The Good Life - Nov-Dec 2013

SEE THIS IMAGE AT “THE UPTOWN GALLERY”
Francis considers practical education and business
sense — as well as daily studies of light and composition
and “emotion and impact to help separate themselves
from other photographers” – to be essential for a
photographer. And he’s sharing what he knows with new
photographers. He teaches photography and Photoshop
classes at M|State and is eligible for his Master of
Photography degree in January, after a four-year process
of submitting photographs to a panel of judges and
speaking and attending photography events nationwide.
Francis is also a member of the Professional
Photographers of North Dakota, The Professional
Photographers of America, The National Association of
Photoshop Professionals and a local group of professional
photographers called the Dead Pixel Group.
Earlier this year, Francis’ image “The Traveler” was
named one of the Professional Photographers of America’s
Top 10 Portraits of the Year, beating out over 5,000 images
from photographers from seven different countries. His
image of the reflected Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall
was featured on the cover of Black & White Magazine, a
periodical for collectors of fine photography worldwide.
Photography is integral to Francis’ definition of the
good life. And he has this advice for anyone interested in
pursuing the art form.
Dan Francis Photography | THE TRAVELER
“The good life to me is to make time for what you’re
passionate about – to keep doing what drives you to pick
up the camera every day and create photographs,” he said.
“Keep pursuing the good life in everything you do and
keep your motivation high. I know I’m doing what I’m
supposed to be doing because I can’t go a day without
doing something photography related. There will be no
retirement from this career. There will be no hanging up
my camera when I’m 65.”
Dan Francis Photography | HERE’S THE PROBLEM
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