Make it stand out.

Daniel Mekis

Construction & Tool Photographer

Hello, I'm Daniel Mekis. My journey in digital photography began in 2003, when I first undertook the challenging task of photographing opal jewelry. This experience honed my skills in macro photography, a discipline that emphasizes precision and detail, qualities that are central to my work today.

Before transitioning into professional photography, I served as a mechanical engineer in the construction industry. This background not only provided me with an in-depth understanding of technical processes but also sparked my interest in capturing the often-overlooked beauty of construction sites, the dynamic crews and the tools they use.

My photographic adventure took a significant turn in 2017 during the Oakland International Airport paving project. This opportunity allowed me to document not just the process, but the people behind it – from the asphalt plant workers to the paving crew. The portraits I captured resonated deeply, revealing the human element in a technical world. After a few days I showed the photos I took to my mentor, co-worker, and friend. He was very amazed, and told me that in 33 years of working, he had perhaps 5 photos of him. Right then I decided to make it my mission to photograph the people and their work whenever I was on a project — and then share the photos with them so that they could tell their story.

Since then, my camera has been a constant companion on various projects across the United States. I've captured the intricate details of tunnel projects in Whittier, Alaska, solar installations in Texas and Oregon, and bridge constructions in California, Washington D.C. and Michigan. I have documented the HART project in Oahu, and pipeline work in Nevada. My work has even led me to runway projects at iconic locations like LAX and Moffet Field, and uniquely, a dredge project in New Jersey that merged my passions for construction and surfing photography.

In every shot, I strive to tell a story - focusing on the tools, the individuals, and their environment. Amidst the chaos of construction, my goal is to isolate and accentuate the subjects, bringing clarity and focus to the scene. My post-processing work is meticulous, aimed at enhancing these details and maximizing the impact of each image.

My connection with Crescent Tools dates back to my childhood, as I fondly remember using a Crescent wrench from my father's auto parts store on various projects such as forts, my first truck, college engineering projects, and more. This personal history fuels my enthusiasm for this opportunity to collaborate with Crescent Tools. I aim to encapsulate the essence of your brand through my lens, showcasing your tools in action, wielded by those who understand their true value.

I am excited about the prospect of bringing my eye for detail and storytelling ability to Crescent Tools, capturing the spirit of your brand and the hands that bring it to life.