film?

Anything that’s within my means at that time, I have no ambition to buy the latest most fancy sort after cameras or rare films. That wouldn’t be very representative of my life or what I do. I’m super cheap and can be careless. So I buy cheap camera film and go searching for good £10 or less cameras. Don’t have to worry too much about breaking or wasting that way. Freedom!

What camera do you use?

Which ever one I throw in my bag that day, currently I’m rotating through a Nikon AF10 Twin, Olympic Mju 1, Pentax IQZoom 120 and a Konika Pop.

Do you have a favourite camera?

My favourite was a Nikon TW Zoom, but I dropped it in a sand pit.