WHO IS DANIEL?
Daniel Aucoin is a Canadian photographer and storyteller known for his cinematic macro work and the immersive videos he creates on his YouTube channel. Based in Eastern Canada, Daniel has spent more than 20 years exploring the connection between light, texture, and the quiet details found in nature.
“Photography is the one thing that forces me to slow down, breathe, and actually look,” Daniel says. “That’s why I’m so drawn to macro — the small world has a way of bringing me back to the present moment.”
Although Daniel is best known for his surreal macro images, he approaches every type of outdoor photography with curiosity and intention. His work blends atmosphere, storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Daniel also curates a selection of fine art prints and a yearly photography calendar featuring the images that have meant the most to him throughout each season. In 2026, he will be speaking at The Photography & Video Show in Birmingham, UK, sharing his macro workflow and creative process with attending photographers.
When Daniel began filming full-time outdoors for YouTube in 2024, cold hands quickly became a real obstacle.
“I’m the type of person who runs cold all the time,” he laughs. “In the beginning, I had more trouble with frozen fingers than camera batteries.”
Everything changed the day he slipped into his first pair of Vallerret gloves.
“The moment I tried them, I knew this was gear I’d stick with. It wasn’t just comfort — it actually let me stay outside longer and create without thinking about the cold.”
DANIEL'S FAVOURITE GLOVE
Daniel’s ideal setup starts with the Power Stretch Pro Liner with touch, giving him the dexterity he needs for macro compositions and lighting setups. When the temperature drops, he pairs it with the Skadi LRS Zipper Mitt, which lets him expose his fingers instantly without losing warmth.
“That quick unzip gives me exactly what I need — just enough access to shape light, adjust focus, or hit the shutter without freezing.”
Daniel loves the black color of the liners for one additional reason:
“I often put my hand close to the subject to block light or shape the shadows, and the black liner is perfect because it never casts unwanted colors onto the scene.”
And beyond the gloves, Daniel was surprised to discover one piece of gear he didn’t expect to love so much:
“Honestly, beside the gloves, the Merino Wool Crew Socks really caught me off guard. I’m wearing them all winter, they’re warm, comfortable, and they just work.”
For Daniel, becoming part of Vallerret wasn’t about signing a deal — it was about alignment.
“I never wanted a collaboration that felt forced. With Vallerret, it’s natural! I use the gear because it solves a real problem for me. And I love working with brands that care about the craft as much as I do.”
Alongside Vallerret, Daniel also collaborates with creative lighting companies like Adaptalux and amaran, continuing to share tools, techniques, and the creative mindset behind his work with a growing worldwide community of photographers.
